Parents’ Responsibility to the Band

It is the responsibility of every parent and guardian to see that the policies outlined in the handbook are followed and that the Midview Blue Contract is signed and returned. This states that you understand the policies set within and that any questions are to be directed to the band director by making an appointment. Each parent is responsible for the attendance of their child at all band functions. The hands of the directors are tied without the help of parents.

How Parents Can Help

When a band question arises, it is important that you get factual information before discussing it with others. We do more harm to ourselves, the band family, when we talk about things that contain one or more falsehoods presented as facts.  If questions arise, it is important to remember that if it is a performance issue or anything dealing with the band proper, contact the band director.  If it is a fund-raising question or anything dealing with volunteers, talk with the booster club president. Here are some things that you can do to encourage your child's growth through the band program:

• • • Attend booster meetings, concerts, games, and contests.

    • Volunteer!!

    • Help your child download a tuner and metronome app.

    • Show an interest in the musical study of your child.

    • Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.

    • Find a quiet place where he or she can practice without interruption.

    • Listen to performances or practice material when asked to do so.

    • Come up with a reward system for daily practice.

    • Keep the instrument in good repair, and keep at least four reeds in the case.

    • Be extra careful with school-owned instruments. Repair costs are high!

    • Teach your child to be prepared and on time to each rehearsal or lesson.

    • Provide private lessons if possible!

    • Make faithful attendance at all band activities important.

    • Be aware of all calendar events and help your child keep track of them.

    • Keep the handbook in a place where you can refer to it often.

    • Notify the teacher if the student is to be absent for rehearsals or lessons.

    • Double-check to make sure students have their instruments.

    • If the student is absent, make sure their folder gets to school if the student shares it with someone and we have a peformance that day.

    • Visit evening rehearsals occasionally.

    • Turn in fund-raising money on time.

Most importantly simply being there for your child at performances, even small ones, makes a big impact. They may pretend they don't care whether you are there or not, but they do. 

Band Boosters and Volunteering

The Band Boosters are the machine that makes the Band run. They are always behind the scenes helping wherever possible. We have a regular monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm and highly encourage everyone to attend!

In order to make this Band a success, we need you! Please see our Booster officers for more information on how you can help. We are ALWAYS looking for volunteers, particularly for the Concession Stand. SignUp Genius links will be sent out regularly so that you can sign up!

Volunteer Opportunities

Uniform Fittings

• • Help fit and size students

  • Sew jackets to length

  • Sew on buttons

  • Help with organizing of all uniform information (check out sheet)

  • Help collect money

Blitz Day

• • Drivers (we have 4 students to a car, the driver will pick a route, and the kids go door to door selling our discount cards!)

Concession Stand

• • Assist with preparing to sell at every Home Game

  • Sell, prepare, or cook items and sell

Uniform Inspections

• • At the end of every performance, the students must hang their uniform properly and the music get inspected by an adult

  • After the students get their uniform inspected, they must hang it in numerical order

Band Barn

• • Assist the Band Barn Chair, pass out food to the visitor’s band and your Marching Blue during 3rd quarter

Ladder Dad/Mom

• • In charge of taking ladders from the band room or truck and taking them in to the stadium

  • In charge of setting the ladders up and down for Home Game pregame 

  • In charge of setting the ladders up and down for Home and Away performances

  • Typically, the parents of the Field Commanders get first dibs on these positions

Roadies

• • Assist in packing and unpacking the Band bus at away performances

  • Can also ride the band bus and serve as a chaperone

Senior Night Reception (Marching Season)

• • Work with a committee in deciding a theme

  • Work with a committee in deciding the menu

  • Shop

  • Prepare food for the event

  • Set up the APR for the 3rd quarter reception on Senior Night

Evening with the Band

• • Work with a committee with preparing food, decorations, tables, etc.

Night at the Races

• • Work with a committee in preparing this event!

The Program

Rehearsals (Marching, Evening)

• • They always start and end on time (see the Google Calendar for specifics).

  • It is suggested to purchase ETY plugs for you child.  They help with protecting your child’s hearing.  If interested in purchasing a pair, they are readily available on Amazon!

Picking up your child

• • Please plan on picking up your child promptly at the end of every rehearsal and performance. 

Attendance

• • Attendance for most band events are mandatory!  The only excusable absences are prearranged school conflicts and those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records, e.g., illness, a death in the family, or a religious holiday.  Individual needs will be addressed as they occur.  This system is subject to modification by the director.  Work is an unexcused absence for any band event.  Make sure you are aware of the band schedule for the entire school year before you agree to a work schedule.  All evening rehearsals and after school performances are required and go in the grade book.

  • Conflicts may arise.  It is the students responsibility to take care of all matters long before the conflict occurs.

Use of School Equipment

• • Uniform: Marching Band Uniforms are expected to be treated properly so they can last. Any student who chooses to abuse the uniform will either have to pay for its repair or replacement.

  • Instruments: Some of our instruments are very old. The reason we can still use them is because others treated them with respect and care. If your student is using a school owned instrument, both of you will have to sign the rental agreement form and will be financially responsible for any repairs due to neglect or mistreatment.

Communication (the most important thing!)

Families are ALWAYS busy and it’s very difficult to remember everything all the time.  Being in Band is just as busy and the Directors try to do everything in they power to make life easier for you.  The best way to stay “caught up” is through communication.  

• Email: Miss Crayton ccrayton@midviewk12.org; Mr. Schmidt aschmidt@midviewk12.org; Coach Taylor tseth@midviewk12.org 

• Weekly Newsletter: sent through Final Forms and posted on Classroom and our media pages every Friday during the school year

• Website: www.midviewband.com

• Facebook: Midview Marching Blue

• Instagram: midviewhsband

Student Expectations

Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines in the Blue Book.  Failure to do so may result in: detention, suspension, lowering of grade, failing this class, or removal for the class.

Students are also expected to follow the 3 basic expectations: Be Ready, Be Responsible, Be Respectful