The Band Dads Podcast

• Finals Fever

  Send us a textIt’s here, Championship Week! State Finals, BOA Grand Nationals,  the biggest weekend of the marching band season is finally here, and the Band Dads are feeling the Finals Fever. In this episode, Scott and Chris sit down to talk through some recent competition experiences, a few things that might need a second look in the judging world (one inspired by a band dad text rant), and why this time of year feels so special for the marching band community.They reflect on what Grand Nationals really means for the activity — from the elite performances to the impact it has across all programs, big and small. Even though the same names often top the list, there’s no denying it’s the Super Bowl of high school marching band.As they close out the competitive season, the Band Dads take a moment to look back on the journey so far — the music, the memories, and the moments that make all those long Saturdays worth it.Special shoutout to Director Brandon Worley and the Cherokee High School Band of Warriors from Canton, GA for the intro this week!Also here is a link discussed by the Band Dad's in this episodes. The link is for the pacing maps created by Velocity Marching that Scott mentions as an excellent resources to see how the shows are structured for both the Grand National bands as well as DCI! https://www.velocitymarchingdesign.com/pacing-mapsEnjoying 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

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• Defining Success

  Send us a text🎺 What really defines success in a marching band season?🥁In this episode of the Band Dads Podcast, Scott and Chris dig into that very question — are scores, tapes, and placements really the only way to measure success? Or is there a deeper, more meaningful way to celebrate what bands accomplish each year?Scott challenges Chris to revisit his data analyst mindset and explore alternate metrics that could highlight the achievements that often go unnoticed. What if we looked at retention rates, program growth, rehearsal hours, attendance, challenges overcome, and other signs of progress as measures of success? Could we create an alternate scorecard for the season — maybe even start with a “Most Improved” award?The Band Dads ponder these questions and more in a thought-provoking conversation that reminds us: there’s more to recognize at the end of the season than a ranking or a recap sheet. Every band, every student, and every director has something worth celebrating.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

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• So About That...

  Send us a text🎙️ It’s time to take a breath and catch up! In this episode, the Band Dads hit pause on the usual marching band madness and sit down to reconnect — with you, the listeners. For the first time this season, Scott and Chris dive into your messages, questions, and feedback from across the country (and even around the world!).There’s no set agenda here — just two band dads having some genuine, unscripted conversation, shouting out our incredible listeners, and answering some of the insightful questions that have come our way.This episode is the perfect mid-season breather — a reminder that behind every rehearsal, every competition, and every performance is a community that makes it all worth it. So kick back, relax, and hang out with the Band Dads for some laughs, gratitude, and good conversation.We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you to our amazing Band Family community for listening, supporting, and sharing this journey 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: [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

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• I Heard That!

  Send us a textDownload 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 process, what to watch and listen for, and how to better understand those mysterious numbers and sheets that shape competition season.After that warm-up, we roll into a replay of one of our favorite Season 1 classics: Episode 3, “Do You Hear What I Hear.” In that episode, Scott put Chris through a crash course (a.k.a. “certification training”) on how to evaluate a marching band like a judge — and trust us, it’s as educational as it is entertaining.And don’t forget the extras! At the top of this description you’ll find a link to our 1-page Marching Band Adjudication Cheat Sheet — a must-have for every band parent heading into competition Saturdays. Plus, if you want to brag about your new skills, download and print your very own official Band Dads Marching Band Adjudicator Training Certificate.This episode is packed with value, insight, and tools to make your competition weekends more fun and less confusing. Listen in now, so you’ll be educated, prepared, and maybe even ready to judge from the stands!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

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• Seasons of a Season

  Send us a textAfter 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, Unraveling, and Crisis. Do kids and parents hit those stages at the same time? What stage are Scott, Chris, and you — the band family — in right now?Of course, it wouldn’t be a Band Dads episode without some laughs and a few curveballs. The guys unpack the grind of the season, how to push through the lulls, and how to create positive moments that keep the tough ones from pulling you down. Along the way, they even share a shocking revelation from their inbox (spoiler: it’s not a bot).And to top it all off, the dads send a special shout-out to Harrisburg High School and the Tiger Marching Band, who graciously provided this week’s intro — and stick around to the very end for a special outro chant you won’t want to miss!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

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