The unofficial guide for “Rookie” marching band parents

What we all wish we had known but did not know to ask!

Wake Forest High School Marching Cougars

Joey Tucker, Director

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What’s so great about Marching Band? Ask 100 parents this question, and you’ll get 100 different answers. For some the benefits are seeing their child’s self-confidence explode; others enjoy the friendship network. Another benefit is giving their child a sense of pride and accomplishment after working hard and giving a great performance in front of an excited crowd.

Being a member of the Wake Forest High School Marching Cougars will give your child a valuable educational and social experience. They will work hard and experience many triumphs, as well as some hardships and disappointments – things that will prepare them for the “real world” and life after high school.

The transition from middle school band programs to high school band programs is huge, especially in marching band. The increased expectations come with greater rewards, in terms of your student’s accomplishments and in the pride you will have in watching their accomplishments. But, walking into WFHS on the first day of school knowing 60 people will help the transition much easier.

You will have many questions about the marching band program at Wake Forest High School. This guide will show some of the finer points of making the most of your years as a band parent and hopefully answer many of the questions you have. If you have questions that are not answered in this guide, please contact your band director or any member of the WFHS Band Boosters.

Congratulations and welcome aboard!

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LEADERSHIP

Leadership within the Wake Forest High School Marching Band is a privilege bestowed upon those students whose actions and behavior have demonstrated a high standard of discipline and maturity as

individuals, and a dedication to the success of the band. These students have made a commitment to make the band the best it can possibly be. Student leaders are expected to assist the Band Directors, as requested, and to lead by example throughout the year.

Band Director – Joey Tucker (AKA Tucker), our Director of Bands, is our “Head Coach!” He is

responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the band program, including hiring and supervising

consultants, assisting with the Booster program and educating our children!

Consultants – Extra staff hired by the director to improve the band, work with the percussion and

guard. Think of them as “Assistant Coaches.”

Drum Majors – These students are the lead conductors of the band. Once “rookies” just like

your kids, they are now upper-classmen and conduct the band during the marching season.

Section Leaders – The band has different components. Each of the components has student

leaders, who help rehearse small groups of students.

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The Wake Forest High School Band Boosters

The parent arm of the WF Band Program. The band boosters is a group of band parents that work to

support the band program at Wake Forest High School; supporting the entire band program, not just the

marching band. Besides providing volunteer assistance, the band boosters raise money to offset band

program costs.

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE NOW A BAND BOOSTER!

As a band booster, we ask that you give time & help.

The band needs you! The kids need you!

Parental Involvement 1. Give your child support & encouragement for being in band! Tell him/her how proud you are of what

they are learning, and how they are changing from being part of the band!

2. When picking up your kids from band leave your car and get to know the other parents! Better yet,

come early to watch the kids’ progress and socialize with other band parents. Building relationships

with other adults in the program will benefit both you and your child!

3. Come to the Band Booster Meetings! Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 7p in the band

room. You’ll always walk away with information your kids forgot to tell you.

4. Pay your FairShare on time. We know it’s not easy, but it is important to the existence of the band

program.

5. Join the “Care Crew” and help with the Care & Feeding of students. During the 2nd week of band camp,

parents are needed to help serve dinner. And, kids LOVE baked goods and snacks anytime!

6. Assemble flags. Much of flag assembly involves scissors, not a sewing needle. Fabric must be cut

before it can be sewn together. (But if you can sew, we could really use your help.)

7. Attend football games and competitions to cheer for them! The band ALWAYS performs better with a

large cheering block behind them.

8. Volunteer to Chaperone. After all, you’re coming to the game/competition anyway!

9. Join our Pit Crew for performances. Not everything is heavy, and much of it is on wheels. Not able to

attend? Lend a hand at the school when you drop-off & pick-up your child.

10. Help with FUNdraisers! The more hands, the easier the work!

THE BAND ON A BUDGET Marching band is an extra-curricular activity which receives little funding from the school system (this is usually a surprise to Rookie parents). That is why the cost of funding this worthwhile activity is shared equally by all the participants and is referred to as a student’s “FairShare.” Paying your student’s “FairShare” is part of the commitment of being in marching band. The “FairShare” funds everything from purchasing music for the season, caring for uniforms, paying staff/consultants, bus transportation for away football games and competitions, equipment and large instrument maintenance, etc.

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“FairShare” payments can be made in installments during marching band season (deadlines for these installments are on the marching band calendar).And, to help offset the cost of the “FairShare,” you and your student can participate in fundraisers. If your child quits marching band or is removed by the director for disciplinary reasons, “FairShare” is still owed and no refunds are issued.

We put the FUN in FUNdraising! You and your student will have several opportunities to fundraise to help the marching band. While some fundraisers are designed to support the marching band’s general operating fund, most fundraisers are specifically designated to help offset the cost of the “FairShare.” 15%-20% of families pay for ALL of their “FairShare” because of successful, committed fundraising. Some fundraisers that exist are: helping at the PNC Arena and Walnut Creek Amphitheater, and more. Fundraisers are also a time to work together with your fellow band members and band parents and are a great way to make new friends. After the “FairShare” amount is met, any additional money raised can be applied to other band-related costs, such as trips! AND...any extra money in the band student account at the end of the school year will roll over to the next year if your student remains in the band! The money is also transferrable to a sibling if he/she is currently in Wake Forest High School’s band program. Any remaining balance due at the end of each season will be referred to the school and required to be paid prior to the release of final report cards or issuing of diplomas.

Current/potential fundraisers Harris Teeter Vic Cards

LeBrew Coffee

Family nights at PDQ’s, Charlie Kabobs, Cici’s pizza

Belk Charity Sale (November 8th from 6 am – 10 am)

PNC Arena Dippin Dots

Walnut Creek Amphitheater

Spring Yard Sale

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The Essence of the Wake Forest Marching Cougars The Wake Forest Marching Cougars is a group activity, and teamwork is the essence of what makes it a

great program. The successes of individual efforts are judged by group performance. It is important for

parents to understand that, while your child is very important, the director and staff assistants must also

consider the best interests of a program with many other students. The following are character traits that

every member of the WFHS marching cougars must adhere to:

Pride – To instill in each band member pride in their talent and in their band. You get out of it what you put into it.

Unity – To build an intense desire to belong to a dedicated team.

Success – To reap the internal benefits of hard work, practice, discipline, and teamwork.

Respect – To promote respect within the band and the band members for themselves, each other and for their equipment.

Time Commitment Without a doubt, marching band is a huge time commitment. Marching Band requires 100% participation

at the 2-week long summer band camp, rehearsals twice weekly beginning the Tuesday BEFORE band

camp, sectionals on Wednesdays (2nd week after school begins), Friday night home football games,

Saturday competitions, and marching in parades.

Time Requirements: All camps, rehearsals, and performances are mandatory! If your child is absent or

unable to play/march/perform their part, it will have a negative impact on the efforts of ALL the other

students. To put the best musical product on the field, the director and staff need all members present

and prepared each and every time.

During most weeks during the fall, your child will have 1-2 days without marching band. Arrange doctor’s

visits, family trips, etc., on days that your child does not have marching band rehearsals or performance.

Conflicts must be discussed with the director in advance.

Time Management is a key to success in marching band and in life. This may be the most important skill

your child acquires as a member of the Wake Forest Marching Cougars. New band students learn quickly

that they must use every minute of their day wisely. Your student will learn how to keep a schedule and

how to set priorities. Be patient….it may take a few weeks for “rookies” to get the hang of it (but they

will.)

Your child will also become punctual. They will be taught the meaning of “Band time.” “If you are early,

you’re on time; if you’re on time, you’re late; if you’re late, you’re in trouble.” If Band Camp starts at 8:00

AM, that does not mean arrive at 8:00 AM. It means your child should be READY TO REHEARSE at 8:00

AM!

Grades: Educational research has shown that the discipline and focus developed in marching band carries

over into the classroom. You will often see students in the band room reading and doing homework in-

between rehearsals. Granted, students who struggle with time management may have a harder time

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balancing band and academics, but many “rookie” members can find informal tutors amongst older band

students to help them with tough subjects.

Band lingo! Learn it!

Shako--Hat worn during competition

Plume--Feather adornment

Gauntlet--The cuff that is placed at the bottom of uniform sleeve

Dinkles – Marching shoes

Mellophone--Marching French Horn

Sousaphone--Type of tuba used for marching

Percussion--Any striking instrument, not just drums.

Auxiliary/Color Guard—dancers, flag throwers, and rifle throwers

Pit—the non-marching percussion positioned on the front side line

Drum line—the percussionists that march on the field

Adjudicators—the judges at competitions

Coordinate books—small index card booklets that hang off your shoulder that the band writes their dots in

Dots—your band child’s position coordinates during certain points of the field show

Helpful Hints to Save You Time and Grief Make your child responsible for being prepared. The first time they forget something will be the

last!!! They learn to be resourceful when they have to be. At the end of each practice session there are usually announcements – listen up. This is your best

opportunity to find out who, what, where and when things are going on. Network – This is how we meet each other. It is also one of the best ways to get helpful hints on band

parenting from others. Carpool to competitions. Be prepared to cheer! The band loves it when they have their own cheering section.

Communication There are several communication vehicles used by the WFHS Band:

Band Website

Charms

Facebook

Email

Text message

Ask Your Child Band Website The WFHS Band web site www.wfhsbands.com is a central place to access general band information. It has competition results, a master calendar, fundraising information, Band Booster contacts, and more. Charms Charms is where you will go to view the status of your student’s band account listing the payments and credits for your child. You must logon to CHARMS to have access! Information about CHARMS will be

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distributed to you at the new members meeting in July. Charms is also where the detailed “non-public” calendar is maintained, with band member specific information. Facebook, Twitter, and Text WFHS Band is on Facebook and Twitter. We are still in the development stage for utilizing these concepts. We hope to make it more interactive and useful in the future. The kids love Facebook and Twitter and are often more likely to check these accounts than their email accounts. Text is used within the sections for communication on almost everything. Be prepared for seeing your band member texting A LOT. Email No, that is not a typo! It’s red and underlined because it is where you will receive the most frequent information and updates from the band. Again, your Charms account puts you on the email distribution for the WFHS Band. You will receive numerous emails through Charms from the band directors, booster President, and committee chairpersons. Ask Your Child To be a successful band program, every child needs to be aware of what is expected of them at all times. There are often announcements made at the end of practices and during wrap-up after games and competitions.

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What to Expect... At Band Camp Band camp is intense... band camp is grueling... band camp is one of the best experiences you will have

during high school! While camp is in session, everyone complains about it. When camp is over, everyone

brags about having been there. Everyone swears that they'll never do it again... until the next year when

they all come back. Band camp sets you apart from the rest of the school community - it bonds you

together like no other group within the school. Being part of the Marching Band and attending band

camp is a MAJOR accomplishment. It makes you part of a team where each and every member is equally

important and equally necessary. Each student possesses a unique talent that makes you special. The

band faculty and staff respect them for their talent and for their commitment. We are here to make sure

that we all succeed. You all make us very proud! Go Cougars!

What will my kid need to bring and when?

Before Camp:

Medical forms filled out and notarized and must be received by the first day of camp - no exceptions.

Items collected for band (Bottles of water and powdered Gatorade or the like).

Their equipment (instruments, etc.) in good working order. (Woodwinds: bring extra reeds.)

Poker chips. Decorate them all the same in a unique, easily-recognized design – these may be used to mark your position on the field.

Water container - we provide water, you provide a leak-proof container with your name on it. Camel backs are highly recommended. You can also bring your own bottled water, if you prefer.

Proper clothing - must follow the school dress code.

8 ½ x 11 binder with clear protective sleeves.

3 x 5 index cards with card binder. A snap hook or shoelace to attach the binder to your person is a huge help.

Food for lunches - storage will be available, cooking facilities are not.

Every day:

Enthusiasm and great attitude!

Water container or bottled water - AN ABSOLUTE MUST.

Lunch - label the bag!

Sunglasses and sunscreen.

Your instrument/equipment and music.

Pencils.

1 8 ½ x 11”binder with sleeves.

3 x 5 index cards with card binder.

Decorated poker chips (field markers). What will they need to wear?

Cool, comfortable clothing that meets the school dress code.

White (or light colored) t-shirt.

Athletic shorts.

Socks and tennis shoes. NO SANDALS!

Hats are OK – recommended, in fact.

Those with long hair should consider tying it up - it's much cooler that way.

Try to bring clothes that dry fast - it helps keep you more comfortable.

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Don't wear jeans... they are HOT and you will regret it.

Food and beverages:

Bring a healthy lunch every day. Coolers will be provided. Make sure that you label your lunch bag so you can quickly identify it -there will be 100 of them there that look just like yours.

Water is provided. You need a leak-proof container for it.

Other helpful information:

Students must comply with WCPSS Behavior and Dress Code Policies.

Be ready! Exercise in advance so that your body is prepared.

Get plenty of rest... you'll need it.

Eat a healthy breakfast each morning, early enough so the food can digest before you hit the field. Having a tummy ache will not get you excused.

If you don't know, ask! The staff and veterans are here to help you.

Don't worry about memorizing your music -by the time we're done, you'll get it.

Don't worry about learning to move and play at the same time -we'll teach you.

Uniforms will be fitted during the first week of band camp -you'll all look simply marvelous! Participation in camp is mandatory and essential for all members. Please do not schedule appointments or other events that will require missing any band camp time, as you will not be excused to leave. We don’t want you to miss out!

Most of all... have fun! Perform your best and enjoy the time we spend together... this is what it’s all about!

BAND CAMP SCHEDULE – This is the 2014 schedule. This schedule changes yearly.

Week 1

July 27 8 am – 8 pm

July 28 8 am – 8 pm

July 29 8 am – 5 pm

July 30 8 am – 8 pm

July 31 8 am – 8 pm

Week 2

August 3 8 am – 8 pm

August 4 8 am – 8 pm

August 5 8 am – 5 pm

August 6 8 am – 8 pm

August 7 8 am – 8 pm

7:00 PM preview and parent pot luck!

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What to Expect... At Rehearsals Rehearsals are not very different from band camp, but they are shorter. Weekly rehearsals are listed on the band calendar. If your child is unable to go home before practice, they should bring rehearsal clothes and supplies to school (don’t forget the tennis shoes!). Also make sure they have food to tide them over until rehearsals are over.

At Football Games Wake Forest Marching Cougars marches at Varsity Home Football Games. Students will report to the band room @ 5:00 prior to the start of the game. During this time, students will change into their uniform and warm-up with their section. There will also be a uniform inspection. The band will march into the stadium before the game to a Drum line cadence. They perform on the field during pre-game activities and play the fight song. During the game, they sit in a designated section of the home stands. Parents and friends are not encouraged to sit within the band, but are welcome in the Band Booster section nearby. The band plays their field show as halftime entertainment. After half-time, the students are given a break from performance, but must be back in their stands by the end of the 3rd quarter. After the game, the band will march back to the band room, turn-in their uniforms, get final announcements, and be dismissed AS A GROUP. Students are not allowed to leave from football game until formal dismissal, unless other arrangements have been approved in writing by the director PRIOR to the game.

Uniforms, Uniforms – What Do They Wear?

For the first few football games, we wear the band t-shirt, khaki shorts and tennis shoes.

Dress Uniform parts consist of:

Bibbers (just touching the top of the shoes) Jacket – The jacket is always to be hung up or worn, it should never just be thrown on the ground.

Band members will be sized for uniforms during band camp. Band t-shirt. This shirt is given out before the first football game. It has the name of the marching

show. There are many home football games on Friday with competitions on Saturday, so order several shirts.

Shorts will be worn under bibbers for quick changes. Black socks. We suggest having several pairs exactly alike. (Dryers love to eat socks.) Black marching band shoes – These are special marching band shoes that clean up well with shoe

polish. Look for passed down shoes (during uniform issue) or pay about $25 for new. Plumes (ours are commonly referred to as “chickens”) stored together in their own special carrier Shako (special marching band hat- stored in a box) Gloves (ordered at the same time as the shoes for around $5.) We suggest buying a back-up pair.

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The dress uniform is issued prior to the marching season. It never goes home with students, and they must hang it up properly and return it to the uniform room each time. The jacket and pants will be dry-cleaned before the season begins and deodorized several times during the marching season.

Tips to remember while in uniform, and remember, the director’s word is final:

No hair showing (hair is tucked up into the hat) No jewelry or odd hair accessories (stud earrings are OK; wristwatch is OK) No bright nail polish No make-up (Guard is the exception, it is part of the uniform) Colored drinks, condiments, and any other messy or greasy food should not to be eaten while in

uniform. Clear liquids only. Don’t put uniform items away in the closet or drawers when cleaned. Keep all items (socks, shoes,

band shirt, gloves, etc.) in a bag. These tips will save time spent hunting for them each time they are needed.

Keep extra gloves, socks, needle & thread, etc. in your car or purse just in case. Visit the band web site to stay informed. Sign up for the e-mail notification list on the web site.

Are There Really Inspections?

Inspections are held before games in the band room. Students should be in place no later than the time they were told to report. Your student and their instrument (even the inside of the instrument) will be inspected as they stand at attention by sections. Students should be sure to not have jewelry or hair showing from under the shako. No make-up should be worn when in uniform. Demerits will be given here. (We aren’t quite sure what this means yet, except that it’s bad and it involves cleaning something or push-ups…whatever the section leader deems appropriate.)

What to Expect... At Competitions Marching band competitions are like track or swim meets where many different schools compete/perform. For the band, competitions are their “game days.” Band competitions are hosted by another school’s band program and take place in their football stadium. (The host band does not compete). Bands that perform are critiqued and ranked in different areas of marching band performance by qualified judges. Please come to as many competitions as possible! The band needs your support as a cheering section in the stands! We also need help chaperoning, dressing them, and moving equipment. Competitions are a fundraiser for the host school, so there is an admission fee charged to attendees (including WCPSS employees) but not to marching band members. There are also concessions and other band-related merchandise available. Competitions are always on Saturdays. Once our performance time is set by the host school (often only a week before the competition) and our director sets the competition day schedule for our band program. On competition days - Students will report to Wake Forest High School for rehearsal and equipment loading. Depending on the competition, they can dress at WFHS and be transported by bus to the

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competition site. Students are expected to remain with the band throughout the entire competition, unless other arrangements have been approved in writing by the director PRIOR to the competition. At the competition—Band members sometimes change into their uniform at the competition venue and will have a final warm-up there. The band marches into the performance stadium, plays their show, and marches out. After uniforms, instruments, and equipment have been packed up, students return to the host stadium to watch the remainder of the bands performing. Band members should have money to purchase lunch/dinner during competition days, which can last as long as 12-14 hours. Again, sunscreen and insect repellent are good items to have on hand. Also, students should be prepared for different weather conditions. It is often hot during the mid-day sun and occasionally rainy. Be sure to pack a jacket for the cooler weather after the sun goes down! At the end of the competition, an awards ceremony (often called “The Retreat”) is held. Once awards are given, students return to their buses and travel back to Wake Forest High School. Back at the band room, students are formally dismissed as a group once everything is unloaded. Students are to be picked up within 20 minutes of final dismissal, which is sometimes well past midnight.

Rain does NOT cancel band rehearsals or performances. Students should be prepared to perform in inclement weather.

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