Band Parent FAQ
Q: I have lots of questions about band – how do I know where to direct my questions?
A: Use our “Ask a Booster” button above; your question will be directed accordingly and someone in Booster Leadership will get back with you ASAP. If your questions should be directed at the Band staff, their contact info can be found here.
Q: I’m completely new to the area and don’t know anyone.
A: Get involved! That’s the best way to learn about the band program and make new friends. Check out our current Volunteer Opportunities.
Q: Practice times & call times – what does this all mean?
A: If practice is scheduled for 7 that does not mean it’s OK to arrive at 7. A practice start time of 7 means your student needs to have instrument/equipment in hand, standing on their dot and ready to start right at 7. Call time is when they should arrive and ready themselves so they are prepared when practice starts. There’s a saying in band – if you’re on time, you’re late. Early is always better. If practice ends at 9, that does not mean your student is ready to leave at 9. They’ll be kept on the field until practice ends. Often section announcements take place after practice, then they need to put up their instrument/equipment way back at the band hall. After gathering up all their personal belongings, then they’re ready to exit the building and come to the car.
Q: The Band practices so much, will my student have time to study?
A: Yes, your student will not only have time to study but have a ready-made group of students to study with. The Band family will help them be successful. Through the Marching season your student will learn valuable time management skills and that may mean some late nights.
Q: How do I know when to volunteer? I missed the chance to sign up for concessions/pit crew/chaperones /etc.
A: The band sends out communications throughout the year calling for volunteers. Volunteers will register via the Signup Genius website. Links to the events will be provided in the communication. If you have specific questions, please email our volunteer coordinator at ___________
Q: I signed up to volunteer for xxxx, but can no longer meet my commitment for the event, do I need to tell anyone?
A: First, please do try to find a replacement. If you're unable to fulfill your shift, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to let them know, as they will need to find a replacement to ensure adequate staffing, as well as notify the lead for the volunteer activity of the change. You should also cancel via Signup Genius. Please email our volunteer coordinator at __________________
Q: When the Band plays for the Pep Rally’s where can I find out what they are supposed to be wearing to school? Band Shirt, Show Shirt, do we wear whatever the theme is for the Rally?
A: The Band Directors will post attire for Pep Rally’s and Concerts on the Band Itinerary so you will know in advance.
Q: Do I have to wash my student's uniform?
A: No, the band has a laundry team (great way to volunteer, if you are interested) which handles the uniforms. You will be responsible for washing your student's polo shirts, t-shirts, compression shorts, etc.
Q: Do I really need two shirts for Band, and do I need 2 of EVERY shirt from Band?
A: You definitely need 2 shirts for under the uniform. Students will get back from a Football game on a Friday night LATE, and will need to be back at school for a competition early. Unless you plan on staying up until 2am washing and drying clothes, a 2nd shirt is your best friend. In reference to two Show Shirts, or two Band Trip Shirts…really you only need one. Generally everyone will wear the same shirt one day on a trip, and then the rest of the time, clothing…..while required…is at based upon the fashion sense of your teen!
Q: If I'm not able to attend the football game, how will I know when my student will be back at the school and ready to be picked up?
A: Be sure to sign up for the Remind 101 service, the directors will send a mass text advising on the ETA of the buses after each event.
Q: Who is the Pit Crew and what do they do?
A: The Pit Crew is the parent volunteer team that is responsible for the transportation of pretty much everything the Band needs for all stadium practices, football games, contests and performances. This includes: all large instruments (tubas, other large horns, drums), front ensemble instruments, all speakers and sound equipment, all show props, colorguard equipment, drum major podium/ladders and all snacks/food/water for all band members. The Pit Crew assists with loading and unloading the semi trailer and pushing the equipment between warmup locations and, most importantly, on and off the field for all games, contests and performances.
A: Use our “Ask a Booster” button above; your question will be directed accordingly and someone in Booster Leadership will get back with you ASAP. If your questions should be directed at the Band staff, their contact info can be found here.
Q: I’m completely new to the area and don’t know anyone.
A: Get involved! That’s the best way to learn about the band program and make new friends. Check out our current Volunteer Opportunities.
Q: Practice times & call times – what does this all mean?
A: If practice is scheduled for 7 that does not mean it’s OK to arrive at 7. A practice start time of 7 means your student needs to have instrument/equipment in hand, standing on their dot and ready to start right at 7. Call time is when they should arrive and ready themselves so they are prepared when practice starts. There’s a saying in band – if you’re on time, you’re late. Early is always better. If practice ends at 9, that does not mean your student is ready to leave at 9. They’ll be kept on the field until practice ends. Often section announcements take place after practice, then they need to put up their instrument/equipment way back at the band hall. After gathering up all their personal belongings, then they’re ready to exit the building and come to the car.
Q: The Band practices so much, will my student have time to study?
A: Yes, your student will not only have time to study but have a ready-made group of students to study with. The Band family will help them be successful. Through the Marching season your student will learn valuable time management skills and that may mean some late nights.
Q: How do I know when to volunteer? I missed the chance to sign up for concessions/pit crew/chaperones /etc.
A: The band sends out communications throughout the year calling for volunteers. Volunteers will register via the Signup Genius website. Links to the events will be provided in the communication. If you have specific questions, please email our volunteer coordinator at ___________
Q: I signed up to volunteer for xxxx, but can no longer meet my commitment for the event, do I need to tell anyone?
A: First, please do try to find a replacement. If you're unable to fulfill your shift, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to let them know, as they will need to find a replacement to ensure adequate staffing, as well as notify the lead for the volunteer activity of the change. You should also cancel via Signup Genius. Please email our volunteer coordinator at __________________
Q: When the Band plays for the Pep Rally’s where can I find out what they are supposed to be wearing to school? Band Shirt, Show Shirt, do we wear whatever the theme is for the Rally?
A: The Band Directors will post attire for Pep Rally’s and Concerts on the Band Itinerary so you will know in advance.
Q: Do I have to wash my student's uniform?
A: No, the band has a laundry team (great way to volunteer, if you are interested) which handles the uniforms. You will be responsible for washing your student's polo shirts, t-shirts, compression shorts, etc.
Q: Do I really need two shirts for Band, and do I need 2 of EVERY shirt from Band?
A: You definitely need 2 shirts for under the uniform. Students will get back from a Football game on a Friday night LATE, and will need to be back at school for a competition early. Unless you plan on staying up until 2am washing and drying clothes, a 2nd shirt is your best friend. In reference to two Show Shirts, or two Band Trip Shirts…really you only need one. Generally everyone will wear the same shirt one day on a trip, and then the rest of the time, clothing…..while required…is at based upon the fashion sense of your teen!
Q: If I'm not able to attend the football game, how will I know when my student will be back at the school and ready to be picked up?
A: Be sure to sign up for the Remind 101 service, the directors will send a mass text advising on the ETA of the buses after each event.
Q: Who is the Pit Crew and what do they do?
A: The Pit Crew is the parent volunteer team that is responsible for the transportation of pretty much everything the Band needs for all stadium practices, football games, contests and performances. This includes: all large instruments (tubas, other large horns, drums), front ensemble instruments, all speakers and sound equipment, all show props, colorguard equipment, drum major podium/ladders and all snacks/food/water for all band members. The Pit Crew assists with loading and unloading the semi trailer and pushing the equipment between warmup locations and, most importantly, on and off the field for all games, contests and performances.