What happens when a group of band kids, music teachers, and lifelong performers turn a love of brass music into stadium-sized entertainment?

In this conversation, the Banana Band shares the musical paths that brought them together—from school band rooms and college struggles to wedding gigs, touring, and playing for packed crowds across the country. They talk about the mentors who kept them going, the pressure of performing without a safety net, and the unpredictable moments that make every show unforgettable.

From playing for food and drinks in the early days to jumping onstage with major artists, this is the story behind the music, the friendships, and the controlled chaos of the Banana Band.

Follow along for more behind-the-scenes stories, performances, and life on the road.

Sponsors

⁨@SightReadingFactorycom⁩

⁨@rcpdrumcompany⁩

⁨@WengerCorp⁩

https://wengercorp.com/triplethreats?utm_source=BTP&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2627WCTT&utm_content=midrollad

Time Stamps

0:00 An impromptu Michael Jackson transition

1:07 Meet the Banana Band

2:11 Finding music and joining the band

3:58 From school band to touring musician

6:54 A sibling rivalry sparks a music career

10:24 Growing up with trumpet and joining the group

12:38 From struggling student to music teacher

17:07 The drummer’s path back to music

20:08 Did anyone consider quitting music?

25:10 The mentors and lessons that stuck

31:00 Pressure, excellence, and getting the job done

35:30 Learning songs by ear and loving the saxophone

38:24 Building a life as a working musician

40:17 Favorite Banana Band musical moments

41:54 Coach joins the conversation

43:30 The spontaneous “Bad” performance

48:58 The Free Bird balcony story

51:36 Playing live with Gavin DeGraw

54:50 Getting invited onstage by The All-American Rejects

56:09 How the Banana Band began

62:19 Auditions and joining the band

64:30 Rapid-fire favorite stadiums

67:07 Early road stories and unforgettable shows

Beginning band concerts can feel huge—for students, families, and directors. In this episode of Band Room Therapy, Ryan Ashley, Jeff Simpson, Bridget Steppen, and Nicole Vaughn share practical, encouraging ideas for planning a first concert that celebrates growth over perfection.
They talk concert formats, helping anxious beginners feel safe on stage, choosing achievable music, involving families, setting expectations for concert etiquette, and the behind-the-scenes details that make the night run smoothly.
Whether you’re a new band director planning your first beginner concert or a veteran looking for fresh ideas, this conversation is full of reminders to keep it simple, supportive, and student-centered.
In this episode:
Low-pressure first-concert formats
Helping students handle nerves, squeaks, and mistakes
Setting realistic musical goals
Making families part of the learning process
Teaching concert etiquette for students and audiences
Concert attire, student speakers, setup, and logistics
Final encouragement for directors and young musicians
Sponsers:
Standing O Marching
Sight Reading Factory
RCP Drum Company
Wenger for Music Education
https://wengercorp.com/triplethreats?utm_source=BTP&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2627WCTT&utm_content=midrollad
Timestamps
00:00 A reminder: parents love their beginning musicians
00:57 Welcome to Band Room Therapy
03:44 When each program starts beginning band
04:19 Class sizes, instrumentation, and teaching setups
09:11 What should a first beginner concert look like?
10:21 Keeping first performances short and meaningful
11:32 Creating an informal, interactive concert
13:45 Helping students work through stage nerves
17:34 Why mistakes are part of learning
18:39 Handling squeaks, squawks, and wrong notes
20:12 Building a concert around student growth
25:22 Getting parents involved in the concert
27:42 Helping families understand what band class is
29:19 Inviting parents into the band room
37:11 Choosing music for the first concert
38:47 Why the concert experience—not difficulty—is the challenge
41:43 Adjusting repertoire to each group of beginners
45:22 The bigger goals of a first performance
49:11 Teaching stage decorum and performance expectations
51:20 Helping families learn concert etiquette
54:34 Planning attire, speaking parts, and logistics
59:40 A concert-uniform story every director will understand
62:29 Final advice for first-time concert directors and students

How does band education work in Connecticut? Host Ryan Ashley talks with Connecticut music educators Anthony Susi and Brian Cyr about the state’s music organizations, all-state and regional auditions, concert and marching band opportunities, jazz education, festivals, mentorship, and what makes Connecticut’s band community unique.
They break down the full school-year calendar—from marching season through regional festivals and the All-State Conference—and discuss how a small state creates strong connections among directors, schools, and professional organizations.
Sponsors
Standing O Marching
Sight Reading Factory
RCP Drum Company
Wenger for Music Education
https://wengercorp.com/triplethreats?utm_source=BTP&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2627WCTT&utm_content=midrollad
BetterSax with Sweetwater
https://geni.us/bettersaxclassicsax
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Connecticut band education
00:51 Meet Anthony Susi and Brian Cyr
02:03 Connecticut’s music education organizations
03:46 Student-focused events and growing festival opportunities
06:05 Regional ensembles and the All-State pathway
07:06 How Connecticut’s size strengthens director collaboration
08:13 Honor wind ensemble and student composition festival
09:38 All-State Conference and professional development
13:16 School size and marching band classifications
16:27 A Connecticut band calendar: summer through spring
20:23 Concert band festivals and adjudication opportunities
23:02 Building a statewide concert festival model
26:18 Marching band in Connecticut and state championships
28:45 University-hosted clinics and performance opportunities
33:14 Regional and All-State audition process
38:23 Jazz, mariachi, modern band, and world percussion
41:40 Honor jazz ensembles and local jazz festivals
45:20 Solo and chamber ensemble opportunities
48:44 Mentorship and support for new music teachers
53:35 Why Connecticut’s band community stands out