Roadmap for Parent Newbies

Expectations: Here's a Basic Breakdown for a Freshman/Newbie Parent

SUMMER

• Rookie Camp is the week of RiverFest, which we march in the parade as well as hold a fundraiser. ALL new members as well as drumline and section leaders are expected to attend.

• Band Camp.  Not going to lie, this is a grueling week!  9am to 9pm Monday through Friday.  ALL band members are expected to attend.

• Rehearsals every Tuesday through Thursday from 9am-noon until school starts.

FALL

• After school rehearsals on Mondays from 3pm-6pm, and Thursdays from 6:30pm-9:00pm.  Potluck cookouts every Thursday from 5:30pm-6:30pm.  

• Football games every Friday night!  We march every home and away game - rain or shine.  Please volunteer to help out as you can!

• Sounds of the Stadium concert at the beginning of November.  

• Pep band rehearsals for basketball games start. This is a completely volunteer band that students can earn community hours.

• Concert band begins as soon as football games end.

WINTER

• Concert band and Pep band continue.

• Winter Band Concert at the beginning of December.

• Winter Fest!  Come help with our fundraiser at the Huron Boat Basin!

• And so starts honors bands and OMEA competitions (Solo and Ensembles and Large Group).  

SPRING

• Honors bands and competitions continue into spring.

• Look for the Spring Arts Festival in April.  The concert band shares the spotlight with choir/chorale and art design students.

• Annual Band Banquet!  A great way to say farewell to our graduating seniors and celebrate another great year with our musicians and color guard.  Usually a sit down dinner with awards and the band historian(s) recounting the events of the year.

Other Tid-bits of Advice

• Every parent/guardian is a member of the Huron Band Parent's organization.  Get involved and help us help the kids!  We all are busy parents, but do what you can, as you can.  Support from home is crucial for them.

• Volunteer!  The band parents help out in so many crucial ways!  Help how you can.

• Brace yourself for instrument repairs.  Get well acquainted with the local music store and their hours.

• There will be "hidden" costs for both Tigerettes and band members due around September (all listed prices are approximate):

  • Shoes - boots for Tigerettes and Drill Masters for band. ($40-$90 a pair)

  • Uniform Fees - for both Tigerettes and band to cover the cost of dry cleaning uniforms. ($60)

  • Tigerette Fees - for make-up, bows, tights ($25-$30)

  • Locker Banners - optional, but most students want them. ($10-$15)

  • Band Pictures - order group, sectionals and individual photos.  (starting at $2)

• Band Trip - This is taken every other year (even years).  Dates and destinations vary, but a trip to Disney World is planned every 4 years.  This is easily over $1,000-$1,900 per student.