That Band Life

Latest Episodes:

#82 Let's Talk about Culture Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Jeff and Bobby chat (in the same room!) about marching band culture. Let's make students feel like they are part of the solution not a product of the environment.

That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#81 Let Them Own It Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

How do we give students more voice, choice, responsibility, and control over their learning while still maintaining the high standards our ensembles demand?

That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#80 Where is Everybody? Geo and the End of Manual Attendance Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Taking attendance at rehearsals, camps, and trips can eat up time you don't have and can be less than accurate. In this episode, we sit down with Stuart from Arc to talk about Geo, a group events organizer app that uses GPS check-ins to track attendance automatically. We cover how it works, where it fits for band programs and other group activities, and what directors and staff can expect day to day.

That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#79 Slow and Steady Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

What are you building right now - urgency or consistency? Jeff and Bobby are back after a 42-week break from podcasting!

That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#78 Midwest Preview 2025 and Dinner Invite Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Bobby is sick so in this episode Jeff's co-host is Dennis Crystal, Director of Bands at Newbury Park High School in Thousand Oaks, California. They talk about sessions that look exciting at Midwest this year and Jazz at the Bands of America Summer Camp.

We’re excited to be at the Midwest Clinic next week, and we want to share the experience with you! We’re inviting a few listeners to join us for a special dinner in Chicago. If you’d like to be considered for the That Band Life Dinner Meetup, just email jeff@dynamicmarching.com. We will choose some listeners to join us at dinner. We’d love to hang out and connect with you in person!
That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#77 The Dr. James Weaver Interview Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Bobby talk with Dr. James Weaver, the newly appointed CEO and President of Music for All and a nationally respected leader in arts education. He is passionate about ensuring students in every community have access to life-changing musical experiences.
That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#76 Now What Do I Do? Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Bobby dive into the tough choices every band director faces — balancing what’s best for individual students with what’s best for the overall program. Learn how to make clear, confident, and compassionate decisions that keep your students growing and your program thriving.
That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#75 10 for 10... Tips for Winning October Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Jeff and Bobby discuss ten high-impact strategies to help marching band directors make the most of October — the critical final stretch of the season. From maximizing GE and cleaning the “low-hanging fruit” to mastering show-day routines, these tips will help your ensemble finish stronger than ever.
That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#74 Lessons from the First Month of School Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Jeff and Bobby discuss lessons learned in the first month back to school. One in four college freshmen drop out—and the same is true in band: some kids quit. That doesn’t make you a bad director. In this episode, we talk defining success on your own terms, listening without catering, finding peace instead of comfort, and surviving the school bureaucracy that drives us all crazy.
That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

#73 Vacation Thoughts Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

This is the time to reflect on the successes and shortcomings of the year and plan accordingly while it is fresh in your mind. We all need space from work, I know I do, but this should be a fun activity that will remind you why you do ALL you do.
That Band Life

Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
Improve relationships with parents and students.
Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library

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