The UNOFFICIAL Rookie Band Parent Handbook
2015-2016
Welcome!
This information has been put together by a group of parents who spent a large portion of their “rookie year” in various stages of confusion. In the many hours spent together watching practices and performances, waiting to pick up kids, and following activity busses, we asked lots of questions.
As novice band parents, of course we wanted to know what we should do. After all, the only people who were even more confused, and looking to us for answers, were our children. We wanted to share with the “upcoming rookie parents” some of the answers to these many questions before we too forget how it felt not knowing what was going on…(of course we still don’t have all the answers)!
Being a member of the Southern Alamance Band Program will bring your children an interesting, and fulfilling educational experience. They will work hard and experience many triumphs, as well as downfalls; two things that will prepare them for the real world after high school.
We sincerely hope this guide will answer some important questions about time management, time commitment, band fees and how to pay for them, fundraising, and uniforms. We would also like to give you some “insider” information on what it takes to be a band student, and a band parent!
How Will My Child Have Time?
TIME MANAGEMENT
How will our children have the time to go to rehearsals two days a week after school, perform at eight to twelve Friday night football games, and compete on three or four Saturdays? How will they have the time to do all of this, within a three-month period, and keep up their grades??
TIME MANAGEMENT will be the most important tool that your children will acquire when they become members of the SAHS band program.
The students quickly learn that they must use every minute of their day wisely. The time not spent in practice has to be spent doing schoolwork, there is no other choice and they know that. At any given time you will find students in the band room, out in the hallway, or in any other space available doing homework. This is taught to them when they first join the program and it is expected of them. Remember that most band members are Honors or AP students.
Your student will learn how to keep a schedule, how to be punctual, and how to set priorities.
During the first week of Band Camp, a detailed schedule will be distributed to all band students. It will list every rehearsal, football game, and competition your student will be required to attend the next three months (well, almost every rehearsal). You can also view this schedule on the Band's web site at www.SAPatriotBand.com and this schedule will now become a permanent attachment to your refrigerator.
Your child will also become punctual. They will be taught the meaning of the phrase...
“Early is on time, on time is late!"
Finally, your child will learn how to set priorities. No longer will you see your children staring mindlessly at the television, or playing PS3 or computer games for hours upon hours. Band rehearsals and homework will now fill their free time. (If only the band program could teach them to make time to take out the garbage without being reminded 100 times!!!)
“Early is on time, on time is late!"
What About Rehearsals?
DOES MY STUDENT REALLY HAVE TO BE THERE?
Rehearsals during Marching Band season are mandatory. One absent member will disrupt rehearsal for all members of the band. To be able to put the best possible musical product on the field, the staff and director need for all members of the band to be present during all scheduled rehearsals. Please see the Band Handbook for the consequences of missed rehearsals. Your membership depends on consistent participation. Management of a band this size is a monumental task and it becomes next to impossible if members of the band are absent. Please help your student make every effort to be there
How Do Parents Get Involved?
PARENT INVOLVEMENT = A SUCCESSFUL BAND PROGRAM
Getting involved in the band program will give you the opportunity to share with your child the last four years of their education, these years that go so fast and are rarely enjoyed by many parents. Your child might say they rather not have you around, but most parents actually learn that in reality they appreciate your involvement and will thank you in the future.
Southern Alamance is very fortunate to have a great staff. The band parents are needed to support the staff, and help with the details of fundraising, transporting, feeding and watering an organization of this size. The band needs parents to be able to function; it is for this reason that we urge you to get involved. Join one of the many committees; we need your help. Grandparents, siblings, or any member of your family can get involved and make a difference. Join the Band Boosters, it is a great way to meet the parents and the kids your student will be spending much of their time with for the next few months and throughout their high school career.
The easiest way to volunteer is by joining the monthly Band Booster meetings where you will learn more about the program and where it needs your help.
Don’t just sit in the car, get out and ask, “How can I help?” It is fun and you meet the other parents with the same interests as yours. As a guideline, it is encouraged that every family contributes 10 hours to the Band Program.
How Do We Keep Informed?
The SAHS Band web site is a place that you will want to visit often not only to keep informed, but also to view the most recent pictures of the band’s activities. It is here that you will find the latest information on all upcoming events and fundraising opportunities. You will find rehearsal times, schedules, Band Handbooks, Chaperone Guidelines, and all parent contact information. You will also have an opportunity to sign up for the mailing list.
How Do We Pay For This?
There are many questions about the economic impact of the Band Program. While your middle school programs traditionally did not have fees, the high school band program is very different. When we hear the bottom line, we sometimes wonder how we are going to be able to raise the funds needed for our children to be able to continue the pursuit of their musical interest. We do not want the economic factor to keep any student from participating in band. Throughout the year there are many opportunities to earn band fees. There have been families that did not pay anything out of pocket for their student to be in band, due to their successful fundraising. We have a fundraising team, dedicated to provide many opportunities to earn band fees. Some of the most successful are the UNC Concessions Car Washes, Citrus sales, Trailer Sponsorships, and many other ideas that come up throughout the year.
The fee schedule is broken down into regularly scheduled payment amounts. You can deposit smaller amounts into your child’s account ahead of the payment due date. This can be done all through the year so you don’t have to come up with all the money at one time. The best way to learn about these fundraising opportunities is by keeping informed; and the best way to keep informed is by visiting the Band web site and attending the Band Booster meetings that take place all year long. Due dates are not flexible, however unique circumstances can always be discussed and worked out with the Band Director or Band Booster treasurer.
Uniforms, Uniforms – What Do They Wear?
Marching Band Rehearsals
Wear comfortable shoes, closed toe, no flip flops, boat shoes, boots, slip on shoes are allowed. A light colored t-shirt, and shorts are appropriate. Students may want an extra t-shirt in case of a sudden rain shower. Students are encouraged to wear a hat at all outside rehearsals.
Performances
-White marching band shoes
-White knee high socks
- White compression shorts
- White undershirt
- White gloves (these can be purchased when the shoes are purchased on Everything Day). We suggest having several pairs.
Color Guard uniforms change from year to year
Tips to remember while in uniform:
-No visible jewelry
- No make up (Guard is the exception, it is part of their uniform)
- Colored drinks or food is not to be eaten while in uniform. Water only.
Are There Really Inspections?
Inspections are held before games in the band room. Students should be in place no later than the time they were told to report. Your student and their instrument will be inspected as they stand at attention by sections. Students should be sure to not have and visable jewelry or hair showing. No make up should be worn when in uniform. Failure to pass inspection could lead to your child not performing with the Band that performance!
Helpful Hints to Save You Time and Grief:
2015-2016
Welcome!
This information has been put together by a group of parents who spent a large portion of their “rookie year” in various stages of confusion. In the many hours spent together watching practices and performances, waiting to pick up kids, and following activity busses, we asked lots of questions.
As novice band parents, of course we wanted to know what we should do. After all, the only people who were even more confused, and looking to us for answers, were our children. We wanted to share with the “upcoming rookie parents” some of the answers to these many questions before we too forget how it felt not knowing what was going on…(of course we still don’t have all the answers)!
Being a member of the Southern Alamance Band Program will bring your children an interesting, and fulfilling educational experience. They will work hard and experience many triumphs, as well as downfalls; two things that will prepare them for the real world after high school.
We sincerely hope this guide will answer some important questions about time management, time commitment, band fees and how to pay for them, fundraising, and uniforms. We would also like to give you some “insider” information on what it takes to be a band student, and a band parent!
How Will My Child Have Time?
TIME MANAGEMENT
How will our children have the time to go to rehearsals two days a week after school, perform at eight to twelve Friday night football games, and compete on three or four Saturdays? How will they have the time to do all of this, within a three-month period, and keep up their grades??
TIME MANAGEMENT will be the most important tool that your children will acquire when they become members of the SAHS band program.
The students quickly learn that they must use every minute of their day wisely. The time not spent in practice has to be spent doing schoolwork, there is no other choice and they know that. At any given time you will find students in the band room, out in the hallway, or in any other space available doing homework. This is taught to them when they first join the program and it is expected of them. Remember that most band members are Honors or AP students.
Your student will learn how to keep a schedule, how to be punctual, and how to set priorities.
During the first week of Band Camp, a detailed schedule will be distributed to all band students. It will list every rehearsal, football game, and competition your student will be required to attend the next three months (well, almost every rehearsal). You can also view this schedule on the Band's web site at www.SAPatriotBand.com and this schedule will now become a permanent attachment to your refrigerator.
Your child will also become punctual. They will be taught the meaning of the phrase...
“Early is on time, on time is late!"
Finally, your child will learn how to set priorities. No longer will you see your children staring mindlessly at the television, or playing PS3 or computer games for hours upon hours. Band rehearsals and homework will now fill their free time. (If only the band program could teach them to make time to take out the garbage without being reminded 100 times!!!)
“Early is on time, on time is late!"
What About Rehearsals?
DOES MY STUDENT REALLY HAVE TO BE THERE?
Rehearsals during Marching Band season are mandatory. One absent member will disrupt rehearsal for all members of the band. To be able to put the best possible musical product on the field, the staff and director need for all members of the band to be present during all scheduled rehearsals. Please see the Band Handbook for the consequences of missed rehearsals. Your membership depends on consistent participation. Management of a band this size is a monumental task and it becomes next to impossible if members of the band are absent. Please help your student make every effort to be there
How Do Parents Get Involved?
PARENT INVOLVEMENT = A SUCCESSFUL BAND PROGRAM
Getting involved in the band program will give you the opportunity to share with your child the last four years of their education, these years that go so fast and are rarely enjoyed by many parents. Your child might say they rather not have you around, but most parents actually learn that in reality they appreciate your involvement and will thank you in the future.
Southern Alamance is very fortunate to have a great staff. The band parents are needed to support the staff, and help with the details of fundraising, transporting, feeding and watering an organization of this size. The band needs parents to be able to function; it is for this reason that we urge you to get involved. Join one of the many committees; we need your help. Grandparents, siblings, or any member of your family can get involved and make a difference. Join the Band Boosters, it is a great way to meet the parents and the kids your student will be spending much of their time with for the next few months and throughout their high school career.
The easiest way to volunteer is by joining the monthly Band Booster meetings where you will learn more about the program and where it needs your help.
Don’t just sit in the car, get out and ask, “How can I help?” It is fun and you meet the other parents with the same interests as yours. As a guideline, it is encouraged that every family contributes 10 hours to the Band Program.
How Do We Keep Informed?
The SAHS Band web site is a place that you will want to visit often not only to keep informed, but also to view the most recent pictures of the band’s activities. It is here that you will find the latest information on all upcoming events and fundraising opportunities. You will find rehearsal times, schedules, Band Handbooks, Chaperone Guidelines, and all parent contact information. You will also have an opportunity to sign up for the mailing list.
How Do We Pay For This?
There are many questions about the economic impact of the Band Program. While your middle school programs traditionally did not have fees, the high school band program is very different. When we hear the bottom line, we sometimes wonder how we are going to be able to raise the funds needed for our children to be able to continue the pursuit of their musical interest. We do not want the economic factor to keep any student from participating in band. Throughout the year there are many opportunities to earn band fees. There have been families that did not pay anything out of pocket for their student to be in band, due to their successful fundraising. We have a fundraising team, dedicated to provide many opportunities to earn band fees. Some of the most successful are the UNC Concessions Car Washes, Citrus sales, Trailer Sponsorships, and many other ideas that come up throughout the year.
The fee schedule is broken down into regularly scheduled payment amounts. You can deposit smaller amounts into your child’s account ahead of the payment due date. This can be done all through the year so you don’t have to come up with all the money at one time. The best way to learn about these fundraising opportunities is by keeping informed; and the best way to keep informed is by visiting the Band web site and attending the Band Booster meetings that take place all year long. Due dates are not flexible, however unique circumstances can always be discussed and worked out with the Band Director or Band Booster treasurer.
Uniforms, Uniforms – What Do They Wear?
Marching Band Rehearsals
Wear comfortable shoes, closed toe, no flip flops, boat shoes, boots, slip on shoes are allowed. A light colored t-shirt, and shorts are appropriate. Students may want an extra t-shirt in case of a sudden rain shower. Students are encouraged to wear a hat at all outside rehearsals.
Performances
-White marching band shoes
-White knee high socks
- White compression shorts
- White undershirt
- White gloves (these can be purchased when the shoes are purchased on Everything Day). We suggest having several pairs.
Color Guard uniforms change from year to year
Tips to remember while in uniform:
-No visible jewelry
- No make up (Guard is the exception, it is part of their uniform)
- Colored drinks or food is not to be eaten while in uniform. Water only.
Are There Really Inspections?
Inspections are held before games in the band room. Students should be in place no later than the time they were told to report. Your student and their instrument will be inspected as they stand at attention by sections. Students should be sure to not have and visable jewelry or hair showing. No make up should be worn when in uniform. Failure to pass inspection could lead to your child not performing with the Band that performance!
Helpful Hints to Save You Time and Grief:
- Make your child responsible for being prepared. The first time they forget something will be the last!!! They learn to be resourceful when they have to be.
- At the end of each practice session there are usually announcements – listen up. This is your best opportunity to find out who, what, where and when things are going on.
- Network – This is how we meet each other. It is also one of the best ways to get helpful hints on band parenting from others.
- Carpool to competitions when parent busses aren’t available.
- Be prepared to cheer! The band loves it when they have their own cheering section.
- Don’t put uniform items away in the closet or drawers when cleaned. Keep all items (socks, shoes, band shirt, gloves, etc.) in a bag. These tips will save time spent hunting for them each time they are needed.
- Keep extra gloves, socks, needle & thread, etc. in your car or purse just in case.
- Visit the band web site to stay informed.
- Sign up for the e-mail notification list on the web site.