Ashford Bands

Being a member of the Ashford High School Band Program will bring your children an incredible, fulfilling, life changing educational experience. They will work hard and experience many triumphs, as well as disappointments; two things that will prepare them for the world after high school.

We sincerely hope this guide will answer some important questions about time management, time commitment, band fees and how to pay for them, fundraising, and uniforms. We would also like to give you some “insider” information on what it takes to be a band student, and a band parent!

How will my child have time for all of this and still be able to make good grades?

How will our children have the time to go to afternoon rehearsals, perform at ten or more Friday night football games, and compete on Saturdays? How will they have the time to do all of this, within a three-month period, and keep up their grades??

TIME MANAGEMENT will be the most important tool that your children will acquire when they become members of the Ashford Band.

The students quickly learn that they must use every minute of their day wisely. The time not spent in practice has to be spent doing schoolwork, there is no other choice and they know that. At any given time you will find students in the band room, out in the hallway, or in any other space available doing homework. This is taught to them when they first join the program and it is expected of them. Remember that most band members are Honors or AP students, and the largest group of students in National Honor Society are in the band.

Your student will learn how to keep a schedule, how to be punctual, and how to set priorities.

During the first week of band camp a detailed schedule will be distributed to all band students via ParentSquare. It will list every rehearsal, football game, and competition your student will be required to attend for the YEAR. This schedule will now become a permanent attachment to your refrigerator.

Your child will also become punctual. They will be taught the meaning of the phrase…

“Early is on time, on time is late!”

Finally, your child will learn how to set priorities. No longer will you see your children staring mindlessly at the television or playing video games for hours upon hours (well, most of the time!). Band rehearsals and homework will now fill their free time. (If only the band program could teach them to make time to take out the garbage without being reminded 100 times!!!)

Does my student really have to be at all of these rehearsals?

Rehearsals are mandatory. One absent member will disrupt rehearsal for all members of the band. To be able to put the best possible musical product on the field, the staff and directors need for all members of the band to be present during all scheduled rehearsals. Please see the band handbook for the consequences of missed rehearsals. Your membership depends on consistent participation. Management of a band this size is a monumental task and it becomes next to impossible if members of the band are absent. Please help your student make every effort to be there.

How Do Parents Get Involved?

PARENT INVOLVEMENT = A SUCCESSFUL BAND PROGRAM

Getting involved in the band program will give you the opportunity to share with your child the last four years of their education, these years that go so fast and are rarely enjoyed by many parents. Your child might say they rather not have you around, but most parents actually learn that in reality they appreciate your involvement and will thank you in the future.

Ashford has always been fortunate to have a very supportive group of parents. The band parents are needed to support the directors, and help with the details of fundraising, transporting, feeding and watering an organization this size. The band needs parents to be able to function; it is for this reason that we urge you to get involved. Join one of the many committees; we need your help. Grandparents, siblings, or any member of your family can get involved and make a difference. Join the Band Boosters, it is a great way to meet the parents and the kids your student will be spending much of their time with for the next few months.

The easiest way to volunteer is by attending the monthly Band Booster meetings where you will learn more about the program and where it needs your help. The Band Booster meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the HS band room.

Another easy way to help is with tailgating.  It is a tradition that the band parents set up a meal for the kids prior to every home game.  They also provide meals and snacks during competitions.  Any and all help is greatly appreciated, even if it is just dropping off needed supplies when asked.  Without you, the band parent, the band could not be as successful as it is!

Don’t just sit in the car, get out and ask, “How can I help?” It is fun and you meet the other parents with the same interests as yours. As a guideline, it is recommended that every family contributes at least 20 hours to the Band Program.

How Do We Keep Informed?

ParentSquare is the official method for all Houston County Schools for communication. Announcements are sent out 1-3 times per week with important information.

How Do We Pay For This?

There are many questions about the economic impact of the Band Program. When we hear the bottom line, we sometimes wonder how we are going to be able to raise the funds needed for our children to be able to continue the pursuit of their musical interest. We do not want the economic factor to keep any student from participating in band.  Some of the most successful fundraisers are the football concessions, car washes, and many other ideas that come up throughout the year. The best way to learn about these fundraising opportunities is by keeping informed; and the best way to keep informed is by keeping up-to-date with ParentSquare and attending the Band Booster meetings that take place through the year.

We are so glad you’re joining the family!  Please let us veteran parents know if you have questions.  We’ve been there and are happy to help you out with anything.  GO BAND!!