Marching Band Parent 101

Marching band is a combination of musicianship, movement, teamwork, and discipline. Students not only play instruments but also learn complex drill formations and choreography, especially for those involved in color guard. A marching band season typically includes football games, parades, and competitions.

Band Structure:

• Winds: Brass and woodwind instruments (e.g., trumpets, clarinets, saxophones).

• Percussion: Split into the drumline (marching drums) and the pit (stationary percussion instruments like keyboards and cymbals).

• Color Guard: The visual performers who use flags, rifles, sabers, and sometimes dance to enhance the overall show.

• Band Director: Oversees the entire program, including music selection, show design, and coordination of performances.

• Assistant Directors & Staff: Help with music, drill, and logistics.

• Section Leaders: Student leaders responsible for specific instrument groups, ensuring that music and marching are prepared.

• Color Guard Instructors: Coaches responsible for teaching the color guard flag, rifle, and dance routines.

Summer Band Camp: This is a mandatory summer event where students learn the fundamentals of the season’s performance. Attendance is critical for a successful show.

• May and first week of June – Percussion, color guard, new marchers & leadership team meetings and rehearsals.

• June – Full band spring rehearsals, scheduled by section.   

• First week of August, evenings - Season KickOff/Full Band Pre-Camp Rehearsals 

• Second week of August, day & evening - Full Band Band Camp

• Mid August evenings - Full Band Post-Camp Rehearsals

• Parent Preview - Scheduled shortly after post-camp rehearsals

• In addition to the above there may be gatherings for each band section led by the student section leaders.  They will communicate these meetings directly with the marchers in their group.

Fall: Weekly rehearsals, football games, and weekend competitions.

• Weekly Rehearsals: The band will practice every morning before school and continue practicing through first hour.

• Football Season: The band performs during halftime of home games, with pregame and in-stands performances.

• Pep Rallies: Additional performances at school events.

Competitions: Weekend events where bands compete against others, usually on Saturdays.

End of Season: Tailgate party and final performance, often at the last competition or a special band event.

• In celebration of the marching band season, all members of the Royal Brigade are invited to attend an end of the year tailgate in the Northwest Commons. Dinner will be provided by the Northwest Band Parents Organization and a series of season awards to outstanding marchers and sections will be given out.

Uniforms: Each student will be fitted for a uniform (jacket, pants, hat/shako, gloves, etc.) during summer band camp. Parents may need to assist with uniform care, which includes dry cleaning and repairs. 

Summer Camp:

• Athletic shoes

• White t-shirts

• Sun screen

• Large water jug (1 gallon size recommended) labeled with your name

• Hat

• 3 Ring Binder

• 10-12 plastic page covers within the binder

• Pencil case and pencils

• Phone with UDB app (Ultimate Drill Book— the ultimate tool for marching bands)

Football Season:

• Sleeveless t-shirt to wear under the uniform.  Many students buy two of these t-shirts so there is a back up on travel days to change into if needed after the performance. 

• Long black socks (crew length or longer with no colored heels)

• Black leggings or black athletic shorts (non bulky and slick is the key)

• A bag to store personal belongings in the band room

• An extra pair of long black socks stored in your bag

• No nail polish

• No piercing, earrings, nose rings, etc

• Hair must be up and off the collar for both girls and boys (bobby pins and hair spray help)

• Deodorant

Competitions: 

• Sleeveless t-shirt to wear under the uniform.  Many students buy two of these t-shirts so there is a back up on travel days to change into if needed after the performance. 

• Long black socks (crew length or longer with no colored heels)

• Black leggings or black athletic shorts (non bulky and slick is the key)

• Extra black socks (at least crew length without any colored heels)

• Deodorant

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Change of clothes/street clothes (preferable school/logo)

• Extra layers (mid-west weather appropriate)

• Comfy slip-on shoes

• Chargers/cords for phones

• Headphones/earbuds

• Money - some concession stands may only accept cash.  Sometimes there are competition t-shirts available.

• Snacks

• Small games for downtime

• OTC medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) for just in case

• Blankets or pillows for longer bus rides

• For those with long hair: extra hair ties, bobby pins, strong hair spray, brush and combs

• Females- extra “time of the month” items- someone will need them, you might need them, always have them with you

What Not to Bring: Anything you are super attached to. People have lost precious items in the past and it is heartbreaking.

Instruments & Accessories: Some students rent school instruments while others use their own. Make sure your student has reeds, valve oil, drumsticks, or any other essentials they need throughout the season. Color guard members will have their own equipment, like flags or rifles.

Game Days

• Before the Game: Students typically meet for a pre-game rehearsal and to prepare uniforms.

• During the Game: The band plays in the stands to support the football team and performs during halftime.

• After 3rd Quarter: Student’s are dismissed. Students then help with clean-up and packing away instruments.

Competitions

• Arrival: Students usually arrive at school early to load buses. Volunteer parents can follow buses or drive separately to competitions.

• Performance: Bands have timed performances with music, marching, and color guard routines. Judges score bands on several factors, including music, visual performance, and overall effect.

• Awards: At the end of the event, bands are ranked, and awards are given for categories like Best Music, Best Visual, and Overall Performance.

Rehearsals: Marching band is a significant commitment. Once the school year begins students will practice before school and continue through first hour.

Games & Competitions: The band will perform at football games, parades, and various competitions. Competitions are typically on Saturdays and can last all day, from early morning rehearsals to late-night awards ceremonies.

Volunteer Opportunities: Marching band programs rely heavily on parent volunteers. Sign up to help with:

• Chaperoning trips and competitions

• Uniform fitting and repairs

• Roadies (moving equipment to and from the field)

• Fundraising events (car washes, bake sales, etc.)

• Providing snacks and water during practices or events

• Wolfpack Warehouse

• Concessions

Band Parent Organization (BPO): This is a parent organization that supports the band financially and logistically. Join your school’s BPO to stay informed and involved.

• Recommended Donation: To ensure the success and growth of our band program, we kindly request parent or guardian support through a recommended donation of $125 per band student. Your generosity allows us to provide an exceptional musical education for our students, covering costs such as marching shoes and gloves, supplemental staffing and clinicians, and travel expenses. 

• Fundraising: Participate in fundraising activities, which can help reduce individual costs and support the overall program.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the band’s schedule via email, text messages, social media, or the band’s website. Make sure your student is attending all practices and events.

• Pack Essentials: Ensure your student brings water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else they might need for long rehearsals or events.

• Encourage Rest & Hydration: Marching is physically demanding. Remind your student to stay hydrated, eat well, and get plenty of rest.

• Encourage Practice: Practicing music at home will help your student stay on top of their performance. Remind them to practice regularly.