2013 Marching Band Thread

[marcyinPA]

Our band does a few small fundraisers like selling hamburger plates and car washes but their main fundraiser is the concession stands at all home games for both the home side and the visitor side. They only do a really big trip every 4 years.

It has been a really sad week for our band. One of the junior girls in band tried to kill herself at school on Monday and my daughter was the one who called 911. They've had extra counselors at the high school all week and the girl is going to be ok but still.......not something you want your kids to have to deal with at such a young age

Another out of town game this week but luckily this one is only about a 2 hour drive instead of the 3+ that the last two have been! Homecoming next week so it should be a busy week.

How sad and scary for both your DD and the girl. I pray she gets the helps she needs!!! Hugs!!

 

[emilily88]

It has been a really sad week for our band. One of the junior girls in band tried to kill herself at school on Monday and my daughter was the one who called 911. They've had extra counselors at the high school all week and the girl is going to be ok but still.......not something you want your kids to have to deal with at such a young age

How awful. Sending prayers and pixie dust to the whole band, especially your daughter praying that the poor girl will find the help she needs!

 

[Gina]

It has been a really sad week for our band. One of the junior girls in band tried to kill herself at school on Monday and my daughter was the one who called 911. They've had extra counselors at the high school all week and the girl is going to be ok but still.......not something you want your kids to have to deal with at such a young age

Oh Julie, how awful!! :-( How is your daughter holding up?



Just had to share this for those parents new to band... This is a perfect example of what you can look forward to pretty much every single weekend during marching season, LOL.

We just got the schedule for the BOA Regional next Saturday -- we lucked out with a 10:15am draw. UGH. That means we have to be there by 9:30. The venue is over an hour away. But that doesn't matter anyway, because the kids have to be there at 4:45AM. Luckily my son can drive himself there, but I remember just a couple of years ago when I had to have him there at those ungodly hours! Not that I'll get to sleep in... I'll be up to make sure *he's* up, and won't be able to go back to sleep at that point for the fear that I'll oversleep myself.

So they'll be done by 10:30ish. We'll watch some more bands until the sun gets just too far overhead and we're about to either melt or combust, and at that point it'll be seek-some-shade time. So we'll have to go eat lunch somewhere verrrrryyyy slowly, since the announcement of finalists won't be until 4:45. Then, if they make finals, those don't start until 7:15PM! And go until about 10:30PM. And that, is One.Long.Day.

Welcome to your new life as a band parent, LOL.

 

[Katy Belle]

Oh Julie, how awful!! :-( How is your daughter holding up?



Just had to share this for those parents new to band... This is a perfect example of what you can look forward to pretty much every single weekend during marching season, LOL.

We just got the schedule for the BOA Regional next Saturday -- we lucked out with a 10:15am draw. UGH. That means we have to be there by 9:30. The venue is over an hour away. But that doesn't matter anyway, because the kids have to be there at 4:45AM. Luckily my son can drive himself there, but I remember just a couple of years ago when I had to have him there at those ungodly hours! Not that I'll get to sleep in... I'll be up to make sure *he's* up, and won't be able to go back to sleep at that point for the fear that I'll oversleep myself.

So they'll be done by 10:30ish. We'll watch some more bands until the sun gets just too far overhead and we're about to either melt or combust, and at that point it'll be seek-some-shade time. So we'll have to go eat lunch somewhere verrrrryyyy slowly, since the announcement of finalists won't be until 4:45. Then, if they make finals, those don't start until 7:15PM! And go until about 10:30PM. And that, is One.Long.Day.

Welcome to your new life as a band parent, LOL.

Sounds very familiar! We were given this wonderful news that we wouldn't be going to the away football game Friday night, so the kid don't arrive home at 2a.m., and have a contest the next day....This is great, but they added a Friday night rehearsal! So they will get to bed earlier, but we still have a commitment! Our band goes on at 1:15, and the contest is only an hour away. But their report time is 7a.m.! They rehearse Saturday morning, load, then leave. Warm up is at 12:15, lunch will be at about 1:45! Results will be announced at 4:30, Finals at 7, ending around 11! Then the directors wait for the notes, and the kids get home about 12:30, if they are lucky! LONG DAY.

 

[momof1princess]

how did you set up the coke fundraiser? I like that idea - need to pitch it to our band.

Our band director contacted the local Coca Cola distributor, and they set it up for us. Easy peasy.

 

[marcyinPA]

Our band marched in a competition parade last night and won first place . Our majorettes also won "Best Majorettes". So proud of those kids!!!

 

[Octoberbeauty]

Joining in! I have a Freshman son so this is his first year marching. He plays trombone, but plays baritone for marching.

They have to be at the school at 7 am every morning for practice (school starts at 8:30), Tuesday nights, and one specialized night a week. They are doing comps every weekend, and going to St. Louis next month.

Our biggest fundraiser is a pie auction. Let me tell you, this thing is a big deal here. I had no idea what to expect. We do it during fall festival and the least expensive pie went for $150! The businesses show up and boy do they support our band. We raised over $18,000 from a pie auction y'all!

We also have the visitor's side concession at games, a silent auction, cookie dough, and are selling t-shirts.

They've been marching in their t-shirts and khakis while waiting for them to come in. Tomorrow night will be their first time in uniforms and I can't wait to see them.

I'm having fun being a band mom even though I'm worn out already.

 

[luvmyfam444]

Our band does a few small fundraisers like selling hamburger plates and car washes but their main fundraiser is the concession stands at all home games for both the home side and the visitor side. They only do a really big trip every 4 years.

It has been a really sad week for our band. One of the junior girls in band tried to kill herself at school on Monday and my daughter was the one who called 911. They've had extra counselors at the high school all week and the girl is going to be ok but still.......not something you want your kids to have to deal with at such a young age

.

HATE your dd had to go through that!
We have had 2 girls institutionalized this year (for a week) Both cutters & both took pills (one added bug spray or something like that) One used to be dd's best friend up until last year when she started changing. There is a 3rd girl in the hospital right now. Rumor has it same thing. BUT no confirmation yet. 2 are sophomores, 1 a jr. All 3 are in guard.

I just don't get it. I just don't know what's going on with these girls!
I know 2 have been on depression meds. I know those commercials say those meds can cause kids under 18 to try suicide. Makes you wonder.

 

[Pembo]

First competitions tomorrow. Kids have to be at school at 11. Comp is an hour away, they march at 1:45. Dinner is in the parking lot and they drive 20 mins for a second competition. They take the field at 7:45. By the time they announce the awards and head home, it will be about 11. This double header is our longest day of the season. Usually they only do one competition.

DS was telling me this am how their director always talks smack about the bands coming to the football games. Like tonight, we are playing a small Catholic school. Their band has about 30 members. He told them they are terrible. A few weeks ago he told them to watch the other band and see their horrible marching style. DS really liked that band, they looked to be having A LOT of fun. DS knows that the other bands are different and different isn't bad. Most of our local hs don't go to competition so they have a fun, relaxed marching style. Frustrating that the director can't teach these kids to appreciate the differences but has to run them down. Rant over...

Good luck tonight everyone....

and btw-is it still 90 in TX???

 

[Gina]

Our band marched in a competition parade last night and won first place . Our majorettes also won "Best Majorettes". So proud of those kids!!!

Way to go!!!

DS was telling me this am how their director always talks smack about the bands coming to the football games. Like tonight, we are playing a small Catholic school. Their band has about 30 members. He told them they are terrible. A few weeks ago he told them to watch the other band and see their horrible marching style. DS really liked that band, they looked to be having A LOT of fun. DS knows that the other bands are different and different isn't bad. Most of our local hs don't go to competition so they have a fun, relaxed marching style. Frustrating that the director can't teach these kids to appreciate the differences but has to run them down. Rant over...

That is just not cool at ALL... not a great message to send to the kids!

and btw-is it still 90 in TX???

We have a slight cool front coming in on Sunday, and *then* it'll be 90... for two days.

Good luck on your competition tomorrow!!




Octoberbeauty ~ Welcome to the party!

 

[K and K's Mommy]

The HS band I live near now has a MASSIVE rummage sale every summer- the school gym is full to overflowing. They put the word out on craigslist that they will come pick up garage sale leftovers, and the kids and their families all donate stuff from their households-- so it's pure profit. Goodwill brings a semi and hauls away what doesn't sell.

I can't imagine that is anyone but us! I walked in for my shift this summer and just about fell over at the sight of all the "treasures."

There are always fundraisers happening. Some are for the general fund and some are just for your child's individual accounts and some (like the rummage sale, I think) are for all of performing arts. The band does all the sports concessions and breakfast sales at the school. I volunteer for that every Wednesday morning. We do Scrip money, sell entertainment books, and getting ready to sell Christmas wreaths and some sort of baked goods.

Tonight I am on the committee to feed the kids before the football game. It's middle school night so we are also feeding the middle schoolers. Tomorrow we will be competing about 45 minutes away.

Our kids do section breakfasts every Saturday morning before a competition. I'm hoping to get all the saxophones here once my third grader is done with his soccer season in two weeks!

 

[bittybabygrower]

Pembo, directors like that are just toxic. Our band has a style very similar to Ohio University, as a matter of fact, we have several alumni in that band. I love that style of marching. But our band kids and director are very respective of all styles and our kids love to see if the can incorporate some moves they see from all bands. We are highly complimented at all the shows we go to . Makes Me a proud band mama

We tailgate before every home game I am glad we have 2 away games lol We make a good amount of money flipping burgers/dogs and whatever else we dream up. Walking tacos are a huge hit! We also do a big clam bake and we used to work at the airshow, but since that was cancelled we did Tall
Ships It pays to live on a Great Lake

 

[emilily88]

Sounds very familiar! We were given this wonderful news that we wouldn't be going to the away football game Friday night, so the kid don't arrive home at 2a.m., and have a contest the next day....This is great, but they added a Friday night rehearsal! So they will get to bed earlier, but we still have a commitment! Our band goes on at 1:15, and the contest is only an hour away. But their report time is 7a.m.! They rehearse Saturday morning, load, then leave. Warm up is at 12:15, lunch will be at about 1:45! Results will be announced at 4:30, Finals at 7, ending around 11! Then the directors wait for the notes, and the kids get home about 12:30, if they are lucky! LONG DAY.

DBF was planning competitions and asked my opinion on one... They march at 9 am, have to leave school by 4:30 am, so have to be at school by 3:30 am. March again at 1 pm and he wanted them to stay until 9 pm to watch the college band that is hosting the competition, putting them back after midnight... I told him NO!!

 

[Gina]

Quick question for those of y'all who mostly do the BOA circuit... Next weekend we're doing the Texas Dairy Queen BOA Regional in Conroe, the first actual BOA competition for our normally-UIL band. We got the schedule email from the band director yesterday, and my friend and I about fell out of our chairs -- it costs so much! $17 for prelims, another $17 for finals, and $5 to park. That is literally more than we paid to see the band at *State.* And I don't ever remember having to pay to park for a competition, and we've done several UIL competitions at this particular stadium.

I was definitely not budgeting on it being that high... We were just wondering, are those spectator prices normal for a BOA competition??

 

[Katy Belle]

DBF was planning competitions and asked my opinion on one... They march at 9 am, have to leave school by 4:30 am, so have to be at school by 3:30 am. March again at 1 pm and he wanted them to stay until 9 pm to watch the college band that is hosting the competition, putting them back after midnight... I told him NO!!

Wow... the "arriving at school at 3:30 a.m."seems ridiculous! We have to stay til the end because Finals are at the end...I'm assuming that is not the case for you? If there is a choice...don't get those kids back at midnight...you WILL end up with sick kids.

I'm so excited for tomorrow's competition!!! It seems our show if finally coming together. Color Guard uniforms finally came it and they wore them last night. One wig kept falling off, but that was really the only issue. They looked fantastic! And the band looked and sounded awesome! We managed to get all 100 lights fastened onto the old Shakos, and attached with clear elastic and duct tape...quite the process...but we are finished and they look great.

Only a few problems...one color guard girl got hit in the nose with a flag last night and broke it, hoping she's ok. RAIN...in the forecast for the whole day. Plumes cannot get wet, lights are attached to plumes, so I'm afraid we will march bare headed if it rains??? That, I cannot imagine, but I don't know what else we can do? AND...I hurt my ankle and its swollen and sore. Attempting to stay off of it today, but I have 3 cakes to bake to take to the contest tomorrow, and I have Family Camp with my youngest son tonight. Band Moms cannot get hurt or sick!!!

Good luck to all this weekend!

Go Band!

 

[beavismom]

Quick question for those of y'all who mostly do the BOA circuit... Next weekend we're doing the Texas Dairy Queen BOA Regional in Conroe, the first actual BOA competition for our normally-UIL band. We got the schedule email from the band director yesterday, and my friend and I about fell out of our chairs -- it costs so much! $17 for prelims, another $17 for finals, and $5 to park. That is literally more than we paid to see the band at *State.* And I don't ever remember having to pay to park for a competition, and we've done several UIL competitions at this particular stadium.

I was definitely not budgeting on it being that high... We were just wondering, are those spectator prices normal for a BOA competition??

Afraid so on the prices for BOA, at least in Texas. There is a combo ticket for prelims and finals together that will be a few dollars less, but if you don't make finals you are out of luck, no refunds. We did actually manage to get refunds last year when they cancelled the finals at BOA in Denton due to rain, but they asked us not to apply for them since they still had to pay the costs for the facilities, judges, etc. It is pretty expensive especially when you add in the costs for food and stuff all day. We have 2 BOA competitions this year and are feeling the pinch too.

 

[emilily88]

Wow... the "arriving at school at 3:30 a.m."seems ridiculous! We have to stay til the end because Finals are at the end...I'm assuming that is not the case for you? If there is a choice...don't get those kids back at midnight...you WILL end up with sick kids.


Only a few problems...one color guard girl got hit in the nose with a flag last night and broke it, hoping she's ok.

No, they don't have to stay the whole time, he just wanted them to see a more professional band but when they don't perform until 9 pm and it's a 3 1/2 hour drive, that is SO not worth it!

Did she break her nose or break the flag...?

 

[Gina]

Afraid so on the prices for BOA, at least in Texas. There is a combo ticket for prelims and finals together that will be a few dollars less, but if you don't make finals you are out of luck, no refunds.

Thanks for the info!

I did see the day pass option, but honestly, I don't think they'll make finals... As good as I think this year's show is, this is still our first foray into the world of BOA -- and we are definitely still more of a UIL band. We don't have anything that spins around, or lights up, or glows in the dark, or anything like we've seen from more BOA-oriented bands before. We sound terrific and do really well in UIL competitions, but we've just never been a "visual effects" kind of band.

And I just looked at the lineup -- Two of arguably the best bands in the state perform immediately before and immediately after us. Awesome. And the other three bands to pretty much round out the top 5, will be the last three bands to perform in prelims where the judges will remember them. Double awesome, lol. I would love for us to make finals just because it would be such a confidence booster for the kids, but this one will be a looooong shot!!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

it costs so much! $17 for prelims, another $17 for finals, and $5 to park. That is literally more than we paid to see the band at *State.*

Bands of America... Music for all (that can afford our sky high prices.)

I wonder what the entry fee is for the band.

 

[Gina]

Bands of America... Music for all (that can afford our sky high prices.)

Love it. Totally sharing that with my fellow band mom friend.