2011 Marching Band Season post--already....

[Gina]

Our first game was Thursday (was an away game) and it was televised! I got to see my sax player marching on tv! That was 12 kinds of awesome. They sounded great -- I really do love the music for the show this year. Really don't like the new uniforms, though -- they just don't have that sharpness that the all-black ones did before. But DS says they're 1000 times cooler than the old ones, and in this heat & humidity that's important.

Our defending State Champ football team did awesome too, so that was exciting. Won 45-24. Can't wait for the first home game this coming Friday!!

 

[momof1princess]

The kids did not do any of the workshops. They marched the three times, and the rest of the time was in the parks. They stayed at POR, all meals were included, and they had 4-day park hoppers. My DS16 had a BLAST. I went with my DS12, my best friend, and her DD12. We did not go as tag-alongs, but planned our own trip. We hadn't intended on following my DS around, but as it turned out, we ended up in the same parks on the same days. I saw him a couple of times a day in passing. It was a fun trip!

it sounds great! DH and i would likely be chaperoning, but if not, DH is dying to go back to WDW anyway, so we'd be tagging along, lol. i apologize if this is tacky, but i have to ask, because i KNOW it's going to be the first question i get put to me at the band parents' meeting...how much did the trip cost for the band members? we would probably only stay 3 days, and we're in alabama, so transportation costs would be less, but it would really be helpful to have a ballpark figure.

 

[marcyinPA]

it sounds great! DH and i would likely be chaperoning, but if not, DH is dying to go back to WDW anyway, so we'd be tagging along, lol. i apologize if this is tacky, but i have to ask, because i KNOW it's going to be the first question i get put to me at the band parents' meeting...how much did the trip cost for the band members? we would probably only stay 3 days, and we're in alabama, so transportation costs would be less, but it would really be helpful to have a ballpark figure.

Not tacky to ask at all!! The trip for the kids was roughly $1400 (plus change...I can't remember exactly). They stayed for 5 nights, from a Tuesday to a Sunday, at POR. They flew from Philadelphia (we actually had a blizzard, flights were canceled/delayed. Some kids were supposed to fly from JFK, but all of those flights were canceled. They had the band split up on like four different flights, but they all made it by midnight on Tuesday night! It was touch and go for a while!) The cost included most meals (all counter service), bus transportation (they had dedicated buses while in WDW), four day park hoppers, baggage fees, truck rental for the uniforms and instruments.

In contrast, my BFF and I planned our own trip, stayed at POP, got free dining (we upgraded to regular ddp), four day non-hoppers, and we each paid $1000 (so, it cost me $1000 for my DS12 and myself), including airfare.

 

[golfgal]

it sounds great! DH and i would likely be chaperoning, but if not, DH is dying to go back to WDW anyway, so we'd be tagging along, lol. i apologize if this is tacky, but i have to ask, because i KNOW it's going to be the first question i get put to me at the band parents' meeting...how much did the trip cost for the band members? we would probably only stay 3 days, and we're in alabama, so transportation costs would be less, but it would really be helpful to have a ballpark figure.

Just something else to look into, our band goes on a "big" trip every 3rd year. When DS19 was a freshman they went to China for 10 days, all inclusive, was $2300-and that included flight there, all hotels, 2 meals/day, bus transportation, flight from Beijing to Shanghai and back, all entrance fees to attractions, etc. They went to Hawaii last year for 10 days, $1900, same deal as above, all-inclusive. They aren't Disney but some other great places to look into. Rumor has it that next year's trip is to Australia

 

[Pembo]

Our WDW trip from Ohio was $590. That included charter buses to and from Fl, hotel for 4 nights, 4 day park tickets, a couple breakfasts, dinner at a Pirate thing in Orlando (kids LOVED that), and 2 dinners. I sent an additional $100 for to cover other meals. The buses left on Friday at 6 pm, pulled into Orlando at 4 the next day, Sun-AK, Mon-MK, Tues-Studios and waterpark, Wed-Epcot. They left for home after Epcot closed and arrived back at the school Thursday afternoon. DS stayed in Fl with us and flew home, which he was very happy about. He wasn't overly fond of the 20 hour non-stop bus ride. lol

This years trip is to Columbus, 2 hours away. They are going to a competition on Sat, staying in Col and going to an indoor waterpark on Sunday. $50! I like that!

 

[Katy Belle]

Just something else to look into, our band goes on a "big" trip every 3rd year. When DS19 was a freshman they went to China for 10 days, all inclusive, was $2300-and that included flight there, all hotels, 2 meals/day, bus transportation, flight from Beijing to Shanghai and back, all entrance fees to attractions, etc. They went to Hawaii last year for 10 days, $1900, same deal as above, all-inclusive. They aren't Disney but some other great places to look into. Rumor has it that next year's trip is to Australia

That is an awesome price! Our band is going to Ireland next year. They are saying it will be approximately $2500 per kid. I think they will have to pay for some meals on their own. I will have 2 sons on that trip. I think its 8 days.

 

[m&m's mom]

Well my daughter survived her 1st football game last night. It was over 100° and virtually no breeze. Fortunately they wore their warm weather uniform. The other team they played had their full uniforms on, were sitting in the sun AND they were wearing BLACK!

The trip they are planning a in May will be to Washington DC. Supposedly $1500. Thankfully it is not the Hawaii year. I'll really need to save for that one.

 

[marcyinPA]

That is an awesome price! Our band is going to Ireland next year. They are saying it will be approximately $2500 per kid. I think they will have to pay for some meals on their own. I will have 2 sons on that trip. I think its 8 days.

My DS16's band is going to Hawaii over Thanksgiving week this year. It is about $2600. We still need to come up with about $800 of that. We are currently selling mums, pizzas and entertainment books, so hopefully we'll get about $100 from those for his fair share. The rest, he's going to have to ask Grandpa I think...

It's going to be an awesome experience, but very pricey for mom and dad. He's worth it...I just hope he appreciates it!

 

[golfgal]

That is an awesome price! Our band is going to Ireland next year. They are saying it will be approximately $2500 per kid. I think they will have to pay for some meals on their own. I will have 2 sons on that trip. I think its 8 days.

That is where I WANT the band to go so we can go on the parent trip

 

[marcyinPA]

That is where I WANT the band to go so we can go on the parent trip

Our band used to go to England...I always said if they went again while one of my kids was in the band, I was tagging along come hell or high water!!

 

[momof1princess]

Our WDW trip from Ohio was $590. That included charter buses to and from Fl, hotel for 4 nights, 4 day park tickets, a couple breakfasts, dinner at a Pirate thing in Orlando (kids LOVED that), and 2 dinners. I sent an additional $100 for to cover other meals. The buses left on Friday at 6 pm, pulled into Orlando at 4 the next day, Sun-AK, Mon-MK, Tues-Studios and waterpark, Wed-Epcot. They left for home after Epcot closed and arrived back at the school Thursday afternoon. DS stayed in Fl with us and flew home, which he was very happy about. He wasn't overly fond of the 20 hour non-stop bus ride. lol

This years trip is to Columbus, 2 hours away. They are going to a competition on Sat, staying in Col and going to an indoor waterpark on Sunday. $50! I like that!

i don't think our little marching band will be doing any overseas traveling, but they all sound great! we did a similar trip this past spring-we drove to stone mountain (the kids rode on the band buses) in georgia, which is about 3 hours from us, and then went to an atlanta braves baseball game. we had a great time and the kids loved it. my DD13 had never been to a MLB game, and she had a fantastic time it cost us a total of about $100 for all 3 of us, plus we drove our car with 3 other parents, so we paid for gas.

 

[golfgal]

i don't think our little marching band will be doing any overseas traveling, but they all sound great! we did a similar trip this past spring-we drove to stone mountain (the kids rode on the band buses) in georgia, which is about 3 hours from us, and then went to an atlanta braves baseball game. we had a great time and the kids loved it. my DD13 had never been to a MLB game, and she had a fantastic time it cost us a total of about $100 for all 3 of us, plus we drove our car with 3 other parents, so we paid for gas.

We use Macy's Travel to plan all the trips. They have a group travel division that does these trips all the time. The process is very easy and VERY, VERY organized. It might be work checking into even for a domestic trip.

 

[Katy Belle]

My DS16's band is going to Hawaii over Thanksgiving week this year. It is about $2600. We still need to come up with about $800 of that. We are currently selling mums, pizzas and entertainment books, so hopefully we'll get about $100 from those for his fair share. The rest, he's going to have to ask Grandpa I think...

It's going to be an awesome experience, but very pricey for mom and dad. He's worth it...I just hope he appreciates it!

So has your DS already earned the first $1800 or does the band pay that? We are fundraising, but I know our family wont come close to raising $2500. The only $ we get is the portion of what we raise ourselves. All of the concession stand $ , restaurant fundraisers, all group fundraisers, go to other things. Kids are responsible for paying 100% of their trip. Luckily this years trip is only $350 and only one kid!

 

[marcyinPA]

So has your DS already earned the first $1800 or does the band pay that? We are fundraising, but I know our family wont come close to raising $2500. The only $ we get is the portion of what we raise ourselves. All of the concession stand $ , restaurant fundraisers, all group fundraisers, go to other things. Kids are responsible for paying 100% of their trip. Luckily this years trip is only $350 and only one kid!

Each kid is responsible to earn or pay $2600. We've earned/paid in $1800. The band runs the fundraisers, the kids sell things, and a portion of the selling price goes into their own personal fair share account. So, for a $6 pizza, $2 goes into his account, and $1 goes into the general band fund. The problem with selling is that you can only sell so many pizzas and flowers to so many people, you know? So we've been direct paying as well. They have a payment schedule set up...$395 a month. It's like making a car payment We are very blessed that both of my parents have slipped him cash towards his trip. The rest, we've sacrificed as a family to make it happen for him. We will do the same for my DS12 when he makes it to HS.

 

[jen0610]

Parent preview was saturday night and wow did they change a lot in the short time from the 19th, 1st football game, to what they showed us on the 27th.

I really do like the story. Show title is The Puppetmaster. There is going to get a band member - they didn't say who and they weren't out on the field - that is going to be on the top of a 7 foot platform who hates music and has taken control of the color guard. The color guard is trying to destroy the band and the band is fighting back, trying to draw the color guard back into the fold.

The music is Haunted and Immortal by Evanescence and Wanted(?) by Hans Zimmer. It sounded really good.

I do have to say this and get it off my chest - I hate having band members lay down on the field!! I know a lot of the fields they march on are turf, but still if it's raining or had been raining all day, the turf is still really wet. The uniforms we haven't aren't water resistant. They soak up water like a sponge. Any time I see a band laying on the field, I gringe. I can handle kneeling, but laying prone on the field or even sitting down on their butts - And the big change they made to the opener - the entire band is laying down and then they roll across the ground. The visual effect of the color guard controling the band will look really cool, but I just forsee some really gross and dirty uniforms. I think someone forgot how gross the fields were last year at our first 2 competition sites. I am so glad I am not one of the moms in charge of keeping the uniforms clean for the season.

 

[Katy Belle]

Each kid is responsible to earn or pay $2600. We've earned/paid in $1800. The band runs the fundraisers, the kids sell things, and a portion of the selling price goes into their own personal fair share account. So, for a $6 pizza, $2 goes into his account, and $1 goes into the general band fund. The problem with selling is that you can only sell so many pizzas and flowers to so many people, you know? So we've been direct paying as well. They have a payment schedule set up...$395 a month. It's like making a car payment We are very blessed that both of my parents have slipped him cash towards his trip. The rest, we've sacrificed as a family to make it happen for him. We will do the same for my DS12 when he makes it to HS.

Gotcha! That is exactly how ours works. Im not sure WHO we are supposed to sell all this stuff to! And the people who do buy it, then we have to buy something else from their kid. I wonder if DHs parents would pitch in?? Maybe for christmas the boys can ask for spending $ for the trip. Im not looking forward to $5000 for 2 boys.... But we will do it!

 

[momof1princess]

so, my friend who organized the concession stand and the volunteers for last week's football game asked me to contact the band director regarding a band parents' meeting. i did, and he think it's a great idea...but i can't get anyone to commit to a date! i've texted my friend and she says next monday and tuesday are out, and of course wednesday is out due to church activities for the majority of those involved, so i asked both my friend AND the band director if thursday would work, and i can't get anyone to answer me! i even made up a flier for the kids to take home to their parents about the meeting, but i can't seem to nail down a date! how FRUSTRATING!

 

[Pembo]

Our band was invited to be on the local Fox TV channel in the morning! They have a different marching band each Friday. The catch, uniform time will be 4:30 am. They have to be at the tv station ready to play at 6:30 am. The director didn't think the kids would want to do it. Yesterday he took a vote, almost every hand went up! These kids WANT to be on TV.

Any one else have added practices in the fall? The kids practice after school for 2 hours Mon-Thurs and they just added a Sat 8-3 practice for next week.

 

[momof1princess]

Our band was invited to be on the local Fox TV channel in the morning! They have a different marching band each Friday. The catch, uniform time will be 4:30 am. They have to be at the tv station ready to play at 6:30 am. The director didn't think the kids would want to do it. Yesterday he took a vote, almost every hand went up! These kids WANT to be on TV.

Any one else have added practices in the fall? The kids practice after school for 2 hours Mon-Thurs and they just added a Sat 8-3 practice for next week.

we haven't added a saturday practice YET, but it may become necessary. the band doesn't have their entire show set yet, and our first competition is less than a month away, and we have an exhibition in two weeks. the band director has been letting them go 20-30 minutes early every day, and let them out of practicing at all last friday (said they did really well at the ballgame the night before and deserved a reward), so i'm thinking it may be time to crack the whip. i can't argue with his results, though: the band got 1s (the highest rating) at every competition last year.

congrats on the TV appearance! that's awesome!

 

[Katy Belle]

Our band was invited to be on the local Fox TV channel in the morning! They have a different marching band each Friday. The catch, uniform time will be 4:30 am. They have to be at the tv station ready to play at 6:30 am. The director didn't think the kids would want to do it. Yesterday he took a vote, almost every hand went up! These kids WANT to be on TV.

Any one else have added practices in the fall? The kids practice after school for 2 hours Mon-Thurs and they just added a Sat 8-3 practice for next week.

Hooray for TV! Ours were on the local news last year. It was a big deal getting it coordinated and they were on for 2 minutes

Ours practice every morning from 7-8:40 and every Thursday evening from 6-9:15 and each instrument has a separate hour long "sectional" rehearsal once a week. It does seem like last year before contests we did a Saturday here and there.