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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!
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26 Episodes
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Send us a text Download Judging Cheat Sheet and Marching Band Judge Certificate here 🎺 It’s competition season! The first performance is in the books — so how did the band do? What score would you give them? You do know how to score a band… right? No? Don’t worry — the Band Dads are here to help! In “I Heard That!” we kick things off with fresh content that revisits and refreshes one of our most popular conversations: how marching bands are scored and judged. We’ll break down the adjudication...
Send us a text After months of separation (and Scott’s excruciating longing), the Band Dads are finally back together again — no guests this time, just Chris and Scott doing what they do best: shooting the breeze about band, life, and everything in between. In this episode, the dads put a surprising twist on the marching season by asking: Does Strauss–Howe’s generational theory apply to band? They dig into how students, parents, and programs might cycle through stages of High, Awakening, Unra...
Send us a text On September 10, 2025, the United States witnessed two unnecessary tragedies: the Evergreen High School shooting in Colorado and the fatal shooting of activist Charlie Kirk. That same evening, while already in the studio, the Band Dads pressed record for an impromptu, unrehearsed, and raw conversation about these events—and about a bigger question that’s hard to ignore: If we already know that belonging to inclusive, creative groups like band changes lives, why do we keep accep...
Send us a text In this episode of the Band Dads Podcast, we’re once again joined by Darrin Davis — one of the premier minds in the marching arts, current DCI and BOA judge, and the former director of the four-time Grand National Champion Pride of Broken Arrow. Together, we dive into what happens starting at camp and go through the competition season: What is the true objective by the time students leave those long, hot summer days?How much influence do judges’ critiques really have on shaping...
Send us a text In this episode of the Band Dads Podcast, our guest is none other than Darrin Davis, one of the most respected and influential minds in the marching arts — current DCI and Bands of America judge, and the former director of the legendary Pride of Broken Arrow, where he led the program to four BOA Grand National Championships. After setting the stage with our deep dive into band camp (including three episodes inside the action), we now shift our focus to the heart of the marching...
Send us a text This special episode of The Band Dads Podcast is dedicated to the life and legacy of Jaxon Landfair, a beloved member of the Basha High School Band community whose story continues to inspire far beyond his years. Jaxon was just like any other teenager, he loved video games, his part-time job, and above all, being part of the band. But during his junior year, his world and his family’s world changed forever when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. With unwavering...
Send us a text Inside Band Camp – Part 3: This is the end my friend In the final installment of our band camp docu-series, we continue into the sounds, sweat, and spirit of the high school marching experience. This episode kicks off inside a battery percussion sectional, where you'll not only hear the drive of the drumline but also get a breakdown of the lingo and learn what all that rhythmic jargon really means. We also shine a spotlight on the true MVPs behind the scenes — our Booster Band...
Send us a text Inside Band Camp – Part 2: The Students’ Story In this continuation of our immersive band camp series, we shift the focus to the students — the heart and soul of every program. You'll hear directly from the student leadership team as they open up about how band has shaped their identity, challenged them to grow, and taught them lessons far beyond music. Next, go inside a color guard sectional where we meet McKinley, the group's caption head — a former student of this very band...
Send us a text Inside Band Camp (Part 1) From the very first moments on Day One, this episode drops you straight into the heart of the quintessential high school marching band experience, BAND CAMP. Captured entirely on location, you’ll hear mic’d-up instructors, section leaders in action, candid student moments, and team-building challenges that set the tone for an unforgettable season. We’ll step inside visual sessions, drop in on sectionals, and even crash a few surprise workshops—one of ...
Send us a text Band Camp isn’t just a warm-up—it is the season. In this episode, Chris and Scott break down why those intense long days of Band Camp matter more than most people realize. Nearly half of your entire marching band season happens during band camp, so what you do with that time can define your program. We dive into the real purpose behind camp: building culture, teaching students how to learn, and setting the foundation for everything that follows. Plus, we share our three key pie...
Send us a text Season 2 is officially underway, and the Band Dads are back—recharged, re-focused, and ready to roll! In this kickoff episode, we give a special shoutout to the pride of Farmington, Maine, reflect on the key lessons and lasting moments from Season 1, and talk about what still resonates as we grow this podcast community. With Band Camp in full swing, we're deep in the trenches setting the table for the season ahead. We also tease some exciting things on the horizon—like upcoming...
Send us a text Season 1 of the Band Dads Podcast was nothing short of amazing—and it’s all thanks to YOU, our incredible listeners! In this special finale episode, the Band Dads take a moment to reflect on the wild, hilarious, and heartfelt journey of Season 1. From the laughs to the lessons, the support has been overwhelming, and it’s officially set the stage for a massive Season 2—coming your way July 2025! Get a sneak peek of what’s in store: surprise features, exciting new segments, and s...
Send us a text We’re back with Part 2 of our deep dive into the most useless cirriculum with the most valuable outcomes in schools today: music. This time, the Band Dads pick up where they left off, moving beyond marching season and into the concert, winter guard and percussion contest, and spring event stretch that closes out the school year. From winter concerts to final performances, they continue exploring the lessons, challenges, and unexpected wins that define a year in band. The b...
Send us a text As the school year wraps up, the Band Dads dive into a two-part reflection packed with insight, sarcasm, and heart. In Part 1, Scott makes a bold claim—music education might just be the most useless curriculum in school... and also the most valuable place your child can be. Confused? Perfect. That’s exactly where the conversation begins. Part 1 focuses on the marching season, the Band Dads unpack the real takeaways from a year in band by exploring big questions like: – Wh...
Send us a text 🎭 Band Boosters – Cult or Comedy? 🎶 In this episode, Scott and Chris take a hilarious yet honest dive into the world of band booster organizations—comparing them (lightheartedly) to a cult... but don’t worry, in this case, cult stands for culture! Scott even memorizes and proudly repeats the official definition (more times than you'd expect!). From pride and territorial instincts to the tricky art of navigating booster groups, the Band Dads explain why these dynamics exist—and ...
Send us a text 🎓 Who's in charge here? 🥁 In this episode, Band Dads Chris and Scott shine a spotlight on the real MVPs of every program—the Band Directors. Scott pulls back the curtain on what it takes just to become a band director, revealing that the path to a bachelor’s in music education rivals most master’s programs in workload. And once you're hired? You're basically the CEO of a small company at 22, responsible for more moving parts and student lives than anyone else on campus. The dad...
Send us a text 💰 Do the dollars make sense? 🎺 This is a MUST LISTEN episode as Scott and Chris break down the real cost of a marching band season—dollars and cents included. They dive into: The band fees you pay and where that money actually goesWho else foots the bill—boosters, school districts, and beyondA full cost analysis of a marching band production from start to finishThe true per-hour cost of marching band based on total instruction timeWill the final number give you peace of m...
Send us a text 💰 What’s It Worth?💰 Band is expensive—but how do we actually determine what something is worth? In this first episode of our two-part special on band finances, Scott flips the script and interviews Chris, tapping into his expertise in analytics to break down the true value of band expenses. Chris brings both his passionate Band Dad side and his skeptical business mind to the table, creating a well-rounded discussion that will challenge the way you think about band fees. It's no...
Send us a text Download Episode 3 Judging Infographic and Marching Band Judge Certificate Here 🎺🎶 Ever wondered how marching band judges score performances? Confused by the rankings? In this episode, Scott takes on the role of teacher while Chris (and YOU the audience) become the students in our very own Marching Band Judge Certification Course! 🎓📝 We break down the details, the nuances, and the behind-the-scenes secrets of marching band adjudication. By the end, you'll be equipped with the k...
Send us a text 🎺 In this episode, the Band Dads dive headfirst into the big questions: Why is music—especially band—so important?What life-changing benefits does band offer?Are we too quick to let kids quit?Have music educators dropped the ball on sharing band’s true value?Why isn’t there a standard for how music is taught—and should there be?How can parents jump in and make a difference?With their signature sarcasm, humor, and unfiltered takes, the Band Dads unpack these questions and ...
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