Being a Band Parent
Just came from a New Band Parent Meeting. Learned about the band's schedule (football games and tournament of Bands), how often we have to chaperone, what fundraisers we have to participate in & how many points the kids have to earn from them in order to go to march at DisneyWorld next April, what checks to write (they get fitted for band shoes tomorrow), what is expected of the kids, what is expected of us . . .
I knew that being a band parent would mean a lot of involvement. I just didn't realize that I would have to sign my life over to the Band Director and the Band Boosters.
Excuse me, I'm going to the State Store (that's where you buy liquor in Pennsylvania). See you in four years.(Oh, remember that band director from Funky Winkerbean? I can see now that's too true to life to be funny anymore.)
EDIT: The band performs at 10 games and 7 TOBs. Twice they have a game AND a TOB on the same day. Four times they have a Friday night game and then a TOB the next day. And that's just Marching Band thru November. At least one TOB is a two hour drive. Then Concert Band starts.
posted by dddragon at 7:40 PM
22 Comments:
What the? I don't remember band being that insane of a commitment! Who knew?
Do they play any Christian music?
Ahhh yea. Band memories. I was in the marching band for 3 years.
It was a lot of fun. I had forgotten the endless fundraisers.
One of the most fun my HS band had was a food vending spot in Joe Robbie Stadium. The fun thing about the stadium stand was it sold beer and smokes. Everyone who worked got to split the profits.
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OMG! Aral, it was NOT that bad when you were at the same school. Wait until Acton Bell reads this. It wasn't that bad for her either, and she stuck it out all the way through 12th grade. But you two had a different band director. Mr. Z is a different animal.
But I have to love him. He's so enthusiastic! He looks so happy out there.
I was a flag girl when I was in high school. I would be much more grateful that my kid's hanging out with the band than some other people he/she could be with. I can't wait to have kids!
And orchestra, and tutors, and neighborhood bands, and jam sessions, and concerts.....
Hoss: oh, yeah, all this marching band stuff is on top of private lessons. Then after xmas there's jazz band and orchestra pit for the spring musical. And Goa'uld also takes piano lessons.
The firls next door to me do all that stuff. When this generation turns 30, they're going to open an underachiever reservation. Look for me there.
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That was supposed to "girls." There are no firls in my neighborhood that I'm aware of. I remember Funky Winkerbean. I never got it.
There is a lot of driving to do to get to those bands.
Aral: it's been this way for at least 15 years, from what I hear.
LBOS: I don't think so, not for marching. Didn't hear "When the Saints Go...."
Tan Lucy: Time to get those grocery store gift cards!! The points needed to earn has gone WAY up!
Polanco: I agree, a better bunch to hang with.
Doug: lol, I understood you! Boy, an underachievers home sounds really good 'bout now!
Iguana: French bread pizza and homemade band fudge vs beer and smokes? hmmmm
Captain: yeah, where's the warp drive on this van o' mine?
Disneyworld!! How exciting. I hope you get to chaperone for that trip in April.
So, you are now a slave to the band. Your life is no longer your own.
I'm a competitive cheerleading parent. I know exactly what you're talking about. The worst episode was a sleepover with 15 young ladies at our house. Pandemonium! At least I get off the hook when school starts, then The Missus takes over.
Whew!
We only got to play at Hershey Park, and after it was closed, for that matter. What I remember most is playing in the winter when it was so cold our poles froze to our hands and we thought we'd get frostbite from touching the metal. The coldest I've ever been has been on a football field at 9:00 PM in the middle of a Pennsylvania October. The second coldest, also in October, had to do with a Cabin and an Air Force trip, but that's a story for another time Anyway, it was a great time. And we stayed out of trouble.
Actonbell: the middle school alternates trips to Great Adventure and Dorney Park - just fun days. High school band rotates Disneyworld (they have to audition to play there), Toronto, Boston and somewhere in Virginia. The latter three are for some kind of performance.
Polanco: Hersheypark is close, but we don't play there. One of the football games is against Milton Hershey School (not the public school).
After reading all that I think you need to pick me up a bottle of gin while you're at the stat store. I'm starting to have nightmares about my kiddos in high school.
Oh, how I miss those days. Having children who are grown up now, does have its disadvantages.
Be well, and have a great day!
Oh lordie, I remember (stepping into the way-back machine)
I myself was a high school marching band and orchestra member, and helped provide accompaniment for all of the musical productions of the drama department.
Had two youngens who have gone the band route, but Daughter dropped out. Eldest Son was a trombonist all the way through.
Band Parent groups are like a cult or the Mafia, once once you're in, you're never REALLY out (looks around nervously for director-seeking-money LOL)
Best wishes! Thanks for stopping by the other day!
I see we dragon's are roaring, not commenting. MEOW!
*whimpers* TWICE WE HAVE A GAME AND A TOB ON THE SAME DAY?!
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