Break Ranks, hosted and produced by Bands of America’s Dan Potter, brings you the latest from the BOA Championship season! Each episode explores different angles of marching band with a variety of guests and interviews, offering an insider’s perspective for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and fans alike.
Break Ranks is presented in association with Bands of America’s Sun Safety Partner, Outrun the Sun.
New episodes every Wednesday during the BOA season.
Dan Potter (Tulsa, Oklahoma) is an award-winning journalist and radio host involved in marching bands and drum corps for over 40 years. He is an announcer and media personality for Bands of America and Drum Corps International and hosts popular marching arts podcasts, including BOA’s “Break Ranks!”
Episode 2:
Break Ranks 2025 | Chuck Henson
This week, Dan speaks with the voice of BOA, Chuck Henson, Music for All Hall of Fame member & host of the “Joining Us!” podcast.
Episode 3:
Break Ranks 2025 | Kathleen Heuer, Richard C. Crain, & Andrew Robles
This week, Dan speaks with Kathleen Heuer, Music for All 50th Anniversary Project Manager, Richard C. Crain, Retired President of The Midwest Clinic, & Andrew Robles, Member of The Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band.
Episode 4:
Break Ranks 2025 | Dr. Michael Holland & Nicholas Blue
This week, Dan speaks with Dr. Michael Holland, Head Band Director, and Nicholas Blue, Assistant Band Director at Franklin H.S., TN.
Episode 5:
Break Ranks 2025 |Erik Kosman & Tony Lymon
This week, Dan speaks with marching arts audio engineers Erik Kosman & Tony Lymon.
Episode 6:
Break Ranks 2025 | St. Louis Super Regional
This week, Dan speaks with participants at the BOA St. Louis Super Regional Championship, including Tyler Belliston, Band Director, and Amber Rak Kaufmann, Percussion Director at Central Visual & Performing Arts H.S., MO.
Episode 7:
Break Ranks 2025 | Melissa Brown & David Clements
This week, Dan speaks with Melissa Brown & David Clements, band boosters at Bentonville H.S., AR.
Episode 8:
Break Ranks 2025 | John Miller
This week, Dan speaks with John Miller, retired Director of Bands at American Fork H.S., UT, and Music for All Hall of Fame member.
Episode 9:
Break Ranks 2025 | Jarrett Lipman & CJ Jones
This week, Dan speaks with Jarrett Lipman, Director of Bands, and CJ Jones, band booster and equipment truck driver at Vandegrift H.S., TX.
Episode 10:
Break Ranks 2025 | Finale
This week, Dan takes a look at some of the highlights of the 2025 Bands of America Grand National Championships, presented by Yamaha. Hear from this year’s Grand National Champions, Avon H.S., IN, catch an exclusive interview with Grammy Award-winning vocalist Sandi Patty, and much more as we close out our 50th Anniversary season.
All caught up with the 2025 season? Go back and relive the 2024 season through previously released Break Ranks episodes! Featuring interviews from directors of Grand National Championship bands, the BOA chief judges team, and a variety of world-class marching arts designers, backwards march into 2024 and hear some great conversations that will help you today.
All caught up with the 2024 season? Go back and relive the 2023 season through previously released Break Ranks episodes! Featuring interviews from directors of Grand National Championship bands, the BOA chief judges team, and a variety of world-class marching arts designers, backwards march into 2023 and hear some great conversations that will help you today.