The Band Dads Podcast

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Welcome to Offbeat—a new Band Dads series where Chris and Scott go beyond the music to explore the fascinating, unusual, and sometimes downright bizarre stories behind the figures who shaped band, music education, and the art form we love.
And if you’re going to start somewhere… you might as well start with one of the most offbeat figures of them all: Percy Grainger.
When an episode opens with a conversation about a composer’s private whip collection—one he donated to a museum in his honor (and yes, the number will surprise you)—you know you’re in for a ride.
In this episode, the Band Dads dive into the life of one of the earliest and most influential composers for wind band. A brilliant musical mind with a deeply complex and, at times, troubled personal life, Grainger challenges us to consider a timeless question: can genius and turmoil exist separately—or are they often intertwined?
From his early years as a piano prodigy, to his uniquely close relationship with his mother, to his bold personality and unconventional worldview as an adult, this episode explores what made Grainger both groundbreaking and controversial. His approach to composition defied tradition—reshaping tonality, structure, and the very idea of what wind band music could be. The result was a body of work unlike anything before it… and arguably unlike anything since.
But the conversation doesn’t stop in the past. Chris and Scott also ask the question: How would someone like Grainger be received today? Would he still be celebrated? Would he be controversial? Would he even be someone we’d invite to work with our students?
This is a fun, thought-provoking, and eye-opening look at one of music’s most fascinating figures—and just the beginning of what Offbeat has in store.
🎧 As a bonus, check out the links below for virtual walkthroughs of the Grainger Museum and dive even deeper into his world.
ABC ARTS - Grainger Museum Walkthrough Part 1
ABC ARTS - Grainger Museum Walkthrough Part 2
Dallas Wind Symphony - Lincolnshire Posy
U.S. Marine Band - Children's March
Percy Grainger plays his "Molly on the Shore" Original on Piano
U.S. Marine Band - Molly on the Shore
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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 like
How ensembles are evaluated
How music is selected—and how it should be selected
Why these performances matter so much in the world of music education
For 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.
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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.
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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.
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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: [email protected]
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