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What if band directors were treated like elite, in-demand coaches?

In this thought-provoking episode, the Band Dads explore a bold idea using a comparison from the sports world. Lane Kiffin is a high-profile college football coach known for being constantly pursued by programs, frequently changing jobs, and commanding attention and salary offers based on perceived value and potential—sometimes even more than past results alone.

So what if band directors were viewed the same way?

Unlike most classroom positions with guaranteed enrollment, band directors must recruit, retain, train, and compete. Their results are public, their programs help generate revenue, and their presence (or departure) can reshape a school’s culture for years. Yet when it comes to compensation, they’re typically treated no differently than positions that don’t require any of those additional demands.

Scott makes the case that band directors shouldn’t be viewed like traditional classroom teachers—and that it may only take one forward-thinking school (possibly even a charter school) to recognize their true value with a competitive, negotiated offer. If that domino falls, could band director compensation and mobility change nationwide?

Of course, opening that door raises difficult questions. What happens to programs that can’t afford to compete? Do lower-income schools fall even further behind? And what unintended consequences might follow?

The conversation then expands into an even bigger “what if”: could something like NIL exist for high school band? Incentives such as lessons, instruments, tailored schedules, scholarships—or even direct compensation. Would that elevate programs… or undermine the spirit of the activity?

This episode isn’t about answers—it’s about challenging assumptions. Join the Band Dads for a candid, insightful discussion on value, equity, and what happens when we open the activity to the highest bidder.

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