Band Parenting in the '00's*
*Formerly Band Parenting in the '90's Site Last Updated Friday September 01, 2006

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Band Parenting
in the '00's

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Band parenting hardly existed when we who are now band parents were in high school. The concept of band parenting, even the word itself, had not developed. Parents of band members attended one meeting a year and paid a dollar. The band director and band members did everything else. Parents were just a source of a small amount of additional money for the band program.

The brobdingnagian growth of band activities in the last three decades forced a reinvention of band parenting. Other school booster clubs just raise a little money and show the colors at games. Modern band parenting is life's total commitment experience. Band parents have deep involvement in all aspects of high school band management during band season (June 1st to May 31st inclusive). Band parenting becomes the motive underlying existence, especially during the marching season. As a new band parent you are about to embark on your greatest adventure.

You can find additional help in your local community. If your child plays the flute, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, oboe, or alto saxophone you may wish to seek additional information about how to cope from an experienced band parent. If your child plays the tenor saxophone, the bassoon, the baritone saxophone, the euphonium or the French horn you may wish to seek additional information about how to cope from a bank loan officer. If your child plays the drums, the tuba or the piccolo you may wish to seek additional information about how to cope from an audiologist or a mental health professional.

As you strive, sparing no effort or expense, to be the best possible band parent pause occasionally to try to relax and have fun. As important as band is it may still be possible, at least theoretically, to overdo your commitment and burn out. Don't let this be an excuse for reducing your efforts. As the Head Director of the Milliard Filmore Senior High School Marching Muskrat Band so wisely observed, "We've never lost a band parent yet. Well, there were those few on the band trip two years ago but the most satisfactory explanation is that they were abducted by space aliens."