Parent Concerns:

WHAT IS IT GOING TO COST ME FOR MY CHILD TO MARCH WITH THE BAND?

Fees  - A band fee is set each year for those students selecting marching band and color guard as a class.   I It is EXTREMELY important that your music Band Fees are paid on time because your child has been assigned a spot in the band  and if fees are not paid there is a hole in the show that effects the entire band! Remember, this fee does not go to the Booster organization to cover costs that the Boosters are expected to pay. Booster money is earned by various fund-raisers.  

Fund-raisers – The students and parents of marching band and guard members are expected to help with the fund-raisers developed by the band boosters. The band boosters need fund raising because the class fee only covers a small part of the cost of providing an award-winning program for the students. It is important for the band program to keep the costs to the individual family low enough that any child with the desire to be a part of band has the opportunity to be involved.   Several fund-raisers are developed each year to ensure that the costs of the program are met. These fund-raisers include selling things (such as pizza's and cookies) and also time commitments (such as Warren Central High Schools  concessions stands that are manned by the Band Boosters). 

Uniforms – The main (fall) band and guard uniforms are provided for the students to use but each marcher is responsible to buy certain pieces of the uniforms. Generally these items are only purchased once unless the student loses them, out grows them, or damages them beyond use. The items the individual marching students must purchase include: black drillmaster shoes, black socks, white cotton band gloves and other items as determined by the band directors.    Color guard members need to uniform items as determined by band staff. You will be given information on the specific details by the band staff.

Optional costs – Rookie parents will also find that there are optional costs involved with having a child in band. These costs include: admissions to competitions (for the parents), travel (for parents going to competition).

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A PARENT OF A MARCHING BAND STUDENT?

 A parent of a marching band student requires flexibility – places, times of practice, etc. do change based on the needs of the band. Changes in schedules are kept to a minimum but they do occur and consequently, parents need to be flexible. Your child, as well as all students and staff, need your support. There will be times when your child or your child’s friend becomes discouraged. Your encouragement to keep plugging along will help get them to the next competition. Even the experienced marchers occasionally need to be reminded of why they are investing so much effort.   We also need your assistance on various committees and activities (we value your time and energy as much or more than your financial support).

HOW CAN I GET IN CONTACT WITH OTHER PARENTS IN THE BAND?

Attend the monthly band booster meetings and other band functions.

WHAT KIND OF SUPERVISION DOES MY CHILD HAVE WHEN THEY ARE WITH THE BAND?

Boosters volunteer to chaperone all events with the band.  Contact the head of the chaperone committee if you are interested in helping out with the chaperone duties. It is a great way to meet other kids and it is not necessary or encouraged to chaperone the same group as your child.

SHOULD I CONTINUE PRIVATE LESSONS OR ADD PRIVATE LESSONS FOR MY CHILD?

This is an individual choice. Lessons never hurt and can only help anyone improve. Some families find that a more flexible lesson schedule or no lessons during marching season is desirable. Other families do not take lessons at all. If your child is serious about continuing with music, private lessons are encouraged.

WHEN WILL I EVER GET TO SEE WHAT MY CHILD IS DOING WITH BAND?

In general, the marching band will perform their show at each Friday football game.    The band also performs at various competitions on Saturdays during the fall.  

Parents are able to watch practices at any time.  Parents are asked, however, to not disturb students and staff during practices.  It is remarkable to see the differences in the marching and music as the season progresses. The kids also appreciate the support of the parents who take a few minutes towards the end of practice to see what they are doing.

AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TRANSPORTATION OF MY CHILD TO EVENTS AND PRACTICES?

Many students carpool to and from practices and from the school before and after events.  (Older students are allowed to transport younger students to and from band practices with parent permission.)

I AM GOING TO BE AT A BAND EVENT.  DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO RIDE HOME WITH THE BAND?

Students are expected to ride to all events with the band. (Occasionally special exceptions are made by prior arrangement with the band staff.) Students may ride home from events with their parents IF a parental permission note is given to the band director before leaving for the event.  It is the responsibility of the parent to meet the student at the band truck or bus and check in with the chaperones before taking the child.

I NEVER SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH BAND. HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE INFORMATION I NEED?

There are a variety of ways used to communicate in the band and booster organization. Some of the ways you need to become accustomed to using are:

• band web site www.bigbluebands.com
• newsletter
• booster meetings (generally the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. especially during marching season)
• weekly itineraries are given to students during the marching season (ask your child for this early each week)
• booster leadership (see web site for contacts)
• other parents