Tips for Freshman/New Marcher Parents
? Attend all of the games and events that you can so that you can experience the incredible pride of watching your son or daughter compete on the field.
? Be sure to block of your calendar for all of the Friday and Saturday posted events. Also L.C.B. has a history for reaching playoffs so keep your Fridays and Saturdays open through mid-December.
? Long black socks(you buy) and white gloves(first pair are issued at the first event) are required for all events. Pick up extras early and on sale. Kids lose them several times a season! If your child does not come with either of these items they will be charged five dollars a pair every time they forget.
? Wear your Skyhawk blue to the games and events to support the band. Band parents are some of the most spirited people in the stands.
? Volunteer for a position!!! It will be one of the best decisions you will make and it is an awesome way to be an active part of your son or daughter?s high school. There are many ways to help! For example, we are always in need of cases of water bottles. We go through 4+ cases of water for every event that we do.
? You can volunteer for one of our board positions, one of our supporting roles such as chaperoning, pit crew, festival volunteer, spirit wear, and membership. It is a great way to get to know the fun group of parents that are our band families and help the organization be successful. A county school volunteer sheet must be submitted ahead of time and approved prior to volunteering.
? Bookmark the band booster website on your computer(s) at home and/or at work. It is the major communication tool for the Boosters. http://www.lcbirdband.com/
? Attend the Band Boosters meetings. They are announced each month on our website homepage!
? These will be some of the best memories of your child?s high school years. Encourage them to make the most of it, even when the work seems long and tough and the weather is not cooperating.
Helpful hints to save you time, gas, and grief
? Hold your child responsible for being prepared. The first time they forget something, will likely be the last. They really do learn to be resourceful when they have to be.
? ?If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late. If you are late get ready for push-ups, sunset squad, or running.? This means that students are expected to arrive for scheduled practice about 15 minutes early so they are in position and ready to rehearse at the scheduled star time. For example, if the start time is 6:00 P.M., plan to arrive by 5:45 P.M.
? When you pick up your child from a practice, game, or competition, try to be there about 20 minutes early. .If you are going to pick up your child directly from a competition you must have prior approval from Mrs. Oyan.
? Second, you may listen to the dismissal. There are usually announcements about what is new and what has changed. It is also a great opportunity to meet other parents.
? Mrs. Oyan and the staff try very hard to end practice at the scheduled time. Occasionally practice may run over for sunset squad or Freshman duties. Please be patient?it is usually for a very good reason.
? Ask your student for the schedule each week, but be prepared for changes.
? Network- Take the opportunity to meet other parents (after practice, at the games, competitions, fundraising activities, etc.) This is how we all meet each other. It is also the best way to get helpful hints on band parenting from others.
? Be prepared to cheer! The band loves it when they have their own cheering section at games and competitions.
? Keep all small uniform items (extra clean socks, shoes, gloves, etc.) in a bag or in a locker in the band room. Small lockers rent for $5 and the extra larger lockers (for bigger instruments) are $10 per school year. That way you won?t spend time hunting for them when they are needed.
? You are encouraged to buy an additional required ?band show? shirt. These shirts must be worn under the uniform and need to be washed after every event.
? Do not forget to buy a tuner/metronome, SmartMusic, extra reeds, oil, flip chart, huge water pitcher, tennis shoes and high school appropriate mouth pieces (ex.5C trumpet mouthpiece).
? Do not hesitate to ask any of the ?veteran? band parents or Band Boosters for information. We?ve all been there and are anxious to help.
You know you?re a marching band parent when?.
? You make three more trips than expected to drop off your child with everything he or she needs.
? 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 son/daughter, but as a ?freshman trumpet.?
? You prominently display a band calendar in your kitchen and have band dates marked on your work calendar.
? Your newest band friends are fellow band parents!!!
Tips for Freshman/ New Marchers
1. Don?t wear skinny jeans, they cut off your circulation.
2. Eat breakfast, but do not include milk or soda.
3. Do not eat super sugary or super salty foods.
4. Don?t forget your drill t-shirts, coordinate sheets, band music, pencil, flip chart, water, sunscreen/bug spray, instrument, and instrument accessories every day.
5. Warn Mrs. Oyan ahead of time of any conflicts.
6. Be early!!!
7. Wear school and weather appropriate clothing.
8. Wear comfortable tennis shoes.
9. Sunglasses and a hat are strongly suggested.
10. Don?t lock your knees when standing or marching
11. Rain does NOT mean the event is cancelled!!
12. Don’t give blood the day of marching band practice.
13. Have money for lost items and for food (at least $10)
14. You will be assigned Freshman duties, which means that you are generally the first to arrive and the last to leave.
15. Tie up your hair if it is long.
16. Bring a large towel to sit on and small towels for mopping up your sweat.
17. Bring several sharpened pencils.
18. Number the measures on your music.
19. Have a poncho for the rainy day practices.
20. There are NO I-pods or cell phones during practice. You should wear a watch if you want to know the time.
21. No GUM chewing.
22. No sugary items outside!
23. There is no eating in the band room.
24. Wear light colored clothes to keep you cool.
25. You can have a small snack to keep with your stuff outside?but seal it well because the ants are big!!
26. Go to the bathroom prior to going out to the field.
27. Bring extra deodorant.
28. Things left in the band room will be thrown out, so don?t leave anything behind.
29. Don’t talk when Mrs. Oyan is on the podium or when we’re called to attention
30. There are Spirit Days that we?d love for you to participate in!
Monday-Nerd Day
Tuesday-Favorite color Day
Wednesday-Hat Day
Thursday-Super hero/cape Day
Friday- LCB Spirit Day