Things I Wish I'd Known as a New Band Parent/Member

This is a list of things that every PHS Band parent/member needs to know, but that aren't necessarily spelled out in the Band Handbook. These are bits of wisdom that will help you get the most out of your PHS Band experience. Thanks to all who responded to my email plea for this information! Incoming Band parents, these are the voices of experience! Read and heed!

Resources

• Your first resource is the Page Band Handbook. It contains most of what you need to know as a Band parent and a Band member. It is available here online in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) form. Here's a brief list of what's in the Handbook:
  • List of activities.
  • Band summer camp information and normal schedule.
  • Band rules and regulations.
  • Band classes and grades.
  • Attendance - very important!
  • Uniforms.
  • Volunteer opportunities.
  • Fund-raising opportunities. In some cases, Band parents can earn money for their own child's account.
  • Band fees.
• The Page Band is a family, from Mr. and Mrs. Harris and the section instructors to Band parents and members. You can always ask a more experienced Band parent or Band member for answers to your questions. Your Page Band family is your greatest resource, in many, many ways.

Time Expectations

• Practice starts at the stated time, downbeat at the stated time: don't think you only have to get there at the stated time. Once again BE READY TO START at the stated time. If the Band member has a bulky/heavy instrument, plan at least 10 - 15 minutes to get it onto the practice field. Remember: if you're early, you're on time; if you're on time, you're late.
Especially for school afternoon practices, do not expect your child to be finished at stated end time. They quit practicing at stated end time, then they "debrief", then they trek back to the school and stow instruments. Depending on where you live you'll be safe leaving your house at stated end time.
The Band performs at most Friday night PHS football games, including away games. It isn't unusual for the Band to get back to PHS between 11 PM and midnight. Then all the Band members normally unload the instrument truck and stow the instruments in the Band room. Be patient and get right to sleep when you get home, because...
• On at least 6 - 7 Saturdays from September through the first part of November, the Band has exhibitions and competitions. Practices for them on Saturday mornings can begin at 7 AM, or earlier.
Some sections, usually percussion, have to be at practice 30 mins prior to the stated start time. Beware if you commit to carpooling with these people. They are also usually the last to leave.
Make sure your Band member is at practices, especially after holidays like Fall Break. Practice times have been known to change.
If you wonder why your Band member has to practice so much, consider: three consecutive Division II State Championships. Yeah, buddy.

• The Band can use everyone in some way-- don't think you can't help in some way. There are literally dozens of opportunities for Band parents to help out.
• The more that you Band parents participate in Band, whether as volunteers or simply going to the competitions, the more you will get out of the program. I've never heard anyone say that they regretted attending a Band function, helping to make sandwiches for competition lunches, dragging props onto and off of the field, chaperoning buses full of kids, cleaning, mending and altering uniforms, and a hundred other things.
• Working in the concession stand at football games gets you a FREE dinner and the hot chocolate rocks!
• If you're a Page Middle School Band parent, consider getting involved now as a volunteer. Volunteer to work the concession stand BEFORE your child is out there marching on the field, because later on, you'll want to be out there watching and cheering them on rather than selling hot dogs and cokes. Try to volunteer as much as possible for three years so you can enjoy their senior year!!!!

Pre-Band Camp

• Pre-band camp is two weeks long, and is held at the end of summer vacation, just before school starts. The first week the Band members attend from 5 PM to 9 PM, and the following week from 8 AM to 8 PM.
• It's hot. Water, water, water! These kids are exercising a lot in the hot sun. Sending a half-gallon or so of cold water with your Band member is a Good Idea.
• Don't forget sunscreen!
• A bandanna or two, soaked periodically in cold water, one around the neck, and the other around the forehead, are life-savers.
• Get your Band member a pair of sneakers for camp you won't mind burning at the end of camp - or at least keep outside. Seriously.

Miscellaneous

• Your Band member should bring cash to competitions. There are souvenir T-shirts, programs, and all sorts of things they would like to have.
• At competitions, buy a program and record the bands' preliminary and final scores. This makes the program and the whole experience much more memorable.
• If you send cash for your child to drop in the "box" in Mr. Harris' office put it in an envelope that has its purpose and your name written on it. The Band Booster Treasurer HATES mystery money. Do not incur her wrath.
• For a personal take on the Band Experience, read Scott Stafford's Open Letter to the PHS Band.
• For information on things to do (and not to do at band contests, see Band Contest Etiquette and Tips.

External Links (Thanks to Pamela Morrow!)

http://www.staband.com/guide.htm

http://www.bandparenting.net/contents.html

This is an ongoing list. Email the webmaster with additions and corrections.