2013 Marching Band Thread

[m&m's mom]

Thankfully the temp here has been right under 100 degrees this week.
DH is out of town so I have been the one carting her back and forth multiple times a times.
They had "pass-offs", uniform inspection and lots and lots of practice.
DD got her schedule and I almost cried. Physics and Algebra II during the Fall!! And really easy classes for her in the Spring. There is just not enough time during band season to study as much as she would need to for those 2 classes, especially since they will miss 3 days for Grand Nationals.
I called the counselor, listened to the message saying basically if you want a schedule change- not taking them- don't bother etc. I left a message anyway and sure enough they called back and agreed to change Algebra II to the Spring. Every little bit helps.

 

[PizzieDuster]

I'm a little frustrated with the scheduling and emailing, contact with parents. My DD14 is in color guard. I'm use the the schedule changing daily. I'm checking it online twice or even 3 times a day. The high school field is getting a u-haul so it's at the middle school one day, the high school black top another day. I get that. It just seems like I'm getting emails from at least 5 people. Seems very unorganized. One person asking for Bingo volunteers, one regarding color guard, one about the website changes and updates, one from the head guy, one from a gal that wants to do 'let's just get together and practice', one from a captain (mostly complaining). I don't even know who her coaches are. I got an email of a couple of videos of the routine and the music for my daughter to practice too. Have no idea who it came from, daughter just said that's one of her coaches. STREAMLINE. LOL

I got an email that Color Guard/band needs to register on Monday due to camp (normally DD14 would have registered today). You know, it goes Monday~seniors, Tuesdays~juniors, etc. So I had quite a few comments from the volunteers working there Monday. "Why is she here?" I explained. And they let me go through all 10 stations But it was a bit embarrassing explaining it for the 10th time. I kept saying "I got an email that the band was to register today." They had no idea what I was talking about.

Then I received an email from the Band Cordinator, don't know what he's called, but the head of the band/color guard, etc. He said if you son/daughter is assigned PE go to the guidance office and tell them your child is in band/color guard. So, my daughter was assigned PE. He stated that he sent them a list of all participants, just go in to change it.

So, we did today, Thursday. I got to the counselor and she said "we don't have that list yet". I was surprised and told her about the email I received. Her response was "oh, well, get use to it, that's how he does thing, that's his M.O." I thought it was rude and kind of a put down for him. It was necessary to roll eyes and make a 'cut the throat' jester. She was waving her hand across her neck when she said "get use to it". So weird. I kind of felt dismissed. And watched by the other counselors. Bet if I had a football player it would have been 'green light' considering on all the white boards was "____ High School Football Rocks" I had two boys play football in a different high school (which I missed very much today). I just thought her attitude was rude and unnecessary.

She said it will be taken care of in the next 2 weeks. Um kay. Hope so

Daughter is flourishing and loves it! Camp from 1pm - 9pm. I didn't think schools did this anymore, because of liability, but she is getting 'kidnapped' this Saturday morning between 5:30 am - 6:30 am and they are taken to Dennys for breakfast. She's heard gossip of it, doesn't know when, and I kind of like that her room is clean 'just in case' it happens tonight. Wish I could drag it out for 12 months LOL

 

[Gina]

Last night was parent preview night, and I am so so excited about the show this year. They only played & marched the first movement, along with some stand tunes, school song, fight song, etc., but I just LOVE the music. It is so powerful and impactful, and makes a great opener. After last year's lame show (and that was for a State year!!) I am much more hopeful. They also have so much more movement this year -- like, choreographed movement outside of the marching -- and it looked great so far. The previous band director never had stuff like that. I was trying to picture it from up high in the judges' stand, and I think it'll be impressive. I hope so, since we have a combo UIL/BOA competition schedule this year!

Almost had my first final-year breakdown moment last night... It's a tradition that at the parent preview, the parents go out and actually march with their kids for one movement, to get an idea what it's like. (Hint: It's much harder than you think it would be!! Lol) I got a lump in my throat last night and told DS, "This is the last time I'll be doing this!"


PizzieDuster ~ What a pain!! Lack of organized communication like that makes me NUTS... But I'm glad your daughter is loving band!



-gina-

 

[Katy Belle]

I had to laugh at the bolded! When I took my DS14 over to the school to get fitted for his uniform, there was a kid there who was about 6'4" and had the longest arms I have ever seen. I thought my DS18 had long arms, but this kid beat him by a long shot! The poor seamstress found what was supposed to be her longest tunic (jacket) and the sleeves were about 2 inches too short of this kid. She wasn't sure what she was going to do! Knowing her, she probably lengthened them somehow magically- she is known to be very good that way!

On the flip side, she had to also fit my DS14, who just hit 5 feet tall but is kind of on the stocky side. No fat, but not skinny by any stretch.

High school boys truly come in all shapes and sizes!!

Love it! Yep, that is exactly how it goes. When we moved here, DS18 was a Sophomore, 6'3 and probably 250. The poor uniform lady spent HOURS trying to get it right. Close enough and he wore it 3 years! Now I'm her right hand man and I understand her pain that day! A perk of working on uniforms, I took DS16 up early and fit his. He has out skinnied his jacket, so he went down 2 sizes and it looks fantastic! Nice when they fit well.

I hope your new director works out well! Sounds like it's a rush!!

My 14 year old has a drummer personality (LOL) but he is really short! So while he does get a lot of attention because he is a clown (and generally in a good way- at least so far!), I don't know that the girls see him as anything more than a little brother right now. Oh, the little brother syndrome.... LOL He did have a girlfriend at the end of the school year, but he kind of sucked as a boyfriend He never returned her texts and he was not very attentive. When I asked him about why he didn't keep in touch with her, he kind of shrugged his shoulders and was unphased about the whole thing. Seriously, he is just not ready in that department. (and I am OK with that!)

DS13 is a percussionist. I can't wait to see how that all plays out!

Almost had my first final-year breakdown moment last night... It's a tradition that at the parent preview, the parents go out and actually march with their kids for one movement, to get an idea what it's like. (Hint: It's much harder than you think it would be!! Lol) I got a lump in my throat last night and told DS, "This is the last time I'll be doing this!"

-gina-

I teared up reading that. DS18, Tuba Dude has been at college for 2 weeks now. Its tough. And that Senior year is tough! Hang in there!


Uniform fittings tomorrow! 9-4! Yay!!! I will be happy to have it (nearly) finished! We will have a few stragglers to finish up later... We did a few last night and got thoroughly confused! I think we are thinking clearly now and can handle it.

 

[Pembo]

I started this thread but have to admit that I'm very unexcited about this year. Both of my boys have solos and both have been targets of verbal attacks from jealous band members. I'm really tired of hearing it!

I was in band. I don't ever remember being jealous of another's talent. We were all excited for each other. In our band kids just put others down for no reason.

The director is very negative this year too. Boys said he berated a kid for 10 mins on the megaphone for making a mistake. It was really bad, worse than usual. He is not good at giving criticism or praise. It is all negative. Even they praise is framed in a negative way.

And last year I was band president. I did it bc the director asked me
personally to do it. I chose to step down this year bc I knew I couldn't commit as much time this year.
Last week at the field, he criticized last years band booster board. He said it to the kids, on the megaphone, so everyone heard it, including all the parents there to pick up their kids. It was framed to compliment this years board but it was VERY nasty about last year. 2 of last years board are on the board again this year. If it was that bad, he never told me. In fact we talked all the time and things went great. ***

Our first game is next week. I will get to see both of my boys play their solos. I sure hope I feel more excitement than I do now.

Sorry to be a downer but band this year just isn't what it has been and I have a senior. Even my boys don't think it is as fun this year.

 

[Southernmiss]

Our 2 have their first game tonight. We have a junior alto sax and a freshman mellophone. The freshman is sooo excited for tonight! The jr. is a section leader and has many freshmen in his section. So he is learning a lot! Came home last night talking abt the kid who left his sax in the parking lot right after the director told yhem to pick up their instruments. Yep, the kid's sax was backed over by a truck. He is dss most challenging student. Here's to a good year and no more accidents!

 

[Priorityonecb]

We too have similar scheduling issues. Dd has honors English (including a huge junior paper due), Biology, History and French II with band the first semester. They practice until 8pm every night, and are out several days to travel to competitions. Poor kid. Then the spring semester is theater and Algebra II which dd can do in her sleep. Dd is an all A honors student, but she is really going to be tested this semester!

 

[piperdown]

DD got her schedule and I almost cried. Physics and Algebra II during the Fall!! And really easy classes for her in the Spring. There is just not enough time during band season to study as much as she would need to for those 2 classes, especially since they will miss 3 days for Grand Nationals.
I called the counselor, listened to the message saying basically if you want a schedule change- not taking them- don't bother etc. I left a message anyway and sure enough they called back and agreed to change Algebra II to the Spring. Every little bit helps.

We too have similar scheduling issues. Dd has honors English (including a huge junior paper due), Biology, History and French II with band the first semester. They practice until 8pm every night, and are out several days to travel to competitions. Poor kid. Then the spring semester is theater and Algebra II which dd can do in her sleep. Dd is an all A honors student, but she is really going to be tested this semester!

We're right there with you. Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Algebra II & Pre-AP Chemistry as well as AP World History AND she's been corralled into the FFA quiz team. Most of the team graduated, so the ag teacher leading the team talked DD and a few other sophomores into joining the team. He's hoping by the time they're seniors, they'll kick booty.

On the good side, she gets it pretty easy during summer band camp. Front ensemble practices mostly indoors. Directors figure since they don't march, it's better if they work on the music separately.

She's going to have to stay focused this year. She made all A's last year, but I've warned her that it only gets tougher.

 

[PizzieDuster]

I started this thread but have to admit that I'm very unexcited about this year. Both of my boys have solos and both have been targets of verbal attacks from jealous band members. I'm really tired of hearing it!

I was in band. I don't ever remember being jealous of another's talent. We were all excited for each other. In our band kids just put others down for no reason.

The director is very negative this year too. Boys said he berated a kid for 10 mins on the megaphone for making a mistake. It was really bad, worse than usual. He is not good at giving criticism or praise. It is all negative. Even they praise is framed in a negative way.

And last year I was band president. I did it bc the director asked me
personally to do it. I chose to step down this year bc I knew I couldn't commit as much time this year.
Last week at the field, he criticized last years band booster board. He said it to the kids, on the megaphone, so everyone heard it, including all the parents there to pick up their kids. It was framed to compliment this years board but it was VERY nasty about last year. 2 of last years board are on the board again this year. If it was that bad, he never told me. In fact we talked all the time and things went great. ***

Our first game is next week. I will get to see both of my boys play their solos. I sure hope I feel more excitement than I do now.

Sorry to be a downer but band this year just isn't what it has been and I have a senior. Even my boys don't think it is as fun this year.

Wow, it's good to know this. I never realized this happened in band.

Okay, so here's a perfect example of my frustration:

1. My daughter broke her cell phone, we ordered a new one, comes Monday.
2. My son's car broke down, he's been using mine for work, like today.
3. My husband is in trial this week. Unavailable until 6pm or later.

4. Camp is on the calendar and it says 1pm to 9pm today.

5. No emails today.

6. Daughter calls me at 3pm to tell me she finishes at 5pm today.

7. Thankfully, a neighbor is taking me to my sons work to pick up my car.



I can only think about the parents who are working and not expecting this!
I just don't get it!!

 

[momof1princess]

We're right there with you. Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Algebra II & Pre-AP Chemistry as well as AP World History AND she's been corralled into the FFA quiz team. Most of the team graduated, so the ag teacher leading the team talked DD and a few other sophomores into joining the team. He's hoping by the time they're seniors, they'll kick booty.

On the good side, she gets it pretty easy during summer band camp. Front ensemble practices mostly indoors. Directors figure since they don't march, it's better if they work on the music separately.

She's going to have to stay focused this year. She made all A's last year, but I've warned her that it only gets tougher.

Same thing happened to DD15! She got her schedule for this year, and first semester, she had Pre AP chemistry, pre AP U.S. History, and pre AP alg 2/trig along with band (block schedule)! She was so upset! I talked to the counselor and managed to get her chemistry moved to 2nd semester, so now she has drivers ed, pre AP U.S. History, pre AP alg 2/trig and band. Turns out, her history teacher doesn't give homework and her alg 2/trig teacher only gives a little homework a couple of days a week.

 

[marcyinPA]

Lots of over achiever band kids here...haha.

My DS14 is taking all honors (English, Bio, Alg 1 and US History), plus Spanish 2, band, gym, health and a freshman seminar class. Aside from band, he plans on auditioning for the fall play, spring musical, and the tennis team this spring. I have no idea how he will keep all of those balls in the air, but he is determined!

 

[PizzieDuster]

Lots of over achiever band kids here...haha.

My DS14 is taking all honors (English, Bio, Alg 1 and US History), plus Spanish 2, band, gym, health and a freshman seminar class. Aside from band, he plans on auditioning for the fall play, spring musical, and the tennis team this spring. I have no idea how he will keep all of those balls in the air, but he is determined!

I just love it! We were told that the band had the highest GPA in the entire school! We're hoping DD14 doesn't bring it down (covering my face now) LOL

What a great group of kids to be surrounded by. I know she will be inspired by them as she already is! If they/advisers could only get their communication and organization together!!!

 

[Pembo]

The band "marched" at the local amusement park today. My boys said it was "really lame". They were just at Disney and Universal in March. This was no comparison. lol

The competition show this year has a singing section. They said it was really awkward to be singing while they stood and played at the park. DS said no one stopped to listen except for the few band parents who were there.

Anyone else have a band that sings during their show?

 

[momof1princess]

The band "marched" at the local amusement park today. My boys said it was "really lame". They were just at Disney and Universal in March. This was no comparison. lol

The competition show this year has a singing section. They said it was really awkward to be singing while they stood and played at the park. DS said no one stopped to listen except for the few band parents who were there.

Anyone else have a band that sings during their show?

I think our band has a small singing part in this year's show. One of the songs they're doing is "my songs know what you did in the dark" by fallout boy, and, if DD15 understood correctly, they're going to be dancing and singing during part of it. It's very drum heavy, so the drumline will be playing while everyone else is singing and dancing.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I'm popping in.. I'm a MB parent. My daughter who is a Freshman this year plays a flute. They had two weeks of band camp. They have two more practices to go. This Thursday August 29, my daughter will be marching/performing for the first time! I can't wait to see her in her uniform and see the whole show! I saw the preview and they are sounding really good! I'm so glad my daughter chose the band instead of orchestra! With the marching band, they go places!

YAAAY FOR ALL THE MARCHING BAND KIDS!!! AND PARENTS TOO!!

 

[Gina]

Welcome, Fantasia! (I seriously almost just typed "Fangtasia"... I really am in True Blood withdrawals, LOL)

Well, tonight marks the last first-game-of-the-season for us! Wahhh!! But I'm excited -- this year one of their stand tunes is the Imperial March (Darth Vader's theme.) They're going to play it on 3rd down when we're on defense, to rattle the other team. I love it! But then, I'm a huge Star Wars nerd, lol.

I am just SO READY for football!!! And of course, ready to see the band in action again. Love those Friday night lights!!! Good luck to anyone else who has their first game of the season tonight!


-gina-

 

[*Fantasia*]

Thanks Gina! Well... last night was their first performance. They were awesome!! My daughter, Tina did great! Unfortunately, as far as the football game, we lost. But yaay to the MB!!

I ordered my "Band Fan" shirt and I can't wait to wear it to the next game!

 

[nuke]

Welcome, Fantasia! (I seriously almost just typed "Fangtasia"... I really am in True Blood withdrawals, LOL)

Well, tonight marks the last first-game-of-the-season for us! Wahhh!! But I'm excited -- this year one of their stand tunes is the Imperial March (Darth Vader's theme.) They're going to play it on 3rd down when we're on defense, to rattle the other team. I love it! But then, I'm a huge Star Wars nerd, lol.

I am just SO READY for football!!! And of course, ready to see the band in action again. Love those Friday night lights!!! Good luck to anyone else who has their first game of the season tonight!


-gina-

My son's band did the music of John Williams last year. It was so good! Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jaws were the big hits.
this year is music from the band Chicago. First football game tonight and 40% chance of thunderstorms. Hope they hold off until after 1/2 time.

 

[piperdown]

First game tonight!

They should be loading up the bus about now. Only marching the first movement, and they won't be in uniform. Director wants to debut the new uniforms at the first home game next week. The kids are fine with waiting as it's been 100+ degrees the last few days. Shorts and t-shirts sound much more comfortable.

 

[Priorityonecb]

We had our first game tonight too! There is nothing like a crisp cool night, the community out, football, the band!! I almost get teary every Friday night! We won in a thrilling ending too. Fantastic start to our season!