Welcome Rookie Parents

Whether you are transitioning from a middle school band program or transferring from elsewhere, we are here with you. Our goal is to assist you in this transition process.

Please see our FAQ Section for additional information.
Can’t find the answer to a question? Send it to us!

Helpful tips

Band directors and band boosters are always here for any questions you may have! Contact information here.

  1. Come Hang! Attend band practice, connect with other parents, attend band meetings, and be on the lookout for band emails.

  2. Download the Band App!

  3. Look for volunteer opportunities.

  4. Add the band events calendar to your Google Calendar or check it out here.

  5. Visit our Resources page.

  6. Like us on Facebook and IG.

Glossary of Terms

  • Band Boosters – The Boosters are a group of parents, staff, and community members who support the band. Members include the elected board positions, committee chairs, and general volunteers that provide leadership, and support the band programs, directors, and students. You are automatically a member of the band boosters when you pay your fair share fee.

  • Battery – The Marching Band percussion ensemble of Drums including Snare, Quads and Base Drums

  • (BOA) Bands of America – Bands of America is a program of Music for All. More than 1 million people are alumni of Bands of America marching band events, the first of which were held in 1976. Bands of America was created in 1976 as “Marching Bands of America” (MBA), renamed Bands of America (BOA) in 1984 and merged with the Music for All Foundation in 2006 to create Music for All. MFA’s marching band events continue to carry the name of “Bands of America.”

  • Color Guard – The non-musical section of the Marching Band that provides additional visual aspects and choreography to the performance using dance, flags and props.

  • Concert Band – Is made up of students who take music as a class at the High School for a grade. Concerts are performed throughout the year for guests, parents, and sponsors

  • Grand Nationals (aka: Grand Nats) – Bands of America’s National Marching Band Championship is held every November in Indianapolis, Indiana.

  • Marching Band – Separate from those taking band as a high school class, the Marching Band program is an extra-curriculum high school sanctioned activity. Made up of 7th-12th grade students who play a variety of instruments while marching. Sections include Drum Majors, Trumpets, Clarinets, Saxophone, Flutes, Low Brass, Horns, Percussion, Dance Team and Color Guard. The program runs from mid-summer through late fall.

  • Percussion – Consists of the Pit ensemble and Battery group of instruments generally using sticks, mallets, and keyboards.

  • Plume – The delicate removable featured accessory on top of the Shako marching band headgear (looks like a feather)

  • Pit – The Marching Band percussion front ensemble of Marimba, Timpani, Keyboards etc.

  • Pit Crew – All volunteer parents who assist the marching band with the loading, transportation, unloading, and setup of band equipment Pit Instruments, Show Props, and more at all marching events

  • Quads – Multi-tenor drums commonly as mounted sets of 4-6 drums

  • Shako – The marching band uniform headgear (with Plume)