The Band Dads Podcast

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💰 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 not just instruments and travel costs, but the lifelong impacts to consider as we take a step back to explore an objective way to measure value before diving into the hard numbers in Part 2!

🎶💵 Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that will change how you see band expenses! Part 2 drops in two weeks! #BandDadsPodcast #MarchingBand #BandBudget

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Do the dollars make sense? / The Money Episode Part 2

The Band Dads Podcast

03/30/25 • 45 min

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💰 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 total instruction time

Will the final number give you peace of mind or leave you shocked? Is marching band truly worth the investment? Tune in as the Band Dads crunch the numbers, crack some jokes, and reveal whether band gives you the best bang for your buck!

Seriously, you do NOT want to miss this one!

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Who's in charge here?

The Band Dads Podcast

04/13/25 • 49 min

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🎓 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 dads also dive into how to best communicate with your band director (hint: find the “band director whisperer”), all while sprinkling in their signature Band Dad humor.

This episode features a special intro and outro courtesy of Band Director Jeff Heid and the Muscatine High School Band, proud home of the Mighty Muskie Marching Band—huge thanks to them for their contribution!

And yes—Band Dad Chris says this one’s his favorite episode yet!

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Band Dads Mailbag #1 / Episode 3 Tuesday Teaser

The Band Dads Podcast

02/25/25 • 12 min

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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 another whole week for a new episode is a long time, so we are providing some samples to tease what is coming up for Episode 3! We are so excited to bring you this new episode that we just can't keep it to ourselves!

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The Band Dad's Podcast Preview

The Band Dads Podcast

02/14/25 • 10 min

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🎺 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 band booster meeting led to a hilarious discovery—a data analyst and a former band director (with a passion for music education) sitting side by side, equally baffled by their kids’ band world. That "aha!" moment turned into a mission: to demystify band life for parents everywhere—starting with YOU!

With a lighthearted mix of humor, real talk, and expert insights, The Band Dads will have you laughing, learning, and maybe even reconsidering that late-night uniform ironing session. Tune in to find out why music makes your child a better person... for LIFE! (And hey, the podcast might just make you a better parent, too!)

Hit play and join the fun—you’ll never hear “band parent” the same way again! 🎧🥁

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Do you hear what I hear?

The Band Dads Podcast

03/03/25 • 47 min

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 knowledge to judge like a pro—and you’ll even earn your Official Band Dads Marching Judge Certificate! 🏆

📥 Download the exclusive judging infographic to follow along and use it at every competition you attend!

Both the visual aid and certificate availble by the link at the top of the episode descrption
📸 Frame your certificate, snap a pic, and send it to us at [email protected]!

Marching band competitions will NEVER be the same again! 🚀🥁🔥 #BandDadsPodcast #MarchingBand #BandJudge

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Why Music? Why Band? And Why Should You Care?

The Band Dads Podcast

02/16/25 • 44 min

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🎺 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 more in this first full-length episode. If you’ve ever wondered why band matters—or just want a good laugh—this one’s for you! 🎶

We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected]

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Band Dads Mailbag # 4 / Episode 8 Tuesday Teaser

The Band Dads Podcast

05/07/25 • 17 min

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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 received from listeners over the past few weeks (thank you!), and the duo wraps things up with a teaser for Episode 8: A (Useless) Year in Review. That full episode drops May 12th and will take a reflective—and probably ridiculous—look back at the year in band.

Enjoy this bite-sized episode and its special soundtrack, and don’t forget to follow us on all the socials! Want to chime in or ask a question? Drop us a line at [email protected].

We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected]

Check out these links to connect with us further!

Band Dads Mailbag # 2 / Episode 4 Tuesday Teaser

The Band Dads Podcast

03/11/25 • 14 min

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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 Guardfather!

Last, we know your brain may still be cramping from all the info we fed to you in episode 3. Well don't worry, we take it easy on you to start a special 2-part series about the most triggering subject of all.... MONEY! Episode 4 will see the Band Dads switching roles a bit as Scott looks to utilize Chris's professional background as an analyst to take a unique look at determining value, and how it establishes cost. This teaser will give you a peak at what is in store for this fantastic Episode 4!

We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected]

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Band Dads Mailbag # 3 / Epsiode 5 Tuesday Teaser

The Band Dads Podcast

03/25/25 • 10 min

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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 Epsiode on money. This episode dives into the true finances and cost of band as an activity. We get to the bottom of why it is so dang expensive and does your band program have a secret bitcoin account that is being funded by your fees? This is going to be our best one yet folks, here is a tease of what is to come in episode 5!

We want to here from you! Send us an email to: [email protected]

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