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

[momof1princess]

We use the school buses for the shows around our metro but take coach buses to the long trips but, we take 4 buses to each show. The school buses pull small trailers for all of the instruments, coach buses they store their instruments in the luggage holds. It's just expensive.

oh my, your band is MUCH, MUCH bigger than ours. we can fit our band on 2 school buses with room left over, lol, and we carry our band equipment in one small trailer. i believe we have 57 kids total in our band, including the colorguard. oddly enough, when i was in school 22+ years ago, our band was bigger, even though our town was much smaller. the local population has grown a LOT in the past 20 years, but the band appears to be shrinking

 

[marcyinPA]

Hi all! Still haven't seen my kid march this football season The first two games were away, and we decided not to trek out. The next two games are home, so it will be more convenient (and cost worthy!) I am so excited to see their show this year!

My DS said that this past Friday's game, the home team's band did their field show before the game started I thought that was kind of weird. The reason was they didn't want their shoes to get muddy from the field being chewed up by half-time. DS's band marched at half time, and said his shoes are completely fine- no mud at all.

Anyway, I read the latest posts about buses- we use school buses, which we must pay for (the band) to get to home games. We have one parade next week, which is two hours away, and they will get bused to that. The other parades are local, and we transport our own kids. We have a box truck that we use for instruments, and the truck is donated from a major company that has it's headquarters here in our area. Local companies are very good to us!

The hardest part is transporting all of that heavy stuff to Hawaii this year. Talk about costs!! You've got all of those instruments, plus uniforms (our uniforms are heavy and have multiple pieces to them. If the kids were required to pack them in their luggage, they would have no room for other clothing).

When we went to Disney, they sent a box truck down ahead of time with all of the instruments and uniforms. The truck driver was able to pull in back-stage in Disney, the kids got their uniforms, changed, and after the performance, packed the uniforms back on the truck. Worked out well, and wasn't as costly as every kid having to pay for an extra bag fee from the airline. But Hawaii...well, you have no choice but to pay bag fees. I can only imagine how much it costs to send 10 sousaphones!

 

[golfgal]

oh my, your band is MUCH, MUCH bigger than ours. we can fit our band on 2 school buses with room left over, lol, and we carry our band equipment in one small trailer. i believe we have 57 kids total in our band, including the colorguard. oddly enough, when i was in school 22+ years ago, our band was bigger, even though our town was much smaller. the local population has grown a LOT in the past 20 years, but the band appears to be shrinking

Hi all! Still haven't seen my kid march this football season The first two games were away, and we decided not to trek out. The next two games are home, so it will be more convenient (and cost worthy!) I am so excited to see their show this year!

My DS said that this past Friday's game, the home team's band did their field show before the game started I thought that was kind of weird. The reason was they didn't want their shoes to get muddy from the field being chewed up by half-time. DS's band marched at half time, and said his shoes are completely fine- no mud at all.

Anyway, I read the latest posts about buses- we use school buses, which we must pay for (the band) to get to home games. We have one parade next week, which is two hours away, and they will get bused to that. The other parades are local, and we transport our own kids. We have a box truck that we use for instruments, and the truck is donated from a major company that has it's headquarters here in our area. Local companies are very good to us!

The hardest part is transporting all of that heavy stuff to Hawaii this year. Talk about costs!! You've got all of those instruments, plus uniforms (our uniforms are heavy and have multiple pieces to them. If the kids were required to pack them in their luggage, they would have no room for other clothing).

When we went to Disney, they sent a box truck down ahead of time with all of the instruments and uniforms. The truck driver was able to pull in back-stage in Disney, the kids got their uniforms, changed, and after the performance, packed the uniforms back on the truck. Worked out well, and wasn't as costly as every kid having to pay for an extra bag fee from the airline. But Hawaii...well, you have no choice but to pay bag fees. I can only imagine how much it costs to send 10 sousaphones!

When our band went to Hawaii, and China, the airlines either waived the baggage fees or they were just included in the price because we never had to pay anything extra at check-in. Hawaii for 10 days was $1950, China for 10 days was $2300. Our band went as a "concert band", not marching, so they didn't have to bring their band uniforms (just all black dress clothing). They made arrangements with the various concert halls to use their big things like tympanies, marimbas, etc.(maybe from a local school???).


The band directors have talked about having the kids transport themselves to local contests but keep deciding that they don't want to take the chance of one of the kids getting into an accident...that and parking is so limited as it is. We have 185 kids in our band and that adds a lot of extra cars to any site. Parents agree with this so we just keep paying our fees.

 

[SydSim]

First game was Friday (we won). Band marched the first part of their drill and looked fairly good. Unfortunately, several other bands looked a lot better

Yesterday was our first home show. I worked concessions for about 4 1/2 hours, then I actually was the MC tor the night. "Disboards High School Marching Band, you may now take the stage in the Tournament of Bands.....". Thank God they had a script for me. I speak well, but I can't ad lib well.


I never knew that there was tension between our band boosters and football boosters. I also never even thought about being able to take over concessions at the football game. Heck, the marching band works just as hard as the FB team and the cheerleaders. We should take turns and everyone could share in the profit. I'll have to look into that

Because of budget cuts, we almost didn't have MB this year. As it is, we will do about half of the competitions that we did last year. We don't own any buses and have to rent everything when we travel. Some of the schools own their own trucks (thanks to generous sponsors) so their cost isn't that much.

 

[marcyinPA]

When our band went to Hawaii, and China, the airlines either waived the baggage fees or they were just included in the price because we never had to pay anything extra at check-in.

Our directors mentioned that they always try to "make nice" with the airlines to try to get fees waived. They said they always bring copies of band CD's to give away to airline reps at the airport too...

We have 260 in the band this year, so that's a LOT of luggage!!!

 

[golfgal]

First game was Friday (we won). Band marched the first part of their drill and looked fairly good. Unfortunately, several other bands looked a lot better

Yesterday was our first home show. I worked concessions for about 4 1/2 hours, then I actually was the MC tor the night. "Disboards High School Marching Band, you may now take the stage in the Tournament of Bands.....". Thank God they had a script for me. I speak well, but I can't ad lib well.


I never knew that there was tension between our band boosters and football boosters. I also never even thought about being able to take over concessions at the football game. Heck, the marching band works just as hard as the FB team and the cheerleaders. We should take turns and everyone could share in the profit. I'll have to look into that

Because of budget cuts, we almost didn't have MB this year. As it is, we will do about half of the competitions that we did last year. We don't own any buses and have to rent everything when we travel. Some of the schools own their own trucks (thanks to generous sponsors) so their cost isn't that much.

The MC at our show was a stand up comedian in a previous life (and is now an English teacher at the high school). He is hysterical during the breaks and does a great job "interacting" with the kids from the various bands that are done playing and just watching. I could NEVER be an MC.

We have a semi-trailer but not the actual cab. We bought the trailer used from another band and got a good deal on it-plus it was already outfitted to hold band equipment. We have to rent the cab to pull the trailer though. We have enough parents that have CDL's so they drive the trailer to shows so that saves money. One band in our area got a new trailer a couple years ago--OMG it is just beautiful (if a trailer can be I guess). It is very sharp looking, nice paint job. They sell advertising on the trailer to help pay for the upkeep. Most of the larger bands own at least one trailer because in the long run it is just less expensive to do that vs renting one for every show.

We don't get to do concessions at any football games and that is fine. We get all of the profits from the concessions at our own show. We do get to use the really nice concession stand that the football team constructed because they are smart enough to realize that the band parents spend a lot of money in the concession stand during football games . They hate it when the band doesn't perform at halftime because their revenue drops, significantly. Actually, the sports teams and band programs get along great. The football and basketball coaches MAKE their teams go to band concerts, IN UNIFORM (well they wear their jerseys), to show their support because the band is at all of their games. The football players usually go watch the band during summer practice breaks. They always comment that the band works WAY too hard .

 

[Katy Belle]

We went to the game on Friday, out of town. We lost, 41-6, but the band looked good! According to DS our director want pleased, but they looked good to me! Im still at the stage where I mostly watch my kid, I get better as the season goes on.

Our band and orchestra boosters have all football concessions. Each band family is required to work 2 shifts, orchestra families one shift.

Our band takes 4 school busses and 2 box trucks to games and contests. We have just purchased a semi trailer, to replace the ancient box trucks. It will, hopefully, be ready for our first contest in two weeks!

Next week is homecoming! First time they march in uniform. I helped the uniform lady this week. It takes so many hours to get it all ready!

 

[goofy4tink]

oh my, your band is MUCH, MUCH bigger than ours. we can fit our band on 2 school buses with room left over, lol, and we carry our band equipment in one small trailer. i believe we have 57 kids total in our band, including the colorguard. oddly enough, when i was in school 22+ years ago, our band was bigger, even though our town was much smaller. the local population has grown a LOT in the past 20 years, but the band appears to be shrinking

You sound like us....we have only about 72 in our band. We don't do any competitions. We do host a fun jamboree each fall....about 5 marchng bands get together and play. It's so wonderful to see the kids all enjoying each other's music and various drills.
We have nothing to do with concessions...thank heaven. That's the student councils to run. And the athletic boosters get people in there as well. Marching band is onto itself. I have to say that I am going to miss them all next year when my dd graduates.

I do love reading about all your larger bands though. I sit and watch our kids and have to wonder how larger groups do it. You guys are awesome.

 

[golfgal]

We went to the game on Friday, out of town. We lost, 41-6, but the band looked good! According to DS our director want pleased, but they looked good to me! Im still at the stage where I mostly watch my kid, I get better as the season goes on.

Our band and orchestra boosters have all football concessions. Each band family is required to work 2 shifts, orchestra families one shift.

Our band takes 4 school busses and 2 box trucks to games and contests. We have just purchased a semi trailer, to replace the ancient box trucks. It will, hopefully, be ready for our first contest in two weeks!

Next week is homecoming! First time they march in uniform. I helped the uniform lady this week. It takes so many hours to get it all ready!

Any word on what Broken Arrow is doing for a show yet? Do you see them anytime soon?

 

[momof1princess]

You sound like us....we have only about 72 in our band. We don't do any competitions. We do host a fun jamboree each fall....about 5 marchng bands get together and play. It's so wonderful to see the kids all enjoying each other's music and various drills.
We have nothing to do with concessions...thank heaven. That's the student councils to run. And the athletic boosters get people in there as well. Marching band is onto itself. I have to say that I am going to miss them all next year when my dd graduates.

I do love reading about all your larger bands though. I sit and watch our kids and have to wonder how larger groups do it. You guys are awesome.

i'm beginning to wish we had nothing to do with concessions my feet and legs may never forgive me for this past friday night. but we make over $5000 at each game, beyond food costs, so that helps pay our entry fees for competitions and pay for our busing costs to competitions and away games. unfortunately, we're not sure the band is actually GETTING all of that money, as the school is now responsible for the band account, and the school secretary who is keeping track of the money, apparently, isn't responsible to anyone for the money going in and out-she can do with it pretty much as she pleases. however, if we need money to buy food, we have to practically beg and promise a first-born child to get a check from the school, even though it's the money WE made. i'm not liking this new system AT ALL.
i spoke with my friends, fellow band parents, who are in charge of the concessions, and they told me they have no idea exactly how much money we're making or exactly how much is going out, because the school is counting the concession money and cutting all the checks. for all we know, they're giving part or all of it to the football team, baseball team, basketball...whoever asks. who knows?

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Well, so far our football team has lost both games they plaed, with the mercy rule in affect both times. First game was 42-15, second game was 42-7.

We went to the band day at University of Delaware yesterday, which was fun. Our kids got to play two songs with several other high schools, along with the University of Delaware and West Chester University bands.

But one of the ninth graders was taken to the hospital with dehydration. Apparently there is a law in Delaware that if an EMT treats a minor, and the minor's parents aren't around, they have to go to the hospital.

A lightning storm from Baltimore almost came to us during halftime (when the show was going on!). Fortunately, it turned away and we stayed dry and safe from electrocution.

We almost lost a clarinet and a cow bell.

On the bus ride home, the chaperons, athletic director, and assistant band director shared stories about our current director, who is retiring this year. They all had to do with how absent minded he is. It was hilarious.

 

[marcyinPA]

Well, so far our football team has lost both games they plaed, with the mercy rule in affect both times. First game was 42-15, second game was 42-7.

We went to the band day at University of Delaware yesterday, which was fun. Our kids got to play two songs with several other high schools, along with the University of Delaware and West Chester University bands.

But one of the ninth graders was taken to the hospital with dehydration. Apparently there is a law in Delaware that if an EMT treats a minor, and the minor's parents aren't around, they have to go to the hospital.

A lightning storm from Baltimore almost came to us during halftime (when the show was going on!). Fortunately, it turned away and we stayed dry and safe from electrocution.

We almost lost a clarinet and a cow bell.

On the bus ride home, the chaperons, athletic director, and assistant band director shared stories about our current director, who is retiring this year. They all had to do with how absent minded he is. It was hilarious.

That sounds like a fun day, with the exception of the hospital trip and the potential electrocution...

I've seen your band at the Halloween parades, and they are fun! And good for their size! I love how they stop in the street and do their dances. My son has a good friend from church in the band- she's a senior this year.

 

[KiminChicago]

DS marched in his first parade today -- it was a 9-11 memorial parade. The band only had a week to learn two pieces "Grand Old Flag" and "This is My Country". I thought the band sounded good but DS said they were terrible. I figure that if I can recognize the piece they're playing, they're doing fine.

I also got to see their half-time show for the second time on Friday. The clarinetist who stands next to DS can't tell his right hand from his left, so it always makes me think DS is going the wrong way! But I watched the video from the first performance and if I don't look at that kid, but just at DS and the clarinetist on the opposite side, I realize that DS is perfectly in step.

We have the Homecoming parade next Sunday to start off Homecoming week. I hope DH remembers to bring the video camera this time! I wanted to get some video of DS in the parade today, but we were halfway to the meeting location before DH remembered it. Oh well, I suppose we'll have 3 more years of parades to get some footage.

DS is starting to learn a little more about our band program. Apparently they only travel every other year and they went to WDW last year, so no trips this year. We haven't heard anything about competitions, so I'm assuming our band doesn't compete either.

 

[Katy Belle]

Any word on what Broken Arrow is doing for a show yet? Do you see them anytime soon?

I assume they will be at Renegade Review on Oct 1. Im going to that one! DS hasnt heard what they are doing. I cant wait. I loved their show last year!

 

[golfgal]

I assume they will be at Renegade Review on Oct 1. Im going to that one! DS hasnt heard what they are doing. I cant wait. I loved their show last year!

That show was cute.

 

[Pembo]

We get to use the school buses for free for all football games and competitions, they're included in the $400 pay to play fee. The band also has a small trailer for all the drum/pit equipment and this year we have to rent a truck for every comp. for the "stones".

The band was to have a 6 hr rehearsal on Sat but after 2 hours in the rain with one girl "face planting in the mud" (according to DS), the director called the reh. He said they worked hard and he felt confident that they could finish up after school this week.

We have 120 in the band including 12 color guard and 3 majorettes.

 

[jen0610]

Saturday night turned out a lot better than the forecast called for. Was a great night for marching band. Was able to sit in the stands in a short sleeved shirt, it was so nice. Even if it had rained, the field wouldn't have been an issue, as the school put in turf over the summer. It was a nice field to march on, per the kids.

Placed 3rd of 5 in the A class, with a score of 66.40. We only did the opener and ballad. Here's a link to a video someone took. They didn't use a tri-pod, so it's a bit shakey at times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht1sz1aihbw

 

[klj27]

Saturday night turned out a lot better than the forecast called for. Was a great night for marching band. Was able to sit in the stands in a short sleeved shirt, it was so nice. Even if it had rained, the field wouldn't have been an issue, as the school put in turf over the summer. It was a nice field to march on, per the kids.

Placed 3rd of 5 in the A class, with a score of 66.40. We only did the opener and ballad. Here's a link to a video someone took. They didn't use a tri-pod, so it's a bit shakey at times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht1sz1aihbw

Looks great! I love when the band is on the ground/dancing in addition to marching.

 

[golfgal]

Saturday night turned out a lot better than the forecast called for. Was a great night for marching band. Was able to sit in the stands in a short sleeved shirt, it was so nice. Even if it had rained, the field wouldn't have been an issue, as the school put in turf over the summer. It was a nice field to march on, per the kids.

Placed 3rd of 5 in the A class, with a score of 66.40. We only did the opener and ballad. Here's a link to a video someone took. They didn't use a tri-pod, so it's a bit shakey at times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht1sz1aihbw

Nice job. I kept thinking about cleaning the uniforms after muddy fields though .

 

[momof1princess]

well, we have an exhibition tomorrow night, but DH will be working, so i guess i'm staying home. the exhibition is in a not-so-good part of town, and my facebook plea for someone to ride to the exhibition with me, or let me tag along with them, has fallen on blind eyes. i really don't think it's safe for me to be riding in and out of that area alone at night. ugh, i hate to miss it.