Probably 95% of the effort required for success in the band program must come from your child, and will require significant discipline and commitment on his/her part. However, there are a number of things that parents can do to support their children and encourage their enthusiastic participation. Here is a list of proven suggestions gathered from the years of experience of several band parents that will help you and your child on your way to a great year:
- Attend band booster meetings each month. This is the easiest way to stay up-to-date on your child’s band activities and learn of schedule changes.
- Be informed! Read the band handbook, read letters and e-mail “blasts” from the band directors and band boosters carefully, and transfer dates to the family calendar. Refer to the band website and CHARMS frequently for dates, events, volunteer information, and other inquiries.
- Communicate concerns or conflicts to the band directors immediately so that they can be resolved.
- Support the very ideal of a team effort – “Others before self” is the greatest attitude to encourage in your child.
- Volunteer your time for an activity that interests you. This is the best way to get to know the kids and the other band parents. Your student will be aware of your support – just don’t expect them to acknowledge it! The band boosters need the involvement of every parent!
- Encourage your child to stay ahead of the game by practicing daily, learning music before the deadline, and getting it checked off and submitted in SmartMusic (if applicable). Avoid nagging – it is unproductive and will generate hostile interaction around band activities and responsibilities.
- Encourage, remind, offer assistance where appropriate, but do not do everything for your child. Taking responsibility is one of the most difficult, but most valuable, life skills your child will acquire through band membership. Inform your child, ahead of time, of the consequences of potential misjudgements or inappropriate behavior and then let them handle their schedule and their situations.
- 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.
- Remember that once your child graduates from high school, these opportunties to enjoy their performances are few. Enjoy it while you can.
- Keep a positive attitude. Find things to compliment or praise.
- Be prompt and encourage your child to be prompt. It is important to your child’s development of self-discipline and it is important to the entire band program. Quite often, the tardiness of even one student will hold up an entire rehearsal. To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late.
- Remember that everything we do, we do for the kids and the program.