May 13, 2008

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Information for Band Parents

What does it take to be a Band Parent?

Being a Band Parent is a unique and satisfying method of supporting your child during his/her participation in the Marching Band Program. However, please keep in mind that the following requirements are crucial to the success of the program, as well as your child’s overall experience:

Attendance

Your presence is required at the regular monthly meetings of the Marching Band Parents Association. The meetings are critical to the program, as fundraising, volunteering for various functions, and other important topics are discussed and planned. Please make sure to sign the attendance sheet at each meeting.

Note: Any parental complaints must first be brought before the Executive Board for review, not presented at a general meeting. The Executive Board will review the issue and make every attempt to resolve it immediately. It is at the sole discretion of the Executive Board as to whether or not the complaint should be open for discussion at a general meeting. This procedure is in place to maintain the necessary order of business at each general meeting.

Volunteering

There are several functions that occur during the course of the school year that cannot happen unless we have several volunteers. Some of these functions are:

• chaperoning at football games, festivals, and parades.
• chairing and participating on committees for fundraising events.
• concession stand duty during plays and other functions at the high school.

At football games, parents are needed to:

• installing and removing the seat covers on the bleachers.
• help move equipment on and off the field.
• load and unload the truck for away games and festivals.

Volunteering at these functions is a mandatory part of the program. A list of events will be made available to you and you will be assigned a duty (i.e. as in Little League all the parents of the players are assigned concession stand duty). If for any reason you are not able to cover your assigned duty/duties, please arrange for someone else to take your place and advise the Executive Board of same.

Uniforms

While the members of the band parents association make every effort to help the band director with the uniforms, ultimately they are the responsibility of the band director.

The Band Parents Association will order the shoes, fit your child with his/her uniform and assist in any way needed. The band director will hold inspections and it is your child’s responsibility to make sure his/her uniform is kept clean and in good condition; their shoes must be cleaned after every function. The uniforms must be cleaned and pressed as needed, and turned in at the end of the season, cleaned and pressed, as well. Soiled uniforms will not be accepted.

You will receive a notice or a phone call as to the day(s) uniforms will be collected (usually some time after Memorial Day). Uniforms willbereturned dry cleaned. If not a $10.00 dry cleaning fee will be charged. If a uniform is not turned in, the cost of replacing the uniform will be your responsibility.

Note: each uniform consists of the hat, jacket, and pants. Shoes and gloves belong to the students.

Punctuality

The band director and his staff provide a schedule for rehearsals and events, both home and away. For the safety and protection of your child, it is important that the agendas are adhered to. If your child is left waiting at the school after a function, the band director cannot leave until your child is picked up. This is inconsiderate and places an unnecessary burden on the adults in charge. Of course there are always circumstances beyond one’s control that may cause delays. If such an event occurs, you must call the band director as soon as possible.

Respect & Courtesy

Each and every member of the Marching Band Parents Association is responsible for setting a good example for our children. With that in mind, it is important that the students must be respectful of the staff, the band parents, and especially of each other. They must also respect and care for their instruments and equipment. They must be courteous and cooperative. Any behavioral infractions such as foul language, hitting, pushing, shoving, name-calling, or any manner of ill behavior will be reported to the band director or a staff member.

Your child is part of a team, a representative of Secaucus High School, and your family. He/she is expected to act accordingly. Please bear in mind that the band parents association does not have anything to do with establishing a discipline policy – again, that is the sole responsibility of the band director, his staff, and the school administration. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the Executive Board Members or the band director.

The Band Parents Association exists for the sole purpose of enhancing the marching band program. This organization does not set policy; it does not have any influence over the decisions made by the band director and his staff. We are a support organization – support for the students and the program. We look forward to a successful season filled with good ideas, and a lot of fun.

Success can’t be spelled without “U”! Please become and continue to be part of the Secaucus High School Marching Band Parents family.

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