Advice for parents on how to have a great year
1. Help your student learn how to set priorities. Encourage, remind and offer assistance, but do not do everything for your child. While this may seem daunting, your child, as others have before them, will find time to make friends and excel in academics!
2. Help your student learn time management. Taking responsibility for their own performance (both musical and non-musical) in different groups is one of the most valuable life skills your child will learn through band. Inform your child ahead of time of the consequences of potential misjudgments and let them handle their schedule and situations. We have had many band students achieve success in multiple activities, including football, basketball, swimming, cheer, and many others.
3. Be prompt. It is important to your child’s development of self-discipline and it is important to the entire band program. This means arriving 10-15 minutes before rehearsal start times to set up.
4. Stay informed. Read the band handbook and Band App posts from the band directors and boosters carefully and regularly; keep an eye on the calendar. Attend our monthly parent meetings. This is the easiest way to stay up to date on band activities, learn of any changes, and meet other members of your ‘band family’.
5. Communicate concerns or conflicts directly and appropriately to the band directors so that they can be resolved. The best way to get in touch is through their school email or by a private message on the Band app. If one method doesn't receive an answer within 24 hours, try another (take a look at the band handbook for communication protocol).
6. Volunteer! The band boosters need the involvement of every parent! This is also the best way to get to know other students and band parents. Your child will be aware of your support, just don’t expect them to always acknowledge it. :)
7. Participate in the band’s activities by cheering at competitions and half-time performances. It is hard to perform your best to an absent or silent audience. The band will perform better with you cheering in the stands!
8. Be flexible. In the band world, as in all performing arts, plans can sometimes change in a minute! Mistakes will occasionally be made, and unanticipated circumstances will sometimes occur, so take them in stride and view them as opportunities for improvement.
9. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BIG PICTURE! While there are definitely opportunities for individual showcases and recognition, band is an overall team effort. Everyone is always welcome to voice their opinions and have their ideas to be taken into consideration, but ultimately the decisions made by the band directors, staff, and booster board must be in service to EVERYONE over the long term, not necessarily just one individual, section, or grade level. This may sound blunt, but please leave your ego at the door. Think more "we", less "me". If disagreements or problems occur, ask yourself: "Will this issue matter in a week? in a month? in a year?"
10. STAY POSITIVE AND PROFESSIONAL! Find things to compliment, praise, or encourage. This will pay off the most over the course of the season/year. EVERYTHING we do and say as adults has an impact on our students and the program, especially the way we handle disappointments or setbacks. Remember, ultimately band should be fun!
Tiger Pride Band Ethics Statement:
We encourage all members, both adult and student, to be positive and discreet when discussing our organization as well as others. The very nature of music education embodies a broad spectrum of methods, expressions, needs, and paths to arrive at artistic and educational goals. All members are highly encouraged to recognize and remain open to varied approaches and celebrate both our differences and similarities.
