WHAT IS IT GOING TO COST ME FOR MY CHILD TO MARCH WITH THE BAND?

Dues - In order to provide a holistic and worthwhile experience for the students of the MMB, there is a cost associated with enrolling as a member

Payments for the MMB are spread over payments (set by the boosters), to be paid at specified times. 

It is EXTREMELY important that your dues are paid on time because your child has been assigned a spot for the show. If dues are not paid there is a hole in the show that affects the entire band! 

These dues go to covering costs such as food (for all competitions, band camp, football games), staff that are hired to give each student direct and specific instruction on their instrument, as well as show design (music, drill, etc.) 

Fundraisers – The students and parents of the marching band and guard members are expected to help with the fundraisers put on by the music boosters. The music boosters need fundraising because the dues only cover a small part of the cost of providing award-winning programs for the students.  

 
Optional costs – Parents will also find that there are optional costs involved with having a child in band. These costs include: admissions to competitions (for the parents), and travel (for parents going to competitions). 

 WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A PARENT OF A MARCHING BAND STUDENT?

A parent of a marching band student requires flexibility – places, times of practice, etc. do change based on the needs of the band. Changes in schedules are kept to a minimum but they do occur and consequently, parents need to be flexible. Your child, as well as all students and staff, need your support. There will be times when your child or your child’s friend becomes discouraged. Your encouragement to keep plugging along will help get them to the next competition and the MCBA State Championships. Even the experienced marchers occasionally need to be reminded of why they are investing so much effort. But when they are reminded of the feeling they get standing on Ford Field, they all want to continue toward that goal. We also need your assistance on various committees and activities (we value your time and energy as much or more than your financial support).

WHAT KIND OF SUPERVISION DOES MY CHILD HAVE WHEN THEY ARE WITH THE BAND?

Boosters volunteers chaperone all events with the band. There are many parent volunteers present at every band event. 

WHEN WILL I EVER GET TO SEE WHAT MY CHILD IS DOING WITH BAND?

In general, the marching band will perform their show at each Friday home football game.  At home games, the band performs the entire show.  The band also performs at various competitions on Saturdays during the Fall culminating with the MCBA State Championships. On special occasions, the band will not perform at half-time (senior night, homecoming, etc.).   

Parents are able to watch practices at any time.  Parents are asked, however, to not disturb students and staff during practices.  It is remarkable to see the differences in the marching and music as the season progresses. The kids also appreciate the support of the parents who take a few minutes towards the end of practice to see what they are doing.

AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TRANSPORTATION OF MY CHILD TO EVENTS AND PRACTICES? WHAT TIME SHOULD MY CHILD BE AT PRACTICES?

Many students carpool to and from practices and from the school before and after events. (Parents should use discretion when allowing younger students to ride with an older student-driver).

To be EARLY is to be on TIME. Students should be ready to go at the specific start times. Different sections require different setup times. Generally, students should arrive 15 minutes before the start time of an MMB event.

I AM GOING TO BE AT A BAND EVENT.  DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO RIDE HOME WITH THE BAND?

Students are expected to ride to and from all events with the band. Special occasions may arise where parents may need to take students to or from an event. These must be approved in writing with Mr. DiCosola before the event takes place. The parent must then sign out their student with Mr. DiCosola before leaving.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE INFORMATION I NEED?

There are a variety of ways used to communicate in the band and booster organization. Some of the ways you need to become accustomed to using are:
*band website
*booster meetings 
*other parents