The Band Dads Podcast

The Band Dads
  • 5.0 (25)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts, questions, or anecdotes in email to feedback@banddadspodcast.com Ever sat through a band concert wondering how your kid suddenly knows 12 instruments but still can’t find their shoes? Or nodded along as the band director explained “dot books” and “horn angles” like you weren’t completely lost? Then The Band Dad’s Podcast is for you! Join us as we break down the wild, wonderful, and slightly chaotic world of band parenting with humor, sarcasm, and just enough actual knowledge to keep us from getting kicked out of the booster club. Whether you're a seasoned band parent or still figuring out what a “reed” is, we’ve got your back. Tune in—confusion loves company! https://www.banddadspodcast.com/

  1. Contest Season : Behind the Curtain

    3D AGO

    Contest Season : Behind the Curtain

    Send us Fan Mail What Band Directors Face When It’s Just Them Even when marching season may be over, the competition hasn’t stopped. This time of year, band programs shift into a world that many parents and even students don’t fully understand: concert band contest season. The format is different, the pressure is different, and for band directors… the stakes can feel even higher. In this episode, the Band Dads take a deep dive into the world of concert band evaluations—where directors stand alone. Unlike marching band, there’s no large instructional staff to lean on. Every musical decision, every rehearsal moment, and every result falls squarely on the shoulders of the director. It’s a setting where music educators truly put their craft on display—and where reputations are often built. We break down: What concert contests actually look likeHow ensembles are evaluatedHow music is selected—and how it should be selectedWhy these performances matter so much in the world of music educationFor parents, this is an inside look at a side of band that is just as competitive and meaningful as anything on the field—if not more so. If you’ve never experienced it, this episode might just convince you to attend. And if you really want to be amazed? Go watch a sight-reading performance. It’s one of the most impressive displays of musicianship you’ll ever see. We also cover a few key etiquette tips so if you do attend, you can be a great audience member in what might feel like unfamiliar territory. Because while the uniforms may be gone and the field lights turned off… the real test of musicianship is just getting started. Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com Check out these links to connect with us further! Band Dads Podcast Website Band Dads Podcast Instagram Band Dads Podcast TikTok Band Dads Podcast YouTube Band Dads Podcast Facebook

    39 min
  2. Carnegie Hall & Canceled Flights : NYC Travel Edition

    APR 1

    Carnegie Hall & Canceled Flights : NYC Travel Edition

    Send us Fan Mail Scott and Chris leave the confines the Scott Lang Library and take you with them to the heart of New York City—where towering skyscrapers, the energy of Times Square, and the buzz of 5th Avenue set the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Carnegie Hall. But this episode is about more than just the performance. It’s about why travel matters. From gaining independence and experiencing new cultures, to learning how to adapt, problem-solve, and grow outside of the rehearsal space—traveling with a band or orchestra creates lessons that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. Recorded live as they walk through 5th Avenue, 6th Avenue, and Times Square, Scott and Chris share real-time reflections on the impact of these experiences—and even a deeply personal moment from Scott that made this trip unforgettable. Later in the episode, Chris is joined by Basha High School Orchestra Director Jonathan Gott, who shares a story every parent thinks about—but hopes never happens: What do you do when something goes wrong? When a sudden flight cancellation leaves his group stranded, Jon walks us through how they navigated the challenge and ultimately got everyone home safely—highlighting three critical travel takeaways: Contacts, Communication, and Contingency. You’ll also hear about a powerful and personal visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and how moments like that can shape perspective far beyond music. To close the episode, we bring you something truly special—an audio recording from Carnegie Hall: “Autumn Elegy” by Robert Sheldon, performed by the Basha Symphony Orchestra, with guest conductor Scott Lang in a full-circle moment years in the making. Whether you’re a band parent, educator, or student, this episode is a reminder that the journey matters just as much as the performance. 🎧 Travel with us. Learn with us. Experience it with us. Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com Check out these links to connect with us further! Band Dads Podcast Website Band Dads Podcast Instagram Band Dads Podcast TikTok Band Dads Podcast YouTube Band Dads Podcast Facebook

    1h 20m
  3. The Band Dads Get Boosted!

    MAR 18 ·  BONUS

    The Band Dads Get Boosted!

    Send us Fan Mail The Band Dads are on the other side of the mic! In this special bonus episode, Scott and Chris join Robin Eissler, founder and CEO of Booster Hub, as guests on The Boosted Volunteer Podcast. What starts as an interview quickly turns into a fun, insightful, and wide-ranging conversation about band, community, and what makes great programs thrive. Scott and Chris share the story behind how the Band Dads Podcast got started, why their dynamic works so well, and why band continues to be such a meaningful and impactful activity for students and families alike. From there, the conversation dives into booster culture, navigating volunteer roles, and how strong parent organizations can make or break a program. Of course, the Band Dads wouldn’t be themselves if they didn’t flip the script—turning the tables on Robin to ask key questions about how booster clubs can operate more effectively and set themselves up for long-term success. We had such a great time on this episode and were so impressed with what Booster Hub offers that we’re excited to officially share our new partnership. If you’re involved in a booster club, this is a platform you’ll want to explore. 👉 Learn more and start a free trial at BoosterHub.com Be sure to also check out The Boosted Volunteer Podcast for more insightful conversations with experts covering everything you need to help your organization succeed. Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com Check out these links to connect with us further! Band Dads Podcast Website Band Dads Podcast Instagram Band Dads Podcast TikTok Band Dads Podcast YouTube Band Dads Podcast Facebook

    1h 7m
  4. Leadership Season

    MAR 11

    Leadership Season

    Send us Fan Mail It’s that time of year again—band directors everywhere are rolling out their processes for selecting student leadership teams for the upcoming fall season. The decisions made during leadership season can shape the culture, tone, and success of a band program long before the first rehearsal of summer band even begins. In this episode, Scott reflects on a time when he realized he got it wrong. A leadership selection that didn’t produce the results he hoped for forced him to step back, rethink his entire process, and work backwards from the outcome he actually wanted. What kind of leaders did he want his students to become? What culture was he trying to build? And how should the selection process support that vision? From that reflection came a five-step approach designed to identify the right leaders and develop the characteristics he wanted to see throughout the band. Scott walks through that process and shares the lessons learned along the way. The Band Dads also offer perspective for parents navigating leadership season with their own students. Is it Drum Major or bust, or should families take a broader view of what leadership in band can look like? As always, expect thoughtful insight, honest reflection, and plenty of entertaining moments in another great episode of the Band Dads Podcast. Make sure to also check out musicleadership.com to find Scott Lang's newly launched, fully customizable Leadership Training and Selection System app. The flexibility of this tool makes it perfect for all programs regardless of their desired outcome! Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com Check out these links to connect with us further! Band Dads Podcast Website Band Dads Podcast Instagram Band Dads Podcast TikTok Band Dads Podcast YouTube Band Dads Podcast Facebook

    1h 5m
  5. The Real Band Wives Part 2

    FEB 19

    The Real Band Wives Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail The conversation continues… After the cliffhanger ending of Part One, the Band Moms are back with Libby Denny to finish the story—and this second half delivers in all the best ways. What begins as an honest look at the challenges of being married to a band director turns into something even deeper: a celebration of the love, loyalty, and lifelong bonds that are built inside the band community. From navigating long seasons and shared sacrifices to discovering unexpected moments of joy, Part Two leans into the heart behind the hustle. You’ll hear lighthearted stories that perfectly capture what makes band life so unique—like students serenading you with bagpipes, and even uncovering a band director’s secret color guard talents. These moments are funny, yes—but they also speak to something bigger: the respect, gratitude, and connection that grow when people invest in one another through this activity. From start to finish, this episode reminds us that band isn’t just a job, an extracurricular, or even a season—it’s a family. And the relationships formed along the way have a way of leaving a permanent mark. This is the kind of conversation that enlightens you, hits that nerve of sincerity, and leaves you with all the warm fuzzies about being part of the band world. Don’t miss the conclusion of The Real Bandwives. Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com Check out these links to connect with us further! Band Dads Podcast Website Band Dads Podcast Instagram Band Dads Podcast TikTok Band Dads Podcast YouTube Band Dads Podcast Facebook

    47 min
  6. The Real Band Wives Part 1

    FEB 19

    The Real Band Wives Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail The Real Bandwives – Part One What’s it really like to be married to a band director? In this special two-part episode of the Band Moms Podcast, Shannon, Becky, and Leah welcome guest Libby Denny for an honest, funny, and eye-opening conversation about life as a “Band Wife”—or as some call it, a Band Widow. Shannon and Becky flip the script and step into the role of interviewers, digging into the realities for Leah and Libby of what it means when your marriage, your schedule, and sometimes your sanity revolve around marching season, concert prep, and late-night rehearsals. What are the hardest parts? What are the unexpected blessings? And yes… are there any juicy stories? Libby shares her unique perspective—not as a band parent, but as someone whose relationship has been shaped by the activity itself. In fact, she and her husband Miles met in battery, so band has quite literally been part of their story from the very beginning. That lived experience offers insight into how a band wife views the activity differently than a band parent—and what perspectives are most helpful when navigating relationships with your band director. This enlightening and refreshingly candid conversation turned out to be so good, it had to become two episodes. And just when you think you’ve heard it all, Part One ends with a bit of a cliffhanger… Don’t wait—jump straight into Part Two to hear how the story continues. Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com Check out these links to connect with us further! Band Dads Podcast Website Band Dads Podcast Instagram Band Dads Podcast TikTok Band Dads Podcast YouTube Band Dads Podcast Facebook

    48 min
  7. Band Around the World

    FEB 4

    Band Around the World

    Send us Fan Mail In Band Around the World, the Band Dads take a fun and educational journey to explore what band and music education look like across the globe. This episode was inspired by—and promised to—a listener in Dubai who is very much not a bot. From our neighbors to the north, to the discipline of elementary band programs in Japan, to Europe’s long-standing community brass band traditions, this episode highlights how different cultures approach music education while sharing the same core values. The conversation also travels to South America, where youth orchestras helped give rise to El Sistema, a movement that has transformed and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of students and continues to influence music education worldwide. Check the episode notes for links and source material related to many of the topics discussed if you’d like to dig deeper. This episode is also a celebration of the incredible Band Dads community beyond the United States, with listeners tuning in from 34 countries around the world (Germany, Canada, Australia, UAE, Japan, Singapore, Ireland, United Kingdom, Russian Federation, Netherlands, Sweden, Israel, Spain, France, Hong Kong, Norway, Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, Italy, Morocco, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Iraq, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey, South Africa, Argentina, Philippines, Romania, Indonesia, and Eswatini). If we got anything wrong or you want to tell us more about music in your country, please email us! feedback@banddadspodcast.com There are far too many cultures and programs to cover in a single episode—so yes, a sequel is already on the table. And one story shared in this conversation may even inspire a future spin-off series… stay tuned. Links for materials used or mentioned in this episode Percy Grainger - Lincolnshire Posy Percy Grainger - Walking Tune 60 Minutes El Sistema 60 Minutes Gustavo Dudamel 60 Minutes The Recyclers Japan Elementary School Championship 2008 Mama Elementary Performance German Brass Echo Klassik 2016 "The March King" Sousa Stars and Stripes Forever SOUSA El Capitan Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com Check out these links to connect with us further! Band Dads Podcast Website Band Dads Podcast Instagram Band Dads Podcast TikTok Band Dads Podcast YouTube Band Dads Podcast Facebook

    45 min
  8. Fill the Darn Chair: A Practical Guide to Recruitment & Retention

    JAN 21

    Fill the Darn Chair: A Practical Guide to Recruitment & Retention

    Send us Fan Mail It’s that time of year again—students are choosing classes and schedules are being built for next school year. And whether a band program grows, holds steady, or struggles often comes down to what happens right now. This is the most critical window for recruitment and retention, and it’s one that’s frequently underestimated—especially by parents and booster groups who are far more influential than they may realize. In this Season Three premiere, Scott shares a proven framework for success using the “Fill the Chair” campaign he created for the Be Part of the Music Foundation. This episode breaks recruitment and retention down into clear, actionable steps that any program—large or small—can execute. With free, ready-to-use resources linked, you’ll learn how to: Gather your resources and build the right teamEstablish a clear and effective communication planRemind, re-engage, and reassess throughout the processTrust—but verify—your numbers and assumptionsTake stock of your efforts and adjust where neededRecruit what you already have before chasing what’s nextExecuted correctly, these steps can help strengthen your roster, stabilize your numbers, and get your program running like a well-oiled machine for years to come. Listen in to learn how the plan works, download the free resources, and take action—but don’t wait. This season moves fast, and there’s no time to waste. Because when it comes down to it, everything starts with one goal: fill the darn chair. Visit "Let's Fill the Chair" by clicking here for all the resources your need! Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com Check out these links to connect with us further! Band Dads Podcast Website Band Dads Podcast Instagram Band Dads Podcast TikTok Band Dads Podcast YouTube Band Dads Podcast Facebook

    42 min
See All (43)

5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts, questions, or anecdotes in email to feedback@banddadspodcast.com Ever sat through a band concert wondering how your kid suddenly knows 12 instruments but still can’t find their shoes? Or nodded along as the band director explained “dot books” and “horn angles” like you weren’t completely lost? Then The Band Dad’s Podcast is for you! Join us as we break down the wild, wonderful, and slightly chaotic world of band parenting with humor, sarcasm, and just enough actual knowledge to keep us from getting kicked out of the booster club. Whether you're a seasoned band parent or still figuring out what a “reed” is, we’ve got your back. Tune in—confusion loves company! https://www.banddadspodcast.com/

Information

  • Creator
    The Band Dads
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Band Dads Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Band Dads Podcast

You Might Also Like