The Band Dads Podcast

Send us a textIt’s the most wonderful time of the year… unless you’re on the naughty list.In this special holiday-themed episode, the Band Dads get into the spirit of the season by sorting out who belongs on the naughty list and who earns a spot on the nice list. Where do band directors and band parents land—and is there a little overlap between the two?Scott and Chris also share their favorite (and most least favorite) Christmas songs, because nothing sparks strong opinions quite like holiday music. Along the way, Chris recounts his unexpected and abrupt introduction to conducting a band at a recent holiday concert—a moment that didn’t quite go as planned but made for a great story.The episode wraps with the Band Dads reflecting on the season and sharing their wishes for the band family this holiday season. It’s lighthearted, relatable, and the perfect way to close out the year with a little humor and a lot of heart.Grab some hot cocoa, settle in, and enjoy this festive edition of the Band Dads PodcastEnjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected] 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

Send us a textWhat 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.Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected] 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

Send us a textThe Band Moms are back—and this week, it’s Becky’s turn in the spotlight. In this touching, funny, and deeply relatable episode, Shannon and Leah invite Becky to reflect on what it means to be the mom of a senior and to look back on the entire band journey she and her son have shared over the years. From those first nervous early experiences to the final milestones of senior year, Becky walks us through the full life cycle of being a Band Mom.From watching her 4'11" freshman board his very first solo band trip… to standing on Main Street at Disneyland cheering on that same kid—now a confident 6' senior—Becky revisits the countless moments that shaped their family’s connection to band. And what quickly becomes clear is that the growth, memories, and meaning have belonged just as much to her as to her son.Becky also shares how stepping into roles like feeding the kids and helping with uniforms kept her closely connected, not just to her son and to the activity she already knew and loved, but to the people who became her community. Through those moments of service, laughter, long nights, and shared chaos, she built deep relationships with fellow band parents—bonds so meaningful that the thought of leaving this band family behind after her son graduates feels almost unimaginable.Whether you’re a veteran band parent or just beginning your journey, Becky’s reflections will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even make you tear up.Take the time with these amazing Band Moms—this conversation is absolutely worth the listen.SHOW NOTES:There were so many mentions of show notes to keep track of the editor lost count and ultimately hopes they still have a job for him once they take over this podcast.Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected] 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

Send us a textIt’s finally happening—the Myth Buster Episode has arrived! After promising in every intro that they’ll “debunk all the myths,” the Band Dads are officially making good on their word. In this first installment of what is sure to become a fan-favorite series, Scott and Chris take on 10 of the biggest misconceptions in the band world… five about band kids and five about band directors.On the Band side, the Dads dig into classics like: • Are band kids athletes? • Is marching band actually a sport? • Do bands go to competitions just to win? • Is marching band only for nerds? • And the all-timer… “Marching band isn’t that hard—anyone can do it.”Then they turn the spotlight to the podium to debunk myths about band directors, including: • Band directors don’t have lives outside their job • They just want kids to play LOUD • They’re always serious • They know exactly what they’re doing (all the time… really?) • And the big one: band directors are unapproachable and hard to talk toAs always, expect honest perspective from both a band parent and a music educator, plenty of laughs, a little bit of learning, and a whole lot of “Oh wow… I never thought of it like that.”Strap in—this one is equal parts truth, empathy, and pure Band Dad energy.Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected] 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

Send us a textThe moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here — the very first episode ever of The Band Moms Podcast! Shannon, Leah, and Becky crash a Band Dads recording session, seize the microphones, and officially take over. (Yes, “Bad Moms Podcast” was jokingly suggested… but only because they’re fun enough to pull it off.)In this long-overdue debut, each of the Band Moms introduces herself, shares the kiddos who earned her the “Band Mom” title, and talks about the roles they proudly fill within their band families. They unpack the chaos of surviving Bandtober, look ahead to the next round of wildness waiting in band land, and take a moment to breathe, laugh, and celebrate what it means to be part of this incredible community.Mostly, this episode is a heartfelt reflection — on gratitude, on friendship, on their kids, and on the band family that makes it all worth it. It’s a warm, funny, and meaningful introduction to three amazing Band Moms who are already promising many more episodes to come.…And as for the Band Dads? Well, maybe they’ll be back for Season 5. Maybe.Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us! We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected] 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