Indiana State School Music Association Finals see first father and son duo direct competing bands – WISH-TV

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A central Indiana music dynasty could make history at this weekend’s Indiana State School Music Association State Concert Band Finals.
The dad — Rick Granlund — has taught music for more than 30 years. For the last 21 years, he’s been at North Central High School in Indianapolis.
He directed the band while all three of his kids were also in it — including his son, Connor Granlund.
Throughout his time, he says every student and every teacher has become part of his family.
“[Music is] just a great way to make a big school feel smaller,” Rick said. “When I taught at a small school, it’s a way to take students in a rural community take them places [and] see other groups.”
Connor shows that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.
The Granlunds are sort of a central Indiana music dynasty.
Connor is now also a high school band director. He is in his first year teaching music at West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School.
His mom, Candi, and wife, Avery, are middle school band directors. Meanwhile, his youngest sister, Laurel, is studying the bassoon.
Connor says playing for his dad alongside his friends was such a pivotal moment in his music career.
“Getting to be part of that [band] program really [had] a massive impact on me,” Connor said. “I definitely would not be sitting where I am today if it wasn’t for all the people that I was with in that program.”
The father and son duo are believed to be the first to direct bands that are competing against each other at the Indiana State School Music Association State Concert Band Finals.
It’s a competition that Connor grew up going to both to support his dad and to play in.
“I think the best teachers take all the best things from their best teachers that they’ve had,” Connor said.
Now, he’s preparing his own students for it.
“We’re both just going trying to have our absolute best performances,” Connor said. “Those kids have worked so hard to get to be there, and especially for my school, that this is not an every-year thing for us.”
Despite a budding friendly rivalry — both say there hasn’t been any banter between them.
Instead, they just expressed appreciation for their students and the full circle moment ahead.
“I see his mom in him. There are times I see me in him,” Rick said. “He’s a confident and talented person … but I see some North Central in him.”
The cherry on top of it all?
West Lafayette will perform right after North Central at Indiana State School Music Association State Concert Band Finals on Saturday. They play at 5:10 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
For a full list of qualifying bands, click here.

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