New Band Student Information

 

The UNOFFICIAL Rookie Band Parent Handbook

 

Welcome!

This information was largely taken form another band program, and has been customized to fit our situation.  It includes information for both the parent and student, with minor humor added.

This information has been put together by a group of new parents who spent a large portion of their “rookie year” in various stages of confusion. In the many hours spent together watching practices and performances, waiting to pick up kids, and following yellow school busses, we asked lots of questions.

As novice band parents, of course we wanted to know what we should do. After all, the only people who were even more confused, and looking to us for answers, were our children. We wanted to share with the “upcoming rookie parents” some of the answers to these many questions before we too forget how it felt not knowing what was going on…(of course we still don’t have all the answers even if we think we do)!

Being a member of the Palm Beach Central High School Band Program will bring your children an interesting, and fulfilling educational experience. There are statistics showing that members of a music or arts program generally have better grades and score higher on standardized tests. They will work hard and experience many triumphs, as well as downfalls; two things that will prepare them for the real world after high school.

We sincerely hope this guide will answer some important questions about time management, time commitment, band fees and how to pay for them, fundraising, and uniforms. We would also like to give you some “insider” information on what it takes to be a band student, and a band parent!

How Will My Child Have Time?
TIME MANAGEMENT

How will our children have the time to go to rehearsals two to three days a week after school, perform at ten to twelve Friday night football games, and compete on Saturdays four to five weekends? How will they have the time to do all of this, within a three-month period, and keep up their grades??

TIME MANAGEMENT will be the most important tool that your children will acquire when they become members of the Bronco band program.

The students quickly learn that they must use every minute of their day wisely. The time not spent in practice is usually spent doing schoolwork, there is no other choice and they know that. At any given time you will find students in the band room, out in the hallway, or in any other space available doing homework. This is taught to them when they first join the program and it is expected of them. Remember that most band members are also Honor, AP, or IB students.

Your student will learn how to keep a schedule, how to be punctual, and how to set priorities.

At the May Booster meeting a detailed schedule will be distributed to all band students. It will list every rehearsal, football game, and competition your student will be required to attend during the Fall (well, almost every rehearsal). You can also view this schedule on the Bands web site at www.pcbbroncoband.com this schedule will now become a permanent attachment to your refrigerator.

Your child will also become punctual. They will be taught the meaning of the phrase...

“If you’re early, you’re on time; if you’re on time, you’re late; and if you’re  late………..”.

Finally, your child will learn how to set priorities. This is the time when it becomes extremely important that they take responsibility for their own work.  High school teachers will treat them as young adults, parents should also. Band rehearsals and homework will now fill their free time. (If only the band program could teach them to make time to take out the garbage without being reminded 100 times!!!)

“If you’re early, you’re on time; If you’re on time, you’re late”!

What is the Time Commitment?

Without a doubt, band is a big time commitment, there are rehearsals at least twice a week, there are football games on Friday nights, and there are competitions and assessments on the weekends.  There will be practice scheduled on those precious days off. There is the Summer Band Camp,  fundraising, practice, and maybe even private lessons. As we discussed above, time management is the key to success.

What About The Summer Band Camp?

YES, THE SUMMER BAND CAMP IS REQUIRED. Plan ahead! There have been times when students and families did not realize that there was a Summer Band CAMP, or that it is required. All “extra” band activities are considered when grades are being computed.  Students are not allowed to leave campus during the sessions. Camp is mandatory. Your student must attend ALL sessions without interruption. Please arrange family vacations, doctor’s visits, jobs and family time at a time other than during camp. Band is the ultimate group activity, and if one member is missing, it has an effect on the entire group. We count on your student to be there and to do their best. They will receive a lot of information and training during camp.

What About Rehearsals?
DOES MY STUDENT REALLY HAVE TO BE THERE?

All rehearsals are mandatory. One absent member will disrupt rehearsal for all members of the band. To be able to put the best possible musical product on the field, the staff and director need for all members of the band to be present during all scheduled rehearsals. Please see the Band Handbook for the consequences of missed rehearsals. Your membership depends on consistent participation. Management of a band this size is a monumental task and it becomes next to impossible if members of the band are absent. Please help your student make every effort to be there.

How Do Parents Get Involved?
PARENT INVOLVEMENT = A SUCCESSFUL BAND PROGRAM

Getting involved in the band program will give you the opportunity to share with your child the last four years of their education, these years that go so fast and are rarely enjoyed by many parents. Your child might say they rather not have you around, but most parents actually learn that in reality they appreciate your involvement and will thank you in the future. Your involvement should certainly not be as a babysitter to your child; you are there to provide a better learning environment for the entire group.

PBCHS is fortunate to have a great director, and staff. The band parents are needed to support the director, and help with the details of fundraising, transporting, feeding and watering an organization this size. The band needs parents to be able to function; it is for this reason that we urge you to get involved. Become involved with the Boosters, join one of the many committees; we need your help. Grandparents,  or any member of your family can get involved and make a difference. The Boosters are a great way to meet other parents and the kids your student will be spending much of their time with for the next few months.

The easiest way to volunteer is by joining the monthly Band Booster meetings where you will learn more about the program and where it needs your help.

Don’t just sit in the car, get out and ask, “How can I help?” It is fun and you meet the other parents with the same interests as yours.

How Do We Keep Informed?

The Bronco Band web site is a place that you will want to visit often not only to keep informed, but also to view the most recent pictures of the band’s activities. It is here that you will find the latest information on all upcoming events and fundraising opportunities. Make sure to visit our web site at www.pcbbroncoband.com. You will find rehearsal times, schedules, Band Handbooks, Chaperone Guidelines, and all parent contact information. You will also have an opportunity to sign up for the mailing list.

Why Do We Have To Pay For This?

Costs to run a successful program include additional instructors, music purchases, instrument acquisitions, transportation, entry fees, uniform cleaning, supplies and other equipment. Contrary to any popular opinion, the Palm Beach County School District funds only the director’s salary in the classroom.  We are fortunate to also have the support of the principal who helps financially with some discretionary funds when possible; however the majority of the necessary finances are the responsibility of the Booster organization.  Without these additional funds, there would be no band program outside the classroom.  While we set a “Fairshare” amount each

year, there are many opportunities for the students to earn these fees. When we hear the bottom line, we sometimes wonder how we are going to be able to raise the funds needed for our children to be able to continue the pursuit of their musical interest. We do not want the economic factor to keep any student from participating in band. Many families do not pay anything out of pocket for their student to be in band, due to their successful fundraising. We have a fundraising team, dedicated to provide many opportunities to earn band fees. Some of the most successful are the Football Program Ad Sales, cheesecake sales, pizza card sales, our annual golf tournament and many other ideas that come up throughout the year. The fee schedule is broken down into regularly scheduled payment amounts. You can deposit smaller amounts into your child’s account ahead of the payment due date. This can be done all through the year so you don’t have to come up with all the money at one time. The best way to learn about these fundraising opportunities is by keeping informed; and the best way to keep informed is by visiting the Band web site and attending the Band Booster meetings that take place all year long. Due dates are not flexible; however, unique circumstances can always be discussed with the band director.

Uniforms, Uniforms – What Do They Wear?

Summer Band Camp & Rehearsals
Wear comfortable shoes, closed toe, no flip flops. A light colored t-shirt, and shorts are appropriate. Students may want an extra t-shirt in case of a sudden rain shower.

Football Games
Required dress is determined by the director depending on the participation the band will have in the event.  The web site calendar will have the correct information at least a week prior to the event.  All students must comply with the stated dress.

Dress Uniform parts consist of:

• Cardinal and black Jacket
• Black “bibber” trousers
• Black marching band shoes – These are special marching band shoes that clean up well with shoe polish. Look for passed down shoes (during uniform issue) or pay about $25 for new.
• Band t-shirt or specific black Bronco band “under armor” undershirt.
• “Umbro” type shorts to be worn under bibbers for group changes.
• Black socks (these can be purchased when the shoes are purchased). We suggest having several pairs exactly alike. (Dryers love to eat socks.)
• Black gloves (ordered at the same time as the shoes for around $5.) We suggest buying a back up pair.
• Black Shako (hat) with plume

The dress uniform is issued prior to each game and competition from the uniform room. It is worn during marching season, it never goes home with students, and they must hang it up properly and return it to the uniform room each time. The jacket and pants will be dry-cleaned several times during marching season.

• Bibbers (just touching the top of the shoes)
• Jacket – The jacket is always to be hung up or worn, it should never just be thrown on the ground. Band members will be sized for uniforms prior to the first football game.
• Plumes (ours are commonly referred to as “chickens”) stored together in their own special carrier
• Shako (special marching band hat- stored in a box)

Uniform pieces are numbered so they will not get mixed up.

Tips to remember while in uniform, and remember, the director’s word in final:

• No hair showing (hair is tucked up into the hat)
• No jewelry or odd hair accessories (wristwatch is OK)
• No bright nail polish
• No make up (Guard is the exception, it is part of the uniform)
• Colored drinks, condiments, and any other messy or greasy food are not to be eaten while in uniform. Clear liquids only.

Are There Really Inspections?

Inspections are held before games in the band room. Students should be in place no later than the time they were told to report. Your student and their instrument (even the inside of the instrument) will be inspected as they stand at attention by sections. Students should be sure to not have jewelry or hair showing from under the shako. No make up should be worn when in uniform. Demerits will be given here. (We aren’t quite sure what this means yet, except that it’s bad and it involves cleaning something.)

Helpful Hints to Save You Time and Grief:

• Make your child responsible for being prepared. The first time they forget something will be the last!!! They learn to be resourceful when they have to be.
• At the end of each practice session there are usually announcements – listen up. This is your best opportunity to find out who, what, where and when things are going on.
• Network – This is how we meet each other. It is also one of the best ways to get helpful hints on band parenting from others.
• Carpool to competitions when parent busses aren’t available.
• Be prepared to cheer! The band loves it when they have their own cheering section.
• Don’t put uniform items away in the closet or drawers when cleaned. Keep all items (socks, shoes, band shirt, gloves, etc.) in a bag. These tips will save wasted time spent hunting for them each time they are needed.
• Keep extra gloves, socks, needle & thread, etc. in your car or purse just in case.
• Visit the band web site to stay informed.
• Sign up for the e-mail notification list on the web site.

Terms and Phrases:

• “Band practice is at 5 o’clock.” “If you are early, you’re on time; if you’re on time, you’re late.”
  If practice is scheduled for 5, students should be in their place, ready to start playing at 5.  When you drop your child off at 4:30, there will be students already there, ready to play. At this point, the anxiety level for being late dramatically increases. The band actually takes the practice field for

• warm-ups around 4:45. This is when your child will be sweating bullets. Beware of the train. Always allow extra time. There are no excuses. While this can’t be over stressed, please note that this only works at the reporting or beginning times……. See “Last Time” below.
• “Where are your pages in sheet protectors or dot books?”
  These are pages that students have necks during band camp that tell them exactly where they stand for different setups, like Opener 6. A good place to keep these is in their band binder or music folder.
• “ Where’s my spot?” or “Do we line up on the hash?”
  This does not refer to stains or food. These terms indicate how the practice field is marked off. Students use their coordinate cards to answer these questions.
• “Play to the box!”
  This means that instruments should be directed toward the tower on the practice field, where the powers-that-be live and flourish.
• “Cadence”
  When it is time, the band will march single file into the stadium with only the sound of a single snare to mark time. The band enters the stadium and goes to their seating area. Please help by making sure the path in front of them is clear, and stop anyone from cutting ranks as they march.  No food or drinks are allowed while in dress uniform, except when on break. When they are marching in, they are not allowed to move anything except their feet, not even a smile, so don’t distract them!
• “Are you working the Pit?”
  The pit is not something bad. It’s a group of percussion instruments that travel on a trailer and are stationary during performances. Chimes, bells, tympanis, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba and gong are but a few of the names you will be expected to know. Parents in the Pit Crew work feverishly to set up and take down the pit in record time, before and after a performance (and you think race pit crews are fast!!)
• “Last Time”
  This can mean one more time, a few more times, it can mean you’re beginning to approach the road to the last time, or it can mean we’ll keep doing it until you get it right!

You Know You are A Band Parent When. . . .

• You make three more trips than expected to drop off you child with everything they need.
• You carry spare black gloves, needle and thread, safety pins, black socks and duct tape in your pocketbook.
• You follow buses around all day on Saturdays
• You can’t pick your child out of the crowd because they all look alike.
• You no longer speak of your child as a fourteen-year-old daughter/son, but as a “freshman trumpet, freshman flute,” etc.
• You prominently display a band calendar in the kitchen, have band dates marked on the calendar in your purse and/or have the Band Hotline Number on your speed dial.
• You use your oven more for baking goodies for bake sales during home football games or treats, than for sit-down meals.
• You know that you will be wearing something cardinal, black and/or pewter every Friday night and on Saturdays.
• On time is late and early is on time.
• You don’t leave home without cushions to sit on, camera and camcorder!
• You are cheering with other band parents.

CONTACTS:
Band Office Phone Number: 561-304-1033
Website www.pbcbroncoband.com

Notes: