Piper's Dojo Audio Experience

What is grade 5 actually for? This week, Andrew and Jim answer a seemingly innocuous listener question about whether grade 5 bands should use hard reeds or easy reeds. As they discuss the pros and cons of blowing stability and reed strength, they launch into a deeper discussion of growth, retention, culture, and why so many struggling bands are trying to force competitive intensity at exactly the wrong stage.  If you’re running a Grade 5 band, building a beginner program, or wondering why progression feels like wading through molasses, the future of your organisation won't be built by squeezing more out of a small group. It’s built by creating a space where a lot of beginners want to show up and keep coming back. Here’s what we cover this week: 00:00 – “Primordial Soup” 02:23 – The Listener Question: Hard Reeds vs. Easy Reeds 03:50 – The Core Question: How Does a Grade 5 Band Become Grade 4? 06:00 – Losing Star Players 08:00 – Why