WHAT IS IT GOING TO COST ME FOR MY CHILD TO MARCH WITH THE BAND?
Fees - In order to provide a holistic and worthwhile experience for the students of the MMB, there is a cost associated with enrolling as a member
Payment for the MMB are spread over payments (set by the boosters), to be paid at specified times.
It is EXTREMELY important that your fees are paid on time because your child has been assigned a spot for the show and if fees are not paid there is a hole in the show that effects the entire band!
These fees go to covering costs such as food (for all competitions, band camp, football games), staff that are hired to give each student direct and specific instruction on their instrument, as well as show design (music, drill, etc.)
Fundraisers – The students and parents of marching band and guard members are expected to help with the fundraisers developed by the music boosters. The music boosters need fundraising because the fee only covers a small part of the cost of providing award-winning programs for the students.
Optional costs – Parents will also find that there are optional costs involved with having a child in band. These costs include: admissions to competitions (for the parents), travel (for parents going to competition).
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A PARENT OF A MARCHING BAND STUDENT?
A parent of a marching band student requires flexibility – places, times of practice, etc. do change based on the needs of the band. Changes in schedules are kept to a minimum but they do occur and consequently, parents need to be flexible. Your child, as well as all students and staff, need your support. There will be times when your child or your child’s friend becomes discouraged. Your encouragement to keep plugging along will help get them to the next competition and to MCBA State Championships. Even the experienced marchers occasionally need to be reminded of why they are investing so much effort. But when they are reminded of the feeling they get standing on Ford Field, they all want to continue toward that goal. We also need your assistance on various committees and activities (we value your time and energy as much or more than your financial support).
WHAT KIND OF SUPERVISION DOES MY CHILD HAVE WHEN THEY ARE WITH THE BAND?
Boosters volunteers chaperone all events with the band. There are many parent volunteers present at every band event.
WHEN WILL I EVER GET TO SEE WHAT MY CHILD IS DOING WITH BAND?
In general, the marching band will perform their show at each Friday home football game. At home games, the band performs the entire show. The band also performs at various competitions on Saturdays during the Fall progressing towards MCBA State Championships. On special occasions, the band will not perform at half-time (senior night, homecoming, etc.).
Parents are able to watch practices at any time. Parents are asked, however, to not disturb students and staff during practices. It is remarkable to see the differences in the marching and music as the season progresses. The kids also appreciate the support of the parents who take a few minutes towards the end of practice to see what they are doing.
AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TRANSPORTATION OF MY CHILD TO EVENTS AND PRACTICES? WHAT TIME SHOULD MY CHILD BE AT PRACTICES?
Many students carpool to and from practices and from the school before and after events. (Older students are allowed to transport younger students to and from band practices with parent permission.)
To be EARLY is to be on TIME. Students should be ready to go at the specific start times. Different sections require different setup times, generally, 15 minutes before the start time of a MMB event is the general accepted rule.
I AM GOING TO BE AT A BAND EVENT. DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO RIDE HOME WITH THE BAND?
Students are expected to ride to all events with the band. (Occasionally special exceptions are made by prior arrangement with the music staff.) Students may ride home from events with their parents IF a parental permission note is given to the chaperones before leaving for the event. You may bring home your child’s friend IF the child has a note from his/her parents and gives it to the chaperones before leaving for the event. It is the responsibility of the parent to meet the student at the band truck or bus and check in with the chaperones before taking the child.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE INFORMATION I NEED?
There are a variety of ways used to communicate in the band and booster organization. Some of the ways you need to become accustomed to using are:
*band web site
*booster meetings
*weekly itineraries are given to students during the marching season (ask your child for this early each week)
*other parents