2006-2007 WHRHS Band Parents Association Information Booklet
Watchung Hills Regional HS, 108 Stirling Road, Warren, NJ, Telephone: (908) 647-4800

(Or, everything you always wanted to know about being a Band Parent, but were afraid to ask)

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Facts for Freshment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Organize and carry out fund-raising events.

Provide assistance and chaperones for football games, trips, concerts, competitions (festivals), parades, and band camp.

Promote, support, and involvement in the instrumental music program by informing other parents and the community of band events scheduled throughout the year.

Encourage, support, cheer, and congratulate students involved in all areas of the instrumental music program including marching band, color guard, concert band, ensembles, and jazz band.

Provide support and aid to other organizations within our school community.

Provide Merit Awards to deserving, graduating Band members.

Yearly Band Dues This is collected at the start of the summer band camp. The money is used to provide the marching drill book for each student, breakfast and drinks during band camp, an end-of-camp pizza party, and usually a band camp "T" shirt. This year, instead of a "T" shirt, the Band Parents Association is providing a three-season embroidered jacket to each band and color guard member.

Warrior Card Sales In the fall, the students are asked to sell Warrior Cards, which provide for year-long discounts at local merchants. There is no quota to sell, but all of the profits from this sale go into the individual band members fund raising account. The money that is accumulated in their account is used to offset their bi-annual band trip cost, thus reducing the amount of money to be paid by their parents.

Cheesecake/cookie dough sale This fundraiser is done in the fall, prior to Thanksgiving. Again, there is no quota to sell, and all of the profits go into the individual students fund raising accounts to be used towards the band trip.

Roast Beef Dinner The dinner is usually held in February or March. Each band member is asked to sell or purchase a minimum of two tickets. The profits from this fundraiser go to the Band Parents Association general fund. This fund is used to provide for the annual Merit Awards, purchases of supplies, gifts, and awards for students, donations to other worthwhile causes, etc. If possible, the fund also provides a cash donation toward each student's band trip cost. This donation varies depending on the balance of the fund and the success of the fundraisers.

Joint PTO/Band Parents Luncheon This function is usually held in the spring and is our largest fund raising event. Again, there are no quotas to sell, but this is our largest and most important event. A good turnout benefits both the Band Parents Association and the PTO. The profits from this fundraiser go into the Band Parents Association general fund.

You can address issues or questions pertaining to Band Parents Association events and participation to any member of the Executive Board or Committee Chairpersons. Please feel free to call any time you have a question or concern. We will do our best to help you. A Band Directory listing each Committee Chairperson, along with all Band Members will be published early in the fall.

President

John Skrobacz

Please address all band curriculum-related issues or student concerns to Mr. Udell at the High School. Mr. Udell attends the monthly band parent meetings.

Simply sign up to be on, or chair, any committee. There are a wide variety of positions to fill and your special talents are always appreciated.

Join the "Pit Crew". This is a group of parents who come early to all football games and competitions (festivals) to help bring the band equipment and flags to the field. At away games we load and unload our new truck to transport the equipment. You get to attend the events for free and get a field level view of the festivities. Contact Pit Crew head, Jim Higbie for more information. This is usually a fun activity that really makes you feel that you're part of the band.

Home Football Games. We serve refreshments and snacks to the band during the third quarter of each home game. Consider joining this important committee. Last year we started to provide free coffee to all band parents attending the games. Join us at all the games. We sit together in the section nearest the band and help cheer on the Warriors.

Fund Raisers. Volunteer to help with the various fund raising events.

Monthly Meetings. Come to the meetings. You'll be surprised at the camaraderie that develops and you'll make a lot of new friends as well as being kept informed.

Become a photographer. Our band has to be the most photographed band in the state. We fill the three large bulletin boards in the school corridor with pictures of the band and flags from all activities.

Become a chaperone. This year will be a band trip year. Although the exact destination hasn't yet been decided, chaperones will be needed for the trip.

FACTS FOR FRESHMEN

The freshmen year brings a lot of changes for both students and parents. By joining the band, your child has already helped in his/her own transition to becoming a high school student. When school starts in September, they will already know their way around the campus, and will be a part of the band family, with a lot of new friends. The Band Parent Association enables you to share your child's high school band experience in a special way. We've thought of some "survival tips" we hope will be helpful in shortening the band parent learning curve.

Performance Times. The band performs at all football games, both home and away. Performances are at half time for home games, and a pre-game show at away games.

Uniforms and props. Make sure you bring all uniform parts to every game and show. Directions to all away games will be provided. If you want to follow the buses, be at the school early.

Uniform Care. Our band looks its best in clean uniforms and shoes. Dry cleaning of the uniforms may be necessary. Make sure shoes are clean. White marching shoes and gloves are required for marching band. (Note: Percussion players do NOT need gloves). They can be purchased through the school at minimal cost. See Mr. Udell for these items as well as brown socks. Black dress shoes are required for concerts.

Practices. The band will practice 3-4 days a week after school during football season. They will be able to catch the 5:30 late buses home.

Ensemble practices. These are held after school in the band room.

                           

08/23/2006 -  V7.1