Have your child tend to their uniform after a performance, especially if it's wet. Fold pants along crease. Take it out of the garment bag and hang it up to dry out, otherwise the wool will mildew and smell.
Items to purchase which are not provided by the band:
Consider a phone for your child. Sometimes plans change (arrival times from away performances) or details are missed (oh yeah, practice was canceled tonight) and you'll want to be informed. No one wants his or her child standing in front of the gym for two hours waiting for a ride.
Any completely black DRESS shoe may be worn during concert season. Black tennis shoes are not appropriate.
Be sure your child brings things to do for the long bus rides to competitions. Homework, a book, CD player, IPOD, or even portable DVD players are examples. However, if you feel any of these could be lost or left behind, it may be in your best interest not to allow your child to bring along that item. Also, make sure they have money with them for meal stops.
Your child may say they don't want you to be around. Someone's child will be very happy to see you. Go ahead and agree to work an event, chaperone a trip, serve 3rd quarter snacks, or videotape a concert. They won't be sorry when it's all over.
When the kids have a performance on a week, make plans to attend. The crowds are usually sparse, but the kids will sound awesome and appreciate your being there.
For competition days, plan to go early, stay all day and get home late. Volunteer to be part of the pit crew or help to feed the kids snacks. Go to lunch with other band parents. Wear your purple and yell REALLY LOUD!
Understand that band is not like signing up for any other class. There is an extensive time commitment required outside of school, especially 1st quarter and for the most part, the kids love it!
Buy a cassette recorder and tapes, or a digital voice recorder for the symphonic band audition and other playing tests. You'll be glad you did on the Sunday night before they are due!
Encourage your child to participate in Solo & Ensemble, or to audition for the All-Suburban Band.
Yes, it is an extra event on the calendar (maybe more than one), but it is a wonderful opportunity for your child to stretch themselves musically. These types of honors are great to include on a college application. IT IS WORTH IT!
If the directors are offering extra help (i.e. to prepare for All-Suburban Band), take them up on it.
They want what is best for your child. Take advantage of the opportunity!
For Solo & Ensemble, take advantage of every opportunity to practice with your accompanist, and be aware that they charge a one time fee of about $50 for practices and to play at the event.
If you are not receiving band emails, High Notes newsletters or trip sheets, contact the School Registrar to update your information.
Trip sheets are important details for any traveling that the band does. Ask your child if they picked one up and check your email. These sheets come out the week before an event.
If you're invited to go out after a football game or fundraising event, try to go at least once. It's a great way to get to know other parents away from school.
Join the Band Patrons - buy a purple shirt (or two or three). Everyone will look to the purple wave in the crowd or at an event. Be a part of the group! Attend the Band Patrons meetings as they are a great source of information.
You have the opportunity to be part of possibly one of the most memorable times in your child's life.
Take advantage of it. Be involved and help make it the best program for your child.
Black socks - worn with the marching uniform and tuxedos; Buy at least 3 pairs for marching and 3 pairs for concert season as they are easily lost.
Khaki shorts and slacks - worn with band polo for casual performances
Santa hat - worn in select years during the Holiday in St. Louis parade
"Hot Hands" - (optional) for the cold performances.
Bobby pins - for girls AND boys with long hair. Hair must be tucked up under the hat and NOT touch the collar.
Boxer shorts & Band T-shirt - to be worn under the uniform as students will sometimes change on a bus. This year all band members should have the new black t-shirt design.
Black marching gloves - students take them off and are easily lost; consider an extra pair.
