The Band Dads Podcast
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/
Episodes
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...
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Band Dads sit down with the one and only Smiles Smenny—better known to the rest of the world as Miles Denny, the beloved and slightly infamous Band Director at Basha High School.
This special bonus episode is packed with insightful questions, ridiculous games, and, of course, plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a student, parent, or fellow educator, you’ll walk away with a deeper...
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 fro...
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, challenge...
In this mini episode, Scott opens up the mailbag to tackle a thoughtful and timely question: why are some school marching bands shifting away from competition and toward becoming showcase ensembles? He breaks down the many factors behind this trend—logistical, educational, financial, and cultural—proving it's not as simple as it may seem. Chris then shares some of the fantastic feedback the Band Dads have receive...
🎭 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 b...
🎓 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, responsibl...
💰 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 goes
- Who else foots the bill—boosters, school districts, and beyond
- A full cost analysis of a marching band production from start to finish
- The true per-hour cost of marching band based on tot...
First a gracious and humble THANK YOU for the continued response to this podcast. We are so happy and overwhlemed at the reception of the Band Dads across the country and across the globe!
Scott takes on the mailbag this week in response to a very personal submission that holds him accountable for poking fun at one of America's great foudning cities.....
Last, we offer a teaser for Epsiode 5 which is part 2 of our ...
💰 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 t...
First, we recognize some of the amazing cities that truly have invested in The Band Dads Podcast and offer a way for you and your community to be a part of the show! Listen in so you can take part!
Next, from our mailbag, we share the writings of a fellow Band Dad who reached out to us to share how profound he found his own role as a Band Dad to be, and how important forums like this one can be. Thank you Yukon Guardfa...
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 marchi...
The Band Dads bring you a special new feature this week!
First a THANK YOU as the response to this podcast has been truly incredible, and it turns out people other than Scott's Mom and Golden Retriever are interested in this topic!
Next, we drop into our mailbag to respond to an excellent question from one of our listeners that was sparked by some of the points we touched on in Episode 2.
Last, we know waiting anot...
🎺 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...
🎺 Introducing... The Band Dads! 🎶
Chris Flynn and Scott Lang are teaming up to bring you a podcast by confused band parents, for confused band parents! (That means ALL band parents—not just dads!) Whether you’re drowning in fundraising forms, lost in a sea of musical jargon, or just wondering why your kid suddenly needs a $200 mouthpiece, we’ve got you covered.
In this episode, meet your hosts and hear how a simple ba...
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