"Starting MRD in Freshman year has been a great opportunity for Matt to be part of a smaller community in a such a large school. Also, having two weeks of band camp in August prior to Freshman year only strengthened the bond these students will continue to have through their high school career with all of the time they spend together practicing and competing!"
♪ Jan, mother of Matt (alto sax)
"I had no idea what my daughter was getting herself, or me, for that matter into when she joined marching band. I had always enjoyed watching the shows at half time when attending high school or college football games, but I just enjoyed the entertainment factor. I had no idea what went on behind the scenes to make it all work.
As an incoming freshman having the opportunity to meet and be befriended by upper classmen was a great way to enter school and band camp provides that to the marchers.
The BPA is a group of parents who by their dedication help make the show happen, but whether you help with one event, one errand, one simple gesture, it has always been appreciated. They don't ask for more than you can give. When I saw how every effort, big or small, support the kids at a show, you're amazed and happy to be part of it and the kids appreciate it. You don't do this through your children, but with them, and it is a unique bond I have with my daughter that keeps us connected at a time she is ready to be on her own.
My daughter has grown as a person. She has made amazing friends. She has learned commitment, dedication and team work. She has learned to be organized. She has learned to make good choices. She has grown into a confident young woman.
For me, I am already sad that it will be my last year with a marcher, but plan to continue to support the BPA in the years to come. This amazing group of parents are not only there to support the MRD, the school and their own kids, but all our kids.....and they are there for each other."
♪ Tricia, mother of Taylor (drumline)
"Participation in the MRD made my child’s transition to High School from Middle School seamless (for both parent and child). She spent time over the summer at band camp, made many new friends which instantly reduced the first day of high school jitters."
♪ Jan, mom of Sydney (color guard)
"When my oldest expressed interest in joining the marching band, I figured his, and my, marching band 'career' would be short-lived. There was no way I could see him liking the structure, the hard work, the fine-tuning. Boy was I wrong. Not only did he like it, he loved it, and we did too! We became band 'groupies', attending every football game and competition and dragging his two younger sisters w/ us that first year.
So, what has happened since then? My oldest has graduated, but his best friends continue to be from marching band. Our oldest daughter is now a senior. Her favorite times in high school have been with the marching band. She has enjoyed her experience so much, that one of the criteria during her college search was finding a school that has a marching band. Our youngest was reluctant to follow in the steps of her brother and sister, but having completed her first year of marching band, is totally hooked on it. They have loved being part of the band, the instructors, the camaraderie, the bus rides, the dinners the BPA provides, the competitions, performing in Giants Stadium, the working the show until it is the best they can do. They have had the ultimate 'team' experience being part of the Hunterdon Central Marching Red Devils and have developed skills and relationships and made memories that will last a lifetime.
And what about us, their parents? We still love watching the band perform at football games and competitions. We enjoy sitting with the other band parents and cheering our kids on. Each year we have found more and/or different ways to be involved with the band whether it's filling snack bags for the kids or running a fundraiser. We have met a lot of great band parents with whom I am sure we will continue to stay in touch with even after our youngest has marched her last show."
♪ Marilyn, mom of Aaron (mellophone), Laura (clarinet) and Dana (clarinet)
"Neither of our sons had any interest in organized sports beyond early elementary school. And so, we have been thrilled with all that being a member of the marching band has taught them about teamwork, commitment, dedication, discipline, sacrifice, competition and leadership. No other high school organization nor group of instructors could have taught them more. Our older son will graduate this year, and we are convinced that the Marching Red Devils played a pivotal role in shaping the young man he is today. Our younger son will march three more seasons, and we are looking forward to each and every one of them!"
♪ Donna, mom of Ben (alto sax / drum major) and Michael (drumline)
"I have been involved with the MRD for six years and each year is as exciting as the first. When my daughter told me that she was going to try out for Color Guard, I knew nothing about the MRD or the Band Parents Association, but getting my daughter launched on her high school career seemed to be something I needed to do. What I found was a group of students and parents that gave my daughter a jump start on her first days at Hunterdon Central. I always tell the story of how she hit the road running because she already had friends and she knew faces of fellow freshmen and even seniors. I signed up to help as a chaperone, since it seemed the right thing to do. I then found the real meaning of teamwork, of success on the field, and thankfulness. Teamwork because you have to experience how the band moves with six buses and three trucks to hold 160 marchers, 30 staff and parents and all of that equipment. The success felt by the band after they have performed, no matter what the score, and given it their best effort. The thankfulness expressed by the marchers to the staff and parents as they grow into young adults through the marching band program."
♪ Rich, dad of Allie (color guard) and David (pit)
"Everything about my freshman's experience with Marching Band was positive. He met lots of kids during band camp and got comfortable with upper classmen and the school environment. He received fantastic instruction on his instrument and marching and learning to work hard as a team. The MRD kids were absolutely welcoming and did everything they could to help him feel like he was part of a really cool crowd. I have never seen him work so hard and love anything so much ! He was forced to budget his time during band season and his grades actually DROPPED when band season was done. My son loves, loves, loves Marching Band and he can't wait for August to start it all again.
My experience as a parent volunteer was also very special and worthwhile. The Marching Band provides lots of opportunities for parents to spend time with their children and all their children's new friends. I have met so many fantastic families and feel lucky to be a part of such a supportive and committed group of parents. The more you give, the better the experience. Get involved - this is your chance to connect with your teenager in their world. Props is a blast!"
♪ Linda, mom of Ryan (trumpet)
"At the moment our oldest joined band I didn’t have any idea about what it would do for her, or for her sister few years later, along with all of the other kids in band. In addition, I could not even imagine the level of support, dedication, and commitment the BPA has for the kids.
For six years I have been a band parent and have had the opportunity to see a program that genuinely helps our children grow in so many areas. Things like learning how to be your best for the good of the whole, leadership, modeling positive behaviors/attitudes, helping one’s peers, focus on self and the team, time management, and of course marching and music skills. As a BPA member I have had the opportunity to be in their world and see some very special MRD moments like watching the determination on the faces of our children right before they walk out at Championships or Giants Stadium, being on the field during a performance and feeling their emotion as they prepare to perform, as well as seeing all of the silly moments the kids have during practices. I am very grateful for what band has done for our children."
♪ Brian, father of Erin (flute) and Megan (clarinet)