BandWagon

Robert G. Hammerton
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Music

What makes BANDWAGON different from other band-related podcasts? Rather than focusing only on music education topics, it’s meant for anybody who ever did band. And in a world where not everybody “gets” band, it can be a challenge for people who do. With news, commentary, and advocacy from the band world (concert and marching; scholastic, community, and service bands), and entertaining conversations with band leaders and participants alike ... this podcast aims to create community through band: to be a resource and a refuge for band geeks.

  1. May 25

    Episode 73: "Footloose Redux"

    SHOW NOTES Episode 073 • May 25, 2026   FIRST & SECOND STRAIN   News ‘n’ Notes:   • School board bans high school band from performing “controversial” composition   Reporting on the original school board band-repertoire vote plans: https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-school-board-watertown-spring-band-concert-lgbtq-history   Reporting on the May 12th school board meeting: https://www.wdtimes.com/news/local/school-board-cuts-song-from-spring-concert/article_a29a47f8-45a6-4d59-823f-4bc0822caef0.html (paywall)   https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/05/political-chaotic-school-board-meeting-descends-into-screaming-match-over-stonewall/   Reporting on Omar Thomas’s original comments: https://www.tmj4.com/news/dodge-county/composer-speaks-out-as-watertown-school-board-debates-lgbtq-linked-concert-piece   Reporting on the student protests: https://www.tmj4.com/news/dodge-county/watertown-high-school-students-walk-out-to-protest-school-boards-decision-to-ban-song-tied-to-stonewall-movement     TRIO   Some more thoughts about the Watertown Wind Symphony story   Alexandra Delcourt’s article about Watertown and its history: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/watertown-band-students-barred-from-performing-song-tied-to-lgbtq-history-after-homophobic-school-board-vote/   Watertown school board candidate campaign platform interview: https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/90169/race/24767/election/1345   Watertown school board meeting, May 12th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq2lm9Qr-L0&pp=ygUud2F0ZXJ0b3duIHVzZCBzY2hvb2wgYm9hcmQgbWVldGluZyBtYXkgMTIgMjAyNg%3D%3D   Reporting on Riverside MS protest and lockdown: https://www.tmj4.com/news/dodge-county/watertown-middle-school-placed-on-lock-and-hold-during-planned-student-protest   Watertown school board’s official statement defending its decision to ban the Thomas piece: https://www.tmj4.com/news/dodge-county/watertown-school-board-defends-decision-to-ban-concert-song-calls-it-a-celebration-of-violence     DOGFIGHT   • Look for the helpers; and look out for the opportunists   TCNJ’s community performance plans: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10162602735121044&id=721116043   Reporting on Immanuel Lutheran Church’s community performance plans: https://www.tmj4.com/news/dodge-county/composer-omar-thomas-to-conduct-a-mother-of-a-revolution-performance-in-watertown   The Immanuel Lutheran-hosted event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g862hiqPZiQ   Reporting on the Kirk Bangstad Minocqua Brewing Company performance plans: https://wtmj.com/news/2026/05/17/minocqua-brewing-owner-invites-watertown-students-to-perform-banned-concert-piece/   https://www.tmj4.com/news/state-capitol/minocqua-brewing-company-to-host-watertown-wind-symphony-for-a-mother-of-a-revolution-performance   Kirk Bangstad’s Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/MBCBrews/posts/pfbid02ZHr8kupuAJGzHYadB3Eyki7444RYdBSrcah7e6kUN6hajThJjuJCgp4UHaV151Bkl?rdid=yJ1JAiblTFBdonOi     FOLLOW US!   BandWagon RSS feed: feed.podbean.com/heyband/feed.xml BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com BandWagon on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555170345309 BandWagon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhammerton1 BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia   SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!   www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV   WE GOT MERCH!   Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton -or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”   SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!   Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

    1h 4m

  2. Mar 2

    Episode 72: "World-Building -or- Marching Wildebeests"

    SHOW NOTES Episode 072 • March 2, 2026     FIRST/SECOND STRAIN   News ‘n’ Notes:   • DCI cuts ties with Marching Health   Marching Health FB post: www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1532356162231361&id=100063709757614   Drum Corps Planet's post about DCI's statement: www.drumcorpsplanet.com/forums/index.php?/topic/183392-dci-ends-agreement-with-marching-health/   Funliner Productions' FB post: www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1252358370415597&id=100069243375802   Funliner Productions' YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR_tDBcYj88   The Paradox of Tolerance: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox_of_tolerance     TRIO   This episode’s interview guest: MEGAN KREINER   Megan Kreiner's IMDB page: www.imdb.com/name/nm2042140/   Megan Kreiner's LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/megankreiner/   Megan Kreiner's animation reels: vimeo.com/1149564151 vimeo.com/906140949 zerply.com/motones   UMass Alumni Association’s Facebook post about the marching wildebeests “Zootopia 2”: www.facebook.com/umassalumni/posts/pfbid07WiN2UdBJLscEbrBGU9VmPSrtgBpjkuk35YcAxx1rPFQbZbLcgE5PS5makZhA6djl   Megan Kreiner's crochet design business: www.mkcrochetandknits.com/ www.ravelry.com/designers/megan-kreiner www.facebook.com/motones     DOGFIGHT   Topic: Randall Standridge’s Texas All-State Band story   The Standridge post: www.facebook.com/randallstandridgemusic/posts/i-had-to-make-a-really-hard-decision-during-the-texas-all-state-band-clinicmonth/10163764393690546/   The 2026 Texas All-State Band doing its thing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9rCpt8g2C8     FOLLOW US!   BandWagon RSS feed: feed.podbean.com/heyband/feed.xml BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com BandWagon on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555170345309 BandWagon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rhammerton1 BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia   SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!   www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV   WE GOT MERCH!   Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton -or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”   SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!   Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

    1h 11m

  3. 10/27/2025

    Episode 71: "News Roundup"

    SHOW NOTES Episode 071 • October 27, 2025     FIRST STRAIN   News ‘n’ Notes:   • NC State’s oldest marcher enters second season   https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312274350.html https://www.youtube.com/shorts/30dEckYWZrk   • Linde among Grammy award semifinalists   https://cdn.grammymuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/09163920/130254940_2026_grammy_museum_x_mea_semifinalists_final.pdf https://www.facebook.com/lisa.linde.5099/posts/pfbid02L3sh2sJPM7qmben4kVkziD5S1PFZJGbPjS5JYAYQhLkNpAxyyUFBNUX43qY8zpYTl   • UMass-Lowell marching band escapes bus fire, performs afterward   https://www.wcvb.com/article/bus-umass-lowell-band-fire-westwood-massachusetts/69090336 https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/bus-carrying-umass-lowell-students-catches-fire-westwood/T4AGT5RPOBHDLJCAQCZ5H624QY/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNiQNhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWN1hLOG9qR01JdEtKSFd4AR6hiapJHiHv_Ij1WALw5RLuh_eckMOeJ7Xm1Dqo0koJySpshEjsSOFUSbs3Qw_aem_xL5NDpu4UP2IChGJ_1HtPw https://www.facebook.com/kristen.sardynski/posts/pfbid02pd8zXb3TCS7Kjh89T3VGjc4fty6HYseXgfxtFWLhUi3kY8bLcbJm6qxvZf24Pvq7l VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeRsRmiBEwk   • Bethune-Cookman band departs Band of the Year contest   https://hbcusports.com/2025/10/07/another-hbcu-band-bows-out-of-espn-competition/ https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1094616625992905&set=a.430022375785670 https://www.blackenterprise.com/bethune-cookman-withdraws-espn-competition/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/bethune-cookman-withdraws-from-espn-band-of-the-year-competition/ar-AA1ObfsI https://clutchpoints.com/hbcu/another-hbcu-band-director-falls-out-of-favor-with-espns-band-of-the-year   • Protesting clarinetist detained by DHS   https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/portland-ice-clarinet-arrested-protest-b2845329.html https://katu.com/news/local/portland-clarinet-player-charged-with-alleged-assault-on-federal-officer-near-ice-office-oregon-trump-national-guard-immigration https://www.koin.com/news/portland/clarinetist-playing-ghostbusters-arrested-at-ice-facility/       SECOND STRAIN /TRIO   Topic: A brief programming note, about hiatuses (hiati?)     DOGFIGHT / CODA   Topic: Nebraska football coach notices his school’s band   www.youtube.com/shorts/o08xA9WLoZA       FOLLOW US!   BandWagon RSS feed: feed.podbean.com/heyband/feed.xml BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com BandWagon on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555170345309 BandWagon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhammerton1 BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia   SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!   www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV   WE GOT MERCH!   Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton -or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”   SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!   Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

    28 min

  4. 10/06/2025

    Episode 70: "When Bad Things Happen to Good Bands"

    SHOW NOTES Episode 070 • October 6, 2025     FIRST STRAIN   News ‘n’ Notes:   • News item title: Jackson State band bows out of ESPN band competition   hbcugameday.com/2025/09/22/jackson-state-university-band-wants-out-of-espn-rankings/   a1mediasports.com/2025/09/22/jackson-states-sonic-boom-of-the-south-steps-away-from-espn-rankings-sparks-hbcu-band-conversation/     SECOND STRAIN / TRIO   Topic: Band PR   www.eastidahonews.com/2025/09/fans-angry-at-football-team-entering-field-during-band-performance/   www.kpvi.com/news/idaho-falls-high-school-responds-after-halftime-show-interruption/article_a0fbe496-3d7e-44ff-84dd-a0e37c39a443.html   hbcugameday.com/2025/09/30/hbcu-pa-announcer-apologizes-honey-beez-remarks/   hbcugameday.com/2025/09/28/hbcu-president-defends-plus-sized-dance-group-after-game/   hbcugameday.com/2025/10/01/famu-fined-reprimanded-for-announcers-comments/   swac.org/news/2025/10/1/general-swac-announces-public-reprimand-and-fine-of-florida-am.aspx   hbcugameday.com/2025/09/26/hbcu-band-suspended-amid-hazing-allegations/   wgxa.tv/news/local/arrests-made-after-hazing-investigation-into-fort-valley-state-university-marching-band-blue-machine-fvsu-peach-county-homecoming-crime-sorority-fraternity-central-state-university#   www.41nbc.com/two-arrests-made-in-fort-valley-state-hazing-investigation-involving-marching-band-band-suspended-ahead-of-homecoming-weekend/     DOGFIGHT   Topic: “In My Life” … thirty years on     CODA   Topic: When bad things happen to good military bands       FOLLOW US!   BandWagon RSS feed: feed.podbean.com/heyband/feed.xml BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com BandWagon on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555170345309 BandWagon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhammerton1 BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia   SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!   www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV   WE GOT MERCH!   Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton -or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”   SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!   Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

    39 min

  5. 09/15/2025

    Episode 69: "Seek the Solo"

    SHOW NOTES Episode 069 • September 15, 2025     FIRST STRAIN   News ‘n’ Notes:   • LSU band gains 66-year-old freshman   www.yahoo.com/news/articles/retired-accountant-hitting-high-note-013419407.html   • Students and alumni dot the Ohio State “I”   sports.yahoo.com/article/alumni-dotters-look-forward-returning-213000352.html   www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ohio-state-band-dotter-script-213000328.html     SECOND STRAIN   Topic: GNP, Fifteen Years On -or- Big Hit at the Big House   www.masslive.com/news/2010/09/george_n_parks_umass_band_dire.html       TRIO   This episode’s interview guest: LISA LINDE   www.jazzhers.com/home   nafme.org/member-profile/lisa-linde/   www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-linde/   figcitynews.com/2025/03/newton-south-jazz-educator-lisa-linde-and-jazz-ensemble-receive-national-recognition/   www.newtonbeacon.org/newsmakers-jazz-theatre-and-an-aquarium-board-seat/   www.facebook.com/NhBandDirectorsAssociation/photos/as-a-teacher-and-conductor-lisa-linde-directs-the-newton-south-high-school-symph/1117252686876878/     DOGFIGHT   Topic: Katherine Needleman is asked a band question   www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1160696689208267&id=100058038401756     CODA   Topic: Doug Hassell on what it takes to march   www.facebook.com/doug.hassell.94/posts/pfbid02tJBc1pi7Rr5JHEvNyECcRTuMPTPsVRmB6zbVCUFMtxLSbCSUF6dCVvAopH4q9vGgl   www.carrollbands.org/about/marching-band/doug-hassell     FOLLOW US!   BandWagon RSS feed: feed.podbean.com/heyband/feed.xml BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com BandWagon on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555170345309 BandWagon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhammerton1 BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia   SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!   www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV   WE GOT MERCH!   Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton -or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”   SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!   Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

    1h 7m

  6. 09/01/2025

    Episode 68: "Transitions"

    SHOW NOTES Episode 068 • September 1, 2025     FIRST STRAIN   News ‘n’ Notes:   • Staten Island high school replaces marching band with music technology lab   www.silive.com/education/2025/08/ending-decades-of-tradition-monsignor-farrell-hs-replacing-marching-band-with-tech-focused-music-program.html   • University of Houston names new Assistant Director of Bands   www.facebook.com/uhmooresschool/photos/new-faculty-alertwe-are-thrilled-to-announce-that-madeline-maddie-gregory-has-be/1427328872331362/       SECOND STRAIN   Topic: Body (and Mind) by Drum Corps   Forte Athletics: www.forteathletics.net/ www.facebook.com/ForteAthletics/     TRIO   This episode’s interview guest: LISA LINDE   www.jazzhers.com/home   nafme.org/member-profile/lisa-linde/   www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-linde/   figcitynews.com/2025/03/newton-south-jazz-educator-lisa-linde-and-jazz-ensemble-receive-national-recognition/   www.newtonbeacon.org/newsmakers-jazz-theatre-and-an-aquarium-board-seat/   www.facebook.com/NhBandDirectorsAssociation/photos/as-a-teacher-and-conductor-lisa-linde-directs-the-newton-south-high-school-symph/1117252686876878/     DOGFIGHT   Topic: Brian Balmages’ message to elected public officials     CODA   A Random Music Joke     FOLLOW US!   BandWagon RSS feed: feed.podbean.com/heyband/feed.xml BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com BandWagon on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555170345309 BandWagon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhammerton1 BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia   SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!   www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV   WE GOT MERCH!   Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton -or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”   SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!   Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

    59 min

  7. 08/18/2025

    Episode 67: "J.A.G., Part 2"

    SHOW NOTES Episode 067 • August 18, 2025     FIRST STRAIN   News ‘n’ Notes:   • DCI Finals recap   www.dci.org/scores/final-scores/2025-dci-all-age-class-championships/   www.drumcorpsplanet.com/2025/08/scores-2025-dci-open-class-world-championship-finals/   www.dci.org/scores/final-scores/2025-dci-world-championship-finals/     SECOND STRAIN   Topic: Artificial intelligence, musical creation … and podcasts   www.facebook.com/SeleneKallanWriter/posts/pfbid02tfnBxuD3Wr5ntPf9mFEYkWpEMuX9FAK5QbduAjGTkpi5fDFaEzQ8Z8dhmis2bKabl   www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWpg1RmzAbc     TRIO   This episode’s interview guest: MIKE JOLIN   www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpjolin/   www.facebook.com/88thArmyBand     DOGFIGHT   Internet Rabbit Hole: Extra-musical benefits of music in schools VERSUS art for art’s sake   www.facebook.com/mercywithgraces.cabural/posts/24729885786618477/     CODA   Topic: Music Venn diagram   pwuth.blogspot.com/2015/08/better-person-better-musician-responses.html     FOLLOW US!   BandWagon RSS feed: feed.podbean.com/heyband/feed.xml BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com BandWagon on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555170345309 BandWagon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhammerton1 BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia   SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!   www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV   WE GOT MERCH!   Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton -or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”   SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!   Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

    56 min

  8. 08/04/2025

    Episode 66: "J.A.G."

    SHOW NOTES Episode 066 • August 4, 2025     FIRST STRAIN   News ‘n’ Notes:   • Penn State names its first female drum major   www.psucollegian.com/news/penn-state-blue-band-names-first-female-drum-major/article_2f8bfb25-bf66-4e7a-93c5-39b4267567d6.html   www.statecollege.com/articles/psu-news/blue-band-makes-historic-selection-for-new-drum-major/   • “Rising Light” finds a Smithsonian home   www.facebook.com/kevin.charoensri/posts/pfbid07QNWYvqaJQWWGp6zb1dVBkmTJ9jcCo2sUfbfF7ULF2Qrgm9jn2gh18UtFSiDjECnl     SECOND STRAIN   Topic: Boston-Area Corps   bostoncrusaders.org/     TRIO   This episode’s interview guest: MIKE JOLIN   www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpjolin/   www.facebook.com/88thArmyBand     DOGFIGHT   Topic: Drum corps to root for, this week     CODA   Topic: Nashoba Valley Concert Band’s August gig schedule   Townsend (MA) Senior Center: www.townsendma.gov/community/senior_center/index.php   Sudbury (MA) UMC: www.sudbury-umc.org/our-location     FOLLOW US!   BandWagon RSS feed: feed.podbean.com/heyband/feed.xml BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com BandWagon on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555170345309 BandWagon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhammerton1 BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia   SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!   www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV   WE GOT MERCH!   Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton -or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”   SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!   Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

    55 min
See All (77)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

What makes BANDWAGON different from other band-related podcasts? Rather than focusing only on music education topics, it’s meant for anybody who ever did band. And in a world where not everybody “gets” band, it can be a challenge for people who do. With news, commentary, and advocacy from the band world (concert and marching; scholastic, community, and service bands), and entertaining conversations with band leaders and participants alike ... this podcast aims to create community through band: to be a resource and a refuge for band geeks.

Information

  • Creator
    Robert G. Hammerton
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    BandWagon