The "tips, hints, and great things to know" for band parents

FloMoParent · October 9, 2018

I've been compiling a list of "Tips, hints, suggestions, and words of wisdom" to share with the newbie band parents. What are some of your "I wish I would have known that sooner" things?

Some of mine:

(This is not an all inclusive list, nor are they ranked in any order, just stuff I think others would like to know)

- August Band camp is tough, but they start seeing the rewards with that first football game, and continue seeing it once the competitions start.

- When in doubt check the {weekly notification email}, the band homepage, and calendar, 9 times out of 10 your question can be answered there.

- Volunteer, show up to competitions and concerts, and support their efforts in any way possible. The kids may not say it, but they really do appreciate it.

- The first year or two they may not want to acknowledge your presence, but as they get older, they will actively seek you out and say hi.

- Give them space to grow. I know they are your baby, you worry about them, and want to be near them; but, you don't need to always stay at their hotel, or eat at their restaurants. Part of the fun of band trips is to get away from the family, be yourself, and hang out with your friends. Besides, their schedule is so tight, that their time to see you will be very limited. Which is why volunteering to chaperone or pit crew is great, because you get to see them sometimes.

- Pit Crew is hard work, but very fun and rewarding. While they may never get to see the show from the stands (my first time to see it was on the recent video on the music for all site), the view and feeling from the field is unmatched. They are also the first to congratulate the kids when they finish. If you watch the finalist spotlight, you'll see the pit crew high-fiving, fist-bumping and hugging the kids as they left the field.

- The fans in the stands are just as important. Imagine coming into a huge stadium with no one cheering for you. The mojo yell was sort of a nice way to help the kids smile and relax before they started their show.

- Parents have as much fun as the kids, and they will also go through withdrawals once the kids graduate.

- Band is a wild ride, just hold on, and enjoy it as much as possible.

- Let people know if you have a special talent. You never know when someone with you skill is needed.

- We joined a highly functioning team. The best part of this team is that all the parts work together.

- We have one of the best leadership groups and directors around.

- When we turn our children over to the band, they are in amazing hands. We never have to worry about:

Our child being taken care of (the chaperons take each student under their wing becoming temporary parents)

Our child being fed (many thanks to the army of people who go the extra mile to meet all the dietary needs)

Our child being lost or left out (from the most skilled senior to the most insecure freshmen, everyone has a part, and everyone has a contribution)

- The parent's Facebook page is a great place to meet fellow parents. The "watering holes" around competitions and volunteering are better places to make friends.

- If information didn't come from the directors or from a booster club officer, it probably is just a rumor and shouldn't be spread.

- If you really want to be "in the know" join and be active in the booster club (even better, volunteer).

- We are one team. Colorguard, drumline, pit, props, brass, woodwinds, drum majors, sound techs, pit crew, and parents all succeed as one. Each group relies on the other to make an amazing performance, there isn't a pyramid but a giant circle.

- The Band Booster club is one of the greatest parent organizations on campus.

- Band is a time consuming activity. You and your child will become a great manager of time when they graduate.

- Our bands (not just the marching band, all the concert bands, colorguard, winterguard, and drumline) are amazing performers.

- The band directors don't really like chants, it draws attention to the crowd. They love wild applause and cheers for the band.

- A sense of humor is sometimes your best sense.

- Things get lost, things break, there are winners, and things won't always go the way we want.

- Don't spend needless energy worrying about things we can't control. Worry about the things that we can control.

- Change is a constant. Don't stress that there are changes, stress that changes are implemented as quickly as possible.

- Of all the hours we as parents spend, realize that the directors are spending all their time making sure our children are the best they can be. I find it amazing that they can even remember their family's faces at times.

- Celebrate the achievements.

- Be proud of your child all time.

- Give lots of hugs.

- Go to as many of the competitions as you can.

- Have plenty of tissue or a handkerchief at the ready for the following:

The playing of the school song to the seniors on Senior Night.

The last competition performance (I was a blubbering mess during the GN Finals performance)

The playing of the yearly video at the Band Banquet and dance (actually most of that night you will need it)

- It may seem like we spend a lot of time doing band things, but four years go by in a blink of an eye.

Band_dad_of_2 · October 9, 2018

On 10/9/2018 at 7:00 PM, FloMoParent said:

I've been compiling a list of "Tips, hints, suggestions, and words of wisdom" to share with the newbie band parents. What are some of your "I wish I would have known that sooner" things?

Some of mine:

(This is not an all inclusive list, nor are they ranked in any order, just stuff I think others would like to know)

- August Band camp is tough, but they start seeing the rewards with that first football game, and continue seeing it once the competitions start.

- When in doubt check the {weekly notification email}, the band homepage, and calendar, 9 times out of 10 your question can be answered there.

- Volunteer, show up to competitions and concerts, and support their efforts in any way possible. The kids may not say it, but they really do appreciate it.

- The first year or two they may not want to acknowledge your presence, but as they get older, they will actively seek you out and say hi.

- Give them space to grow. I know they are your baby, you worry about them, and want to be near them; but, you don't need to always stay at their hotel, or eat at their restaurants. Part of the fun of band trips is to get away from the family, be yourself, and hang out with your friends. Besides, their schedule is so tight, that their time to see you will be very limited. Which is why volunteering to chaperone or pit crew is great, because you get to see them sometimes.

- Pit Crew is hard work, but very fun and rewarding. While they may never get to see the show from the stands (my first time to see it was on the recent video on the music for all site), the view and feeling from the field is unmatched. They are also the first to congratulate the kids when they finish. If you watch the finalist spotlight, you'll see the pit crew high-fiving, fist-bumping and hugging the kids as they left the field.

- The fans in the stands are just as important. Imagine coming into a huge stadium with no one cheering for you. The mojo yell was sort of a nice way to help the kids smile and relax before they started their show.

- Parents have as much fun as the kids, and they will also go through withdrawals once the kids graduate.

- Band is a wild ride, just hold on, and enjoy it as much as possible.

- Let people know if you have a special talent. You never know when someone with you skill is needed.

- We joined a highly functioning team. The best part of this team is that all the parts work together.

- We have one of the best leadership groups and directors around.

- When we turn our children over to the band, they are in amazing hands. We never have to worry about:

    Our child being taken care of (the chaperons take each student under their wing becoming temporary parents)

    Our child being fed (many thanks to the army of people who go the extra mile to meet all the dietary needs)

    Our child being lost or left out (from the most skilled senior to the most insecure freshmen, everyone has a part, and everyone has a contribution)

- The parent's Facebook page is a great place to meet fellow parents. The "watering holes" around competitions and volunteering are better places to make friends.

- If information didn't come from the directors or from a booster club officer, it probably is just a rumor and shouldn't be spread.

- If you really want to be "in the know" join and be active in the booster club (even better, volunteer).

- We are one team. Colorguard, drumline, pit, props, brass, woodwinds, drum majors, sound techs, pit crew, and parents all succeed as one. Each group relies on the other to make an amazing performance, there isn't a pyramid but a giant circle.

- The Band Booster club is one of the greatest parent organizations on campus.

- Band is a time consuming activity. You and your child will become a great manager of time when they graduate.

- Our bands (not just the marching band, all the concert bands, colorguard, winterguard, and drumline) are amazing performers.

- The band directors don't really like chants, it draws attention to the crowd. They love wild applause and cheers for the band.

- A sense of humor is sometimes your best sense.

- Things get lost, things break, there are winners, and things won't always go the way we want.

- Don't spend needless energy worrying about things we can't control. Worry about the things that we can control.

- Change is a constant. Don't stress that there are changes, stress that changes are implemented as quickly as possible.

- Of all the hours we as parents spend, realize that the directors are spending all their time making sure our children are the best they can be. I find it amazing that they can even remember their family's faces at times.

- Celebrate the achievements.

- Be proud of your child all time.

- Give lots of hugs.

- Go to as many of the competitions as you can.

- Have plenty of tissue or a handkerchief at the ready for the following:

    The playing of the school song to the seniors on Senior Night.

    The last competition performance (I was a blubbering mess during the GN Finals performance)

    The playing of the yearly video at the Band Banquet and dance (actually most of that night you will need it)

- It may seem like we spend a lot of time doing band things, but four years go by in a blink of an eye.

The greatest thing about band is that it's a community....there are no "rivals". My favorite pictures are the ones where our kids were interacting with other bands.

Like I said in another thread, the best example is the Marcus fans/parents....my first kid's freshman year, I saw them give every band an standing ovation. That set the standard for me.

One of my favorite moments from last year was at a competition...our pit crew was done loading and we saw another band struggling with their props. The band director was in a suit trying to load the props with kids in their uniforms. Our group hopped over and gave them a hand and we didn't think anything of it.

FloMoParent · October 9, 2018

On 10/9/2018 at 8:34 PM, Band_dad_of_2 said:

The greatest thing about band is that it's a community....there are no "rivals". My favorite pictures are the ones where our kids were interacting with other bands.

Like I said in another thread, the best example is the Marcus fans/parents....my first kid's freshman year, I saw them give every band an standing ovation. That set the standard for me.

One of my favorite moments from last year was at a competition...our pit crew was done loading and we saw another band struggling with their props. The band director was in a suit trying to load the props with kids in their uniforms. Our group hopped over and gave them a hand and we didn't think anything of it.

one of my favorite "Band t-shirts" is the one that says "Proud to be LISD with the logos of Flower Mound, Hebron, and Marcus on it (from 6A State in 2016)

jetliner · October 10, 2018

On 10/9/2018 at 8:34 PM, Band_dad_of_2 said:
One of my favorite moments from last year was at a competition...our pit crew was done loading and we saw another band struggling with their props. The band director was in a suit trying to load the props with kids in their uniforms. Our group hopped over and gave them a hand and we didn't think anything of it.

I was a student on the receiving end of a very similar situation 2 years ago. Large gusts of wind toppled multiple of our props (I'll add that we even arranged them to avoid wind issues), and the pit crew next to us helped us get them stood back up for deconstruction (IIRC, it was FloMo parents who had just finished loading up Leonardo's wings). It's definitely one of those things that I'll remember when I'm done with marching band.

LeanderMomma · October 10, 2018

Now y’all got me all weepy.

Band_dad_of_2 · October 10, 2018

And to the original poster's point.....VOLUNTEER!!!

I think the biggest step you take is the very first step....some people are afraid that the task is too big or that they weren't in band so they won't know what to do. That couldn't be farther from the truth because once you're in, you're hooked.

These kids are amazing and so talented....you can't help but want to be a part of the band once you start volunteering.

Danpod · October 10, 2018

I love this!!

northtexasbandfan · October 11, 2018

The 800-ish hours I volunteered during my son’s time at Flower Mound are among the most memorable and rewarding moments in my life. I’m pretty sure if I live to be 100 I’ll be able to still hum the entirety of Harmonic Tapestries and Surreal.

GeekyBandMom · October 11, 2018

On 10/10/2018 at 12:39 PM, Band_dad_of_2 said:

And to the original poster's point.....VOLUNTEER!!!

I think the biggest step you take is the very first step....some people are afraid that the task is too big or that they weren't in band so they won't know what to do. That couldn't be farther from the truth because once you're in, you're hooked.

These kids are amazing and so talented....you can't help but want to be a part of the band once you start volunteering.

THIS!

Well, I'm not ready to share my info. But I spend hundreds of hours every year running some large parts of our group. It's exhausting, but I regret none of it.

If you can volunteer at all, please do it. The biggest worry anyone who runs something in band has is "do I have enough people?" Nothing gives me the shakes like not being sure I have enough people to get a job done.

I will say my absolute favorite is PIT CREW AND PROPS. I have chased a runaway rolling cube as fast as my stubby, chubby legs would carry me before it hit a pit train and surprisingly this lady caught it. A band dad I will never know saved me from shame and humiliation as a prop I had sailed away like the Santa Maria before it hit a car in a gusty parking lot. We're the first to say AWESOME JOB KIDS even when they don't have the best run and are gloomy and sad. We tell every group going on "Kill it!" and every group coming off "Fantastic run!" I will never forget the hosting drum majors at one competition who saluted EVERY SINGLE BAND that came off the field. There is nothing like it for the kids, to feel like kings just for that moment. No matter what happened that day, the kids have their moment good or bad right there on the field and we're all there to give them that support. I also suggest every parent do this job at least once, the perspective is quite different. It's eye-opening into what your kid experiences after a performance- the good, the bad, and the ugly. They experience it all.

So volunteer, cook a hot dog, sew some pants, pull a gong, push a speaker, help the CG with their amazing makeup or help with their flags. Whatever it is, I'm sure your group has a task you can do. If not, send the directors a nice email. They get plenty of pretty awfully annoying ones, don't be afraid to send a nice one that doesn't ask a single thing of them. Don't be afraid to take that first step, someone will show you what to do. Don't be afraid to ask for help or where to go to ask for help. I'm not very outgoing, but I never let fear get the best of me when I'm running a task for band.

You would think I'm a CEO. And I'm the furthest thing from that. And I have ZERO regrets. I love band. It goes by in a flash, I will never look back and say "I wish I had done less".

4boysmom · October 22, 2018

Don't ever be afraid to ask, "how can I help?" Or say " they've got enough people"....believe me, there's ALWAYS a job for you! Volunteer, feed them, hang up uniforms, do hair (bless you girl moms!), bring extra socks...do all the things. The more we do, the more they can focus on the music and I agree, they may not say it, but they love having you there. The days are long, but the years are short. Enjoy the ride, my friends!

lostbandmom42 · October 22, 2018

All of your all's tips have been very valuable. I didn't get involved much my son's freshman year as we had some things going on that took my attention. This year, I didn't take no for answer when asking if help was needed, and it is always needed.

MarkD33 · October 24, 2018

On 10/9/2018 at 7:00 PM, FloMoParent said:

I've been compiling a list of "Tips, hints, suggestions, and words of wisdom" to share with the newbie band parents. What are some of your "I wish I would have known that sooner" things?

Some of mine:

(This is not an all inclusive list, nor are they ranked in any order, just stuff I think others would like to know)

- August Band camp is tough, but they start seeing the rewards with that first football game, and continue seeing it once the competitions start.

- When in doubt check the {weekly notification email}, the band homepage, and calendar, 9 times out of 10 your question can be answered there.

- Volunteer, show up to competitions and concerts, and support their efforts in any way possible. The kids may not say it, but they really do appreciate it.

- The first year or two they may not want to acknowledge your presence, but as they get older, they will actively seek you out and say hi.

- Give them space to grow. I know they are your baby, you worry about them, and want to be near them; but, you don't need to always stay at their hotel, or eat at their restaurants. Part of the fun of band trips is to get away from the family, be yourself, and hang out with your friends. Besides, their schedule is so tight, that their time to see you will be very limited. Which is why volunteering to chaperone or pit crew is great, because you get to see them sometimes.

- Pit Crew is hard work, but very fun and rewarding. While they may never get to see the show from the stands (my first time to see it was on the recent video on the music for all site), the view and feeling from the field is unmatched. They are also the first to congratulate the kids when they finish. If you watch the finalist spotlight, you'll see the pit crew high-fiving, fist-bumping and hugging the kids as they left the field.

- The fans in the stands are just as important. Imagine coming into a huge stadium with no one cheering for you. The mojo yell was sort of a nice way to help the kids smile and relax before they started their show.

- Parents have as much fun as the kids, and they will also go through withdrawals once the kids graduate.

- Band is a wild ride, just hold on, and enjoy it as much as possible.

- Let people know if you have a special talent. You never know when someone with you skill is needed.

- We joined a highly functioning team. The best part of this team is that all the parts work together.

- We have one of the best leadership groups and directors around.

- When we turn our children over to the band, they are in amazing hands. We never have to worry about:

    Our child being taken care of (the chaperons take each student under their wing becoming temporary parents)

    Our child being fed (many thanks to the army of people who go the extra mile to meet all the dietary needs)

    Our child being lost or left out (from the most skilled senior to the most insecure freshmen, everyone has a part, and everyone has a contribution)

- The parent's Facebook page is a great place to meet fellow parents. The "watering holes" around competitions and volunteering are better places to make friends.

- If information didn't come from the directors or from a booster club officer, it probably is just a rumor and shouldn't be spread.

- If you really want to be "in the know" join and be active in the booster club (even better, volunteer).

- We are one team. Colorguard, drumline, pit, props, brass, woodwinds, drum majors, sound techs, pit crew, and parents all succeed as one. Each group relies on the other to make an amazing performance, there isn't a pyramid but a giant circle.

- The Band Booster club is one of the greatest parent organizations on campus.

- Band is a time consuming activity. You and your child will become a great manager of time when they graduate.

- Our bands (not just the marching band, all the concert bands, colorguard, winterguard, and drumline) are amazing performers.

- The band directors don't really like chants, it draws attention to the crowd. They love wild applause and cheers for the band.

- A sense of humor is sometimes your best sense.

- Things get lost, things break, there are winners, and things won't always go the way we want.

- Don't spend needless energy worrying about things we can't control. Worry about the things that we can control.

- Change is a constant. Don't stress that there are changes, stress that changes are implemented as quickly as possible.

- Of all the hours we as parents spend, realize that the directors are spending all their time making sure our children are the best they can be. I find it amazing that they can even remember their family's faces at times.

- Celebrate the achievements.

- Be proud of your child all time.

- Give lots of hugs.

- Go to as many of the competitions as you can.

- Have plenty of tissue or a handkerchief at the ready for the following:

    The playing of the school song to the seniors on Senior Night.

    The last competition performance (I was a blubbering mess during the GN Finals performance)

    The playing of the yearly video at the Band Banquet and dance (actually most of that night you will need it)

- It may seem like we spend a lot of time doing band things, but four years go by in a blink of an eye.

Full disclosure: I am totally stealing this list for our incoming freshman parent meeting in the spring.

Band_dad_of_2 · October 24, 2018

On 10/24/2018 at 8:08 PM, MarkD33 said:
Full disclosure: I am totally stealing this list for our incoming freshman parent meeting in the spring.

I might do the same thing......it's really good and all-encompassing.

sbhs.bandmom24 · October 30, 2018

On 10/24/2018 at 8:19 PM, Band_dad_of_2 said:
I might do the same thing......it's really good and all-encompassing.

It's a great list!

Mash · October 30, 2018

And stay and cheer for all the bands in your bands block. It is very disrespectful to cheer only for your band (feel free to cheer louder for yours) and leave the minute they finish.

TWHSParent · October 30, 2018

On 10/30/2018 at 4:00 AM, Mash said:
And stay and cheer for all the bands in your bands block. It is very disrespectful to cheer only for your band (feel free to cheer louder for yours) and leave the minute they finish.

There are exceptions to this - chaperones and pit crew (if they don't stand on the field) usually have to leave immediately. So if you see a gaggle of people for a band leaving together (especially at a contest that is not near their home area) they are very likely to be required to catch up with the band as soon as they can. Don't always assume they are being disrespectful.

Rudedog34 · October 30, 2018

On 10/30/2018 at 12:55 PM, TWHSParent said:

There are exceptions to this - chaperones and pit crew (if they don't stand on the field) usually have to leave immediately. So if you see a gaggle of people for a band leaving together (especially at a contest that is not near their home area) they are very likely to be required to catch up with the band as soon as they can. Don't always assume they are being disrespectful.[/quot]

Can vouch for this. On Friday, Henny has to return for classes after their prelim then prepare for a game at Round Rock. Most, I'm sure will be leaving. On Saturday...look for us to be camping in the stands.

Good luck and safe travels to all at San Antonio SR this weekend.

Mash · October 30, 2018

On 10/30/2018 at 12:55 PM, TWHSParent said:
There are exceptions to this - chaperones and pit crew (if they don't stand on the field) usually have to leave immediately. So if you see a gaggle of people for a band leaving together (especially at a contest that is not near their home area) they are very likely to be required to catch up with the band as soon as they can. Don't always assume they are being disrespectful.

Yes, but that is a limited number of people in the stands. I have seen many non-chaperones/pit crew show up 5 minutes prior to a band playing and leaving immediately after their band plays at many band competitions. I have also seen many people put their hands away for any band other than their own. All the bands work hard and some have to travel extremely long distances and have limited crowd support, they all deserve it.

We have met a lot of great people from other schools from all around Texas and had a great time hanging out watching the bands.

LeanderMomma · October 30, 2018

Strange question, but do y’all know if you can enter and/or purchase tickets for BOA on both ends of the Alamodome or only on the North side?

FloMoParent · October 30, 2018

On 10/30/2018 at 9:33 PM, LeanderMomma said:
Strange question, but do y’all know if you can enter and/or purchase tickets for BOA on both ends of the Alamodome or only on the North side?

The last time I was there, it was only on one side

FloMoParent · October 30, 2018

something that missed the list:

- If you want to have a blast at a contest (BOA San Antonio especially) plan a tailgate between prelims and finals. At San Antonio you can't leave the parking lot without paying to re-enter, get with a few of your band friends and have a gathering in the parking lot.

LeanderMomma · October 30, 2018

On 10/30/2018 at 9:36 PM, FloMoParent said:
The last time I was there, it was only on one side

That’s what I’m thinking but I am hoping you can get in on the south end as well. The townhouse we are renting very near there is southwest of the dome and we plan to walk. I guess we can go ahead and walk up to the south side and go around the dome right there beside the structure itself rather than taking the streets all the way around.

bksatx · October 31, 2018

On 10/30/2018 at 9:33 PM, LeanderMomma said:
Strange question, but do y’all know if you can enter and/or purchase tickets for BOA on both ends of the Alamodome or only on the North side?

99% sure the only entrance is on the north side. Same for tickets.

CTJBandPops · October 31, 2018

On 10/31/2018 at 9:18 PM, bksatx said:
99% sure the only entrance is on the north side. Same for tickets.

I confirmed with BOA/MFA yesterday that the North Entrance and Box Office is the only location open for spectators to buy tickets and pass through security to enter the dome for the event.

Samuel Culper · November 1, 2018

On 10/31/2018 at 11:49 PM, banddad84 said:
I confirmed with BOA/MFA yesterday that the North Entrance and Box Office is the only location open for spectators to buy tickets and pass through security to enter the dome for the event.

*SIGH*

Total lack of customer service focus.

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The "tips, hints, and great things to know" for band parents

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