New & Returning Parent Checklist

Start the School Year Off on the Right Note! Whether this is your first year in the program or your fourth, this checklist will help make sure your student is ready for a successful school year.

The band program is more than rehearsals and concerts—it's a community. Parents and guardians are an important part of that community by encouraging students, staying informed, and supporting the program when they can.
You don't need a music background to be a great band parent!

Stay
Informed
Communication is key to a successful year.

Be sure to:
- Check the program calendar regularly.
- Read emails from directors and boosters (check spam just in case).
- Read messages from band director sent via ParentSquare.
- Subscribe & read the monthly Band Boosters newsletter.
- Follow the Band Boosters on social media (scroll to bottom of page for links).
- Join the Band Boosters FREE BAND app group for up-to-date info.
- Ask questions if something isn't clear.

Adding important dates to your personal calendar can help avoid scheduling conflicts.
Understand the School Year
Throughout the year, students may participate in:
- Concert Band performances
- Jazz Band performances
- Pep Band events
- Solo & Ensemble Festival
- Honor Band auditions and performances
- Community performances
- Fundraisers
- Leadership opportunities
- Show Band (marching band)
- Winter Guard performances

Not every student participates in every activity, but there are many opportunities for growth beyond the classroom.
Attendance
Matters

Band is a performance-based class where every student contributes to the success of the ensemble.

Please help your student:
- Attend rehearsals and performances.
- Arrive on time.
- Communicate conflicts as early as possible.
- Make up missed work when applicable.

Encourage Good
Habits
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to:
- Practice regularly.
- Bring their instrument and music to class.
- Keep supplies stocked (reeds, valve oil, sticks, pencils, etc.).
- Take care of school-owned equipment.
- Get enough sleep before performances.
- Balance academics and extracurricular activities.
Concert
Preparation
Before each concert:
- Verify performance time and arrival time.
- Confirm the required concert attire.
- Make transportation plans.
- Ensure instruments and music are ready.
- Arrive early.

After the concert:
- Take all personal belongings home.
- Return school equipment if instructed.
Fundraising

Fundraising helps provide opportunities that school funding alone cannot cover.

- Funds often help with:
- Music
- Instruments and equipment
- Repairs
- Guest clinicians
- Student scholarships
- Performance opportunities
- Uniforms and program needs

Participation is appreciated by every family.

The Role of Band Boosters

The Band Boosters are a volunteer organization that supports every student in the band program.

Volunteers help with:
- Fundraising
- Concert support
- Hospitality
- Uniforms
- Equipment
- Events
- Student recognition
- Communications
- Scholarships

Whether you volunteer once a year or every month, every contribution makes a difference.

Ways You
Can Help

Every family has different schedules and availability.

- Some ways to get involved include:
- Attend booster meetings.
- Volunteer at a concert.
- Help with fundraising.
- Sponsor or donate to the program.
- Share events with friends and family.
- Help behind the scenes.
- Support student celebrations.
- Offer professional skills or expertise.

There is a place for everyone.

Where's info on Show Band & Color Guard?

These are extracurricular performance ensembles that combines music, movement, and visual performance.

Participation is outside the regular school day and offers students the opportunity to represent their school through exciting, high-energy performances/competitions.

Show Band & Color Guard start auditions/sign ups in the spring. More info HERE.

Winter Guard auditions are in late fall, more info HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my student need private lessons?

- Private lessons are optional but can greatly improve individual musicianship.

How much should my student practice?

- Daily practice—even 20–30 minutes—can make a noticeable difference.

Who should I contact with questions?

- Questions about classes, rehearsals, grades, or performances should go to the band director. Questions about volunteering, fundraising, or events can often be answered by the Band Boosters.

Do parents have to volunteer?

- No. Volunteer support is always appreciated, but families should participate at the level that works best for them.

Thank You!
The success of our band program is built on the partnership between students, families, directors, and volunteers.

Thank you for encouraging your student, supporting music education, and being part of our band family. We look forward to another wonderful year of learning, growth, and memorable performances!

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