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band boosters

President

Mitchell Panter
mpanter@panterlaw.com

Recording Secretary

Catherine Hernandez
cathdez@gmail.com

Band Boosters

A Guide for New Band Parents (and Veterans, too !)

This guide was created based on the experience and the beautiful moments shared by parents of the Cougar Marching Band (MCB), Instrumentalists/Color Guard “Cougarettes” and all bands (wind ensemble, symphonic,concert, and jazz) of Miami Killian Senior High. We hope this can help clarify the expectations of the year ahead and ensure that you remain informed, involved, and an integral part of this rewarding family oriented activity.

For most of us (parents and students alike), the transition from middle school band programs to high school band programs is huge, especially to marching band. However, the increased expectations come with greater rewards in terms of students’ accomplishments and the pride you will have in watching them master their goals. This document is an attempt to share with you some of the finer points of making the most of your years as a band parent. The Cougar Marching Band, which is comprised of musicians (instrumentalists) and color guard/dancers (Cougarettes), is an extracurricular activity.

The Miami Killian High School - Marching Cougar Band program is exclusively supported by a parent booster organization – the Cougar Band Patrons, Inc. (C.B.P.I.). The C.B.P.I. functions solely through volunteer parents that help provide your students an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Join us in meeting this challenge by volunteering your time, creativity, and talents. The students will reap the benefits. We welcome all new parents and look forward to getting to know you and your students!

Fees associated with participation in the bands (marching, wind ensemble, symphonic, concert or jazz) are outlined in the Band Handbook. You are welcome to contact the CBPI board via email at: CBPI.band.booster@gmail.com.

This marching season’s first meeting with the parents will be held on May 23, 2011 at 7:00pm. In addition, C.B.P.I. will hold monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month beginning in July, 2011 at 6:30 pm in the Band Room. Meetings are open to all parents. Any change in the schedule will be communicate via email and/or posted on the band website: www.killiancougarband.com. Your participation and support is most critical and appreciated. The more parents we have actively contributing, the better the year will be for our sons and daughters.

Student Information

Mandatory Band Camp is conducted in August a couple weeks prior to the start of school. The MCB usually meet two times a week throughout the summer, beginning with a Mini Camp. Dates and times are always announced before the end of the school year and a calendar of events will be distributed. The staff and students remain actively engaged throughout those weeks. The scheduled start and stop times may vary and can be found on the band website: www.killiancougarband.com. It is imperative that the students attend these sessions which serve as the primary learning opportunity to garner support and master the music for their marching band show. Of course, we understand there will be extenuating circumstances, i.e., family vacations, illness, etc. We ask that you advise Mr. Bixby in advance if your child will not be attending on a particular day.

The kids get quite a workout. Be prepared for plenty of sweating. It’s an experience most of them “love to hate.” Students should dress appropriately – t-shirts, shorts, comfortable sneakers, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. A large water container (1 gallon recommended) is essential– unlimited refills are available throughout the day – water is their best friend.

Band Camp culminates with a “premiere preview” for the band families. It is great fun to come out and see how far the students have come in just one week. Parents will have the opportunity to meet other band parents, the staff, and the C.B.P.I. organization to fortify our united commitment.

Summer engagement in Band Camp affords a major benefit to the beginning of the high school experience. When your freshman or new marching band student arrives for the first day of school, he/she will already be a part of a well-respected group (across all grade levels) to help with the transition into high school and/or the empowered to face the challenges ahead. Our band students support one another.

Marching Band Season

The Marching Band season starts as band camp ends. Practices will continue to be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Mr. Bixby will provide the students any schedule changes. The schedule will also be updated on our web calendar.

Football Games

The Marching Band is required to perform their show at half time at various football games, as well as, playing in the stands during the game. The band has a secured, roped-off section in the stands and the band parent/chaperones sit together–a great opportunity to get to know other parents and see your student perform up close.

Competitions

The Marching Band competes with other high school bands in the fall. The competitions can be local or out-of-town. Your child is responsible for having a field trip permission form signed (parent’s signature) prior to each event. They cannot board the bus without it. Please, chaperone/assist as many events as you can. All of the students appreciate hearing the cheering from the stands. It is great to watch the competitions and be one of those who offers to make the difference.

Uniforms

Your band student will be issued a school-owned marching uniform consisting of a jacket, shako (hat) and gauntlets. In addition, they are required to purchase their own bibs (pants), under-armor T-shirt, marching shoes, and gloves (as appropriate by section). CBPI will order these items for all students that need to purchase them. However, your payment must be received prior to CBPI placing the order. You will need to provide black socks (at least mid calf). Students are responsible for assuring that they treat their uniform with great care. Each event, the jackets, and shakos are issued to the student on a labeled hanger and box. The student is responsible for returning them properly hung in the Quarter Master room. Jackets and gauntlets are sent out for dry cleaning throughout the year. The plumes and gauntlets are given at the time of performance and collected immediately after by parent chaperones. The jackets, shako, plumes and gauntlets should not be removed from the Quarter Master room without permission from the band director.

Each student will also purchase a Performance Themed Band T-shirt that will be used for various pep ralleys and events. It can also be worn to school on Fridays. The underarmor T-shirt has to be worn under their uniform at all marching events. Additionally, your student may bring a pair of cool, comfortable shorts to be worn under their marching uniform. We strongly recommend against denim material.

It’s imperative that your student comes to each event prepared! They should have their instrument, music (if needed), CLEAN shoes, hat, gloves (some gloves need to be cut and sewn according to the instrument that the student plays), and black socks (at least mid calf). Without these items – THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE.

Help Us Help the Students - Many Hands Make Lighter Work!

During the year, but especially during marching season, the students need many helping hands behind the scenes to make their shows successful. As your student enters high school, this is one of the few opportunities you may have to stay involved with their activities and get to know the peers they spend a great deal of their time with daily. The students realize very quickly that Marching Band doesn’t happen without parental support. The C.B.P.I. will be looking for parents to head, sponsor, and run different committees as well as:

Help with uniform fittings and alterations
Help with cleaning and organizing the uniform and equipment rooms
Help to pack coolers water bottles and ice, as well as, distribute snacks to band members during football games and competitions.
Help getting equipment on and off the field during half-time shows and events (drum major podiums, props, instruments).
Helping to keep the bleachers secure where the band will be seated and roping off the band section.
Help distribute uniforms or t-shirts.
Help sell gloves and ponchos, as needed, in Quarter Master room
Help assist students in the auditorium prior to inspection by responding to uniform emergencies (my zipper won’t zip, my gauntlets don’t fit, take the earrings that I’m not permitted to be wearing,etc.)
Help to assemble students in line to march to field or to board buses
Assure that supply bags and medical release forms are present and roll is taken prior to departure at each location.
Help with post event uniform collection, inspection and instruction on hanging of uniforms.
Help by driving the rental truck for the equipment.
Help with providing creative suggestions and planning Senior Game,
Help looking for donations and/or sponsors.

NOTE: All volunteers must complete the on-line registration on the Miami-Dade County School System Parent Volunteer Portal (ask C.B.P.I. about the "user guides to register") and must wear the Chaperone uniform and ID that indicates the MDPS Volunteer Number and Level.

Band Picnic, Senior Game and Band Banquet

Band Picnic - It has been a tradition in the MCB to gather for a pre-marching season picnic. It is an opportune time to get to know the new marching band students and parents that have transitioned from middle school or from another location. We also begin to reflect on the activities that lay ahead and how we will meet the students’ and the program’s needs. Pizza, soda, chips, water and lots of fun are on the agenda!

Senior Game - It has been a tradition in the MCB for us to honor our senior students and their parents during the game (to be announced). Senior students have a dinner before the game. Then, they are taken to the game by special transportation (a limousine). They receive favors and cup cakes during half time. Try to be there for Senior Game to see the celebration.

Band Banquet - It has been a tradition in the MCB to celebrate our successful year with the students, families and faculty for a year-end Band Banquet. This is a theme appropriate party experience including dinner, videos and award presentations. The highlight of the evening includes the announcement of next season’s officers.

Fundraising

We conduct many fundraisers throughout the year to support the Band’s programs. Your Band fairshare/fees barely scratch the surface of the expenses incurred in running MCB’s outstanding curriculum. Please try to participate as you can in any of these or feel free to provide us with your ideas of your own:

Car Washes – We hold several car washes throughout the year and it is a great time for your student to get to know the other members of the band in an informal, fun setting. Look for the sign-up sheets!
Concessions – We need parents to volunteer to work. This is a great opportunity to get to know other band parents and enjoy the events.
Yard Sales – We collect donated items from the community, advertise, sort and price the items for a one day C.B.P.I. yard sale at Miami Killian Senior High School. Items that are not sold are donated to a local charity.
Product Sales – to be announced.
Sponsors – We are always looking for Corporate Sponsorship!
CBPI Scholarships – We accept additional donations to be used for scholarships as needed.
YOUR IDEAS!!!!

Helpful Hints to Save YOU Time, Gas, and Hassle

Mr. Bixby, the staff, and the C.B.P.I. want this to be a positive experience for all the students and their families. Here are some helpful hints (learned from our own experiences):

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.
“Early is on-time, on-time is late, and late is inexcusable!" 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 start time.
When you pick up your child from practice, try to be there a little early: The staff cannot leave the premises until all students have been picked up. This is a safety issue for students as well as the staff.
Mr. Bixby and the staff try very hard to end practice at the scheduled time. Occasionally practice may run over. Please be patient … it’s usually for a very good reason.
Ask your student for the schedule each week, but be prepared for changes.
Check the web site often
Network – Take the opportunity to meet other parents (after practice, at games & competitions, fundraising activities, etc.). This is how we all met each other. It is also the best way to find carpools and 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 (socks, shoes, gloves, etc.) in a bag. That way, you won’t spend time hunting for them when needed.
Don’t hesitate to ask any of the “veteran” band parents or C.B.P.I.
Members, 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. Shame on you!
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 “marching band member.”
You prominently display a band calendar in your kitchen and have band dates marked on your work calendar.
Your newest best friends are fellow band parents!

Conclusion

We hope this has been helpful. Anytime you feel lost, tap a “veteran” parent on the shoulder and ask for help. Our main goal is for each of the students to have a great experience being part of the Miami Killian Senior High Marching Cougar Band and the other music or color guard ensembles. As stated earlier, we are a parent run organization. We look forward to getting to know each family. Each student and their parents contribute to the band programs and make it a great place to be.