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It’s that time of year again—students are choosing classes and schedules are being built for next school year. And whether a band program grows, holds steady, or struggles often comes down to what happens right now. This is the most critical window for recruitment and retention, and it’s one that’s frequently underestimated—especially by parents and booster groups who are far more influential than they may realize.

In this Season Three premiere, Scott shares a proven framework for success using the “Fill the Chair” campaign he created for the Be Part of the Music Foundation. This episode breaks recruitment and retention down into clear, actionable steps that any program—large or small—can execute.

With free, ready-to-use resources linked, you’ll learn how to:

• Gather your resources and build the right team
• Establish a clear and effective communication plan
• Remind, re-engage, and reassess throughout the process
• Trust—but verify—your numbers and assumptions
• Take stock of your efforts and adjust where needed
• Recruit what you already have before chasing what’s next

Executed correctly, these steps can help strengthen your roster, stabilize your numbers, and get your program running like a well-oiled machine for years to come.

Listen in to learn how the plan works, download the free resources, and take action—but don’t wait. This season moves fast, and there’s no time to waste.

Because when it comes down to it, everything starts with one goal: fill the darn chair.

Visit "Let's Fill the Chair" by clicking here for all the resources your need!

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After a full year of conversations, laughs, debates, and unexpected moments, it was time to hit rewind.

In this special “Greatest Hits” episode, the Band Dads look back on some of the most memorable moments from the first year of the podcast. Featuring favorite clips hand-selected by Scott and Chris, joined by picks from the Band Moms and listeners from across the band community, this episode is a celebration of what made Year One so special.

From insightful takes on band culture and competition, to moments that made us laugh, reflect, and occasionally rethink everything we thought we knew—this collection captures the heart of the Band Dads Podcast.

Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or you’re brand new and looking for the perfect place to start, this episode is your greatest-hits tour through the conversations that shaped the show and the community around it.

Thank you to every listener, contributor, and band family member who made this first year possible. If this is Volume 1… you already know more is coming.

🎧 Press play, turn it up, and enjoy The Band Dads: Greatest Hits (Vol. 1).

Enjoying the show? Click here to send us a text to tell us!

We want to here from you! Send us an email to: feedback@banddadspodcast.com

Check out these links to connect with us further!

Band Dads Podcast Website

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Band Dads Podcast TikTok

Band Dads Podcast YouTube

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It’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 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: feedback@banddadspodcast.com

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