The Viking Band Booster Club is a parent-run organization that assists with aspects of the band program. Everyone who has a student in band is considered a member of the Booster Club. Elected positions make up the "Viking Band Booster Board". The board meets a few times throughout the year to plan and host events and will have frequent communication with the band directors.

A note for Parents: you are our most valuable band members!

As a parent of a current or future band member, there is no Viking Band without you and your support! You are the most important person when it comes to your student’s academic and musical education, and we want to do everything we can to help you and your child. Here’s how you can help us keep the band program a great learning environment:

• Join booster club meetings. The Booster Club is one of the easiest ways to become involved in your child’s activity! Additionally, you can volunteer to serve as a Booster Board officer.

• Some parents ask if they can support the band with money, but generous donations of bottled water or supplies are more helpful! You can find our Amazon wishlist by clicking HERE.

• Show an interest in your child’s musical study. Help them find a quiet place to practice without interruption, give them a set time for practicing, and come up with a reward system for daily practice.

• Teach your child to be prepared and on time for lessons, rehearsals and performances. Make attendance to all band activities important.

• Notify the teacher if your student is to be absent to a rehearsal or lesson in a timely manner.

• Keep the instrument in good repair and be careful with any school-owned instruments. Repair costs can be high!

• Be a volunteer or chaperone for events.  Please keep in mind that all volunteers and chaperones must fill out the application on the CFBISD website and have a completed background check.

• Turn in fundraising or band fee money on time.

• If any questions arise, please remember to ask for the facts! If you have questions about performances, rehearsals or the band proper, ask a director. If you have questions regarding fundraisers or anything dealing with parent issues, ask the current Booster President.

How Do I Help My Student Be Successful in Band?

If you have no prior musical experience (and even if you do), you may be unsure how to help your student be successful on their instrument and in band. That's OK!! The following tips and tricks can help you:

• This one's first because it's the most important - ENCOURAGE THEM TO PRACTICE!!! Practicing is the #1 way a student gets better on their instrument. Sometimes kids don't want to practice because they are not feeling successful - this is when they need the most encouragement. They should be practicing outside of school a minimum of 20 minutes per day, 6 days per week.

• Know the difference between practicing and playing. 'Practicing' is working on stuff you're not good at. 'Playing' is working on stuff you are good at. Most of the student's practice time should be spent actually practicing - making mistakes and working on small chunks over and over. If you hear them playing the same song all the time, they are playing, not practicing.

• Have a dedicated, distraction-free practice space. Students should practice in a chair and using a wire music stand (not on the floor, their bed, or the sofa). Sitting correctly and holding their instrument correctly is essential to being a good player.

• If they're doing something that looks or sounds weird, ask them "Did your band director teach you to do it that way?" Students will usually tell you the truth and correct it if it's wrong.

• Have them play for you!! Ask them to show you what they've learned and are excited about. Encourage and praise them no matter what. :)

• Go to A Parent's Guide to Successful Practicing. This website is a wealth of knowledge on how to help your student.