Parent’s Guide to the Band World

I am putting this letter together to try and explain/go through what to expect and how to actively participate to make this band program one of the “elite” in the state. Saturday’s are a very intense and exciting time! Your child will be placed into one of the toughest band classes in the most competitive marching band state in America. They will be asked to do things that no other school class or sports team will ever be asked to do. The band scene is one that is ever evolving and pushing the limits of each child involved and helps children grow and learn things about themselves that will help them succeed in their lives. With that being said, there really are no rivalries or bands that we “hate” or “dislike.” We respect and wish nothing but good things for each competing group, staffs, parents, and especially performers. You will find that this philosophy is not always followed by all bands and or parents. We need to remember that when kids are involved every parent thinks that their little Susie or Johnny or group that they are in is the best, but, we know that only the kids from our band are the best, and this information, while is true, needs to be displayed by our actions and not our mouths. I want our program to be known for our excellence in every area, from the way that we unload our trailer to the way that we perform. I tell the kids at all times we are being watched, someone, somewhere is out there looking at what we are doing and are going to try to find a weak link in our armor, negative thoughts and words, for some reason, is something that a lot of people feed on to make themselves feel better. This year more than ever we will be on display, and more people will be looking at us. New Uniforms bring out a lot more eyes, especially when we look as great as we do! I know that this won’t happen, but do remember you, as well as your child, are representing Edgewood, and with the “E” logo on you will be associated with us. I am writing this letter to you to explain what I expect from you as a parent and supporter of this group. I hope that you understand that this group has the unique opportunity of being something very special, and I want everyone to be able to enjoy and participate in it and bring a POSITIVE LIGHT. Your children are working very hard and are very excited about this year’s and the upcoming years in this program. Along with this letter I am writing down some things that will help our “BAND” down the road to becoming something truly “SPECIAL.”Hints to help…

1st PARTICIPATE … Be there! It truly is amazing what your child is doing and for the matter several thousand children in Indiana and around the United States! Go and check out the shows, each show will bring something new to the table and being able to watch the growth and development of “Our” show and your child is something that you will be able to cherish forever!

2nd Show team Spirit … Just because it is not the football or basketball team does not mean that you can not stand up and cheer “Our” group on. Yeah your child might think you are “corny” or some other un-cool thing that they can think to say, but deep down having you there and hearing the roar of the crowd gets their adrenaline pumping and will cause a much more enjoyable show to the audience and the judges.

3rd Show “E” Spirit … Wear anything that you can that has some display of who you are and who you support! When you get to the stadium that we are performing at, sit with other “E” BAND parents. A group of us will be more accepted, visible, and audible then if we are spread out through the stands.

4th Relax and Enjoy … I have to remind myself of this one often. The marching band season is a marathon and not a sprint. There are no “W’s” and “L’s” we are working for the best show that we can have that week. And in the scheme of things we know whether or not what we are doing is good or not. We might have a panel of judges for some reason that week not like what we are doing, or like someone else better. It is not the end of the world, we will just keep going about our business and shooting for the “Greatest” show that we can have!

5th Watch and Enjoy … Watch as much as you can, this is something that your child is doing, and can be a great conversation piece…

I hope that you find these items helpful … and let’s enjoy this season!