welcome new band parentS
Welcome to the Band Boosters for Creative Arts (BBCA) organization!! The Boosters are a group of parents whose children participate in the Band Program at Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy, including Creative Arts Jazz Band and The Little Jazz Giants, Concert Band, Winter Guard, Indoor drumline, Jazz Ensemble and smaller instrument ensembles. During the Fall season, many of BBCA’s efforts are directed towards the Marching Band since our largest fundraiser is in October. As a member of BBCA, your most valuable contribution is your time. Attending meetings regularly, and supporting our band members at football games and competitions is imperative for a successful program. Our goal is to support our children and the music directors, and help raise funds, whenever possible, to acquire instruments, instruction, programs, etc., which the school has not budgeted to provide. Here is a guide to some concerns of new band parents.
- Attend the Band Booster Meetings: You don’t need to volunteer for anything, or even attend every meeting. If you come to meetings, you will discover things that your student has never mentioned (like upcoming fundraisers that help you pay for trips).The Band Director and Booster Executive Board gives status reports at each meeting. Meetings are the second Monday of each month (excluding July and December) in the GM HS Band Room (enter back of HS, first room on left.)
- When in doubt, check the website: The BBCA posts valuable Band information including: dates and times for all competitions; downloadable copies of important forms and documents; fund raising information, last minute changes and more.
- Network with other parents: It will make your life much easier if you make ride sharing arrangements for practices and carpooling for competitions.
- Go to the competitions: Watch the shows and take pride at the improvement as the season progresses. Your student(s) will appreciate the fact that you take the time to come to the events.
- Information: Make sure the members information sheet is completed accurately and turned in and let us know if there are any future changes (cell phone numbers, email addresses, etc.).
things you may want to know
A) Getting homework done:
Believe it or not, they do manage to get their work done. Marching Band season can be exhaustive and sometimes your child will go to bed very late because of the work load and the demands of band, however, they all seem to get through it. The kids realize they need to be very organized and on top of their work because of the schedule. In most cases, it is a strengthening and maturing experience. Many of the kids in the band are honor students, so your child is not alone in their academic load. It is also reassuring to talk to other band parents about their experiences in this area.
B) Festivals & Competitions:
Definitely plan on attending at least one competitions.
C) Dress Code
Every Season the Band Uniform is decided on the by the Senior Class students pending the approval of the Band Directors. (Little Jazz Giant Uniforms are decided by Director).Band Members are responsible cleaning, caring for & having all pieces of their uniform. They must be clean & presentable at every competition and event. Students will be reminded by their class manager when uniforms need cleaning.
D) Illness
It is important for every member of the band to be present during all Festival & Competitions. The band functions as a unit and if one person is out of the formation, it will negatively affect the show. As parents, it is hard for us to send our child to an outside, strenuous activity when they are not well, but if they are not seriously ill they should still be able to perform without any untoward effects. There have been many instances of students dragging themselves out on the field, performing and then leaving immediately to return home with their parents. Of course, as a parent, it is your call, but just know this is not uncharted territory. Also, our children are all invested in one another and the show, and most kids find the stamina to rise above not feeling well, at least for a short time.
E) Who to contact?
Any questions you have in connection with your child’s marching band experience can be directed to any of our Executive Board, or any other Booster parent. Everyone is happy to share advice and encourage you to embrace and enjoy the program, and lend support, if necessary. If you have any issues or problems, however, you should pose your questions directly to Mr. Dickerson. It is not the role of the Booster Board or Booster organization to act as a liaison in such matters.
We hope the above information was helpful, and we want to
WELCOME YOU TO THE BAND BOOSTERS FOR CREATIVE ARTS!!!
Believe it or not, they do manage to get their work done. Marching Band season can be exhaustive and sometimes your child will go to bed very late because of the work load and the demands of band, however, they all seem to get through it. The kids realize they need to be very organized and on top of their work because of the schedule. In most cases, it is a strengthening and maturing experience. Many of the kids in the band are honor students, so your child is not alone in their academic load. It is also reassuring to talk to other band parents about their experiences in this area.
B) Festivals & Competitions:
Definitely plan on attending at least one competitions.
- Tickets are also sold at the Festivals competitions. Prices range from $2 to $10 each with discounted prices for students. Children 6 & under are usually free. The competitions are usually held within a reasonable driving distance from Creative Arts High School.
- It is advisable to send your child with water and snacks for the bus ride. Most Festivals /Competitions have vendors and food stands, and your child should have free time to hit the concession stand, so try send them with some money too.
C) Dress Code
Every Season the Band Uniform is decided on the by the Senior Class students pending the approval of the Band Directors. (Little Jazz Giant Uniforms are decided by Director).Band Members are responsible cleaning, caring for & having all pieces of their uniform. They must be clean & presentable at every competition and event. Students will be reminded by their class manager when uniforms need cleaning.
D) Illness
It is important for every member of the band to be present during all Festival & Competitions. The band functions as a unit and if one person is out of the formation, it will negatively affect the show. As parents, it is hard for us to send our child to an outside, strenuous activity when they are not well, but if they are not seriously ill they should still be able to perform without any untoward effects. There have been many instances of students dragging themselves out on the field, performing and then leaving immediately to return home with their parents. Of course, as a parent, it is your call, but just know this is not uncharted territory. Also, our children are all invested in one another and the show, and most kids find the stamina to rise above not feeling well, at least for a short time.
E) Who to contact?
Any questions you have in connection with your child’s marching band experience can be directed to any of our Executive Board, or any other Booster parent. Everyone is happy to share advice and encourage you to embrace and enjoy the program, and lend support, if necessary. If you have any issues or problems, however, you should pose your questions directly to Mr. Dickerson. It is not the role of the Booster Board or Booster organization to act as a liaison in such matters.
We hope the above information was helpful, and we want to
WELCOME YOU TO THE BAND BOOSTERS FOR CREATIVE ARTS!!!
