(Almost) Everything you need to know when your student joins Harrison Bands, but didn’t know who to ask or where to look

Being a new band parent can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry:  literally thousands of parents have survived the experience and enjoyed the wonderful performances of their enthusiastic students. Here is some of the most-requested information for new band parents, developed with the help of our experienced Harrison High Band Booster (HHBB) parents.  We’ve listed it in the order that you’re likely to experience it, starting from sign-up.

Our Top Tip

It’s not necessary – or recommended – to read this all at once.  Read a few sections, take a break, then come back later.  Here’s a suggestion for reading in sections:

• Part 1, Spring to School Open:  Read beginning in Spring-Early Summer. This is the longest section – and covers the period when you are likely to have the most questions.
• Part 2, August-October:  Read by mid-August
• Part 3, November-February: Read by mid-October

If you have other questions, please send us a request at PR@HarrisonBands.org, and we’ll try to get you an answer. Also, enrolled students will receive an official Band Handbook, which includes student and family requirements.

Spring to School Open

Getting Information and News

HHBB maintains multiple communication channels to keep parents up-to-date with band information, and also in touch with each other. Our primary “official” communication channels include:

• Charms system communication
• The band website, HarrisonBands.Org, and
• Our weekly e-blast newsletter.

Band directors and our HHBB officers use the Charms system to contact parents directly. Your information is added to the Charms system by the band office from your enrollment forms. We send text messages from Charms to notify parents of band event, travel and other information of an immediate nature. For example, for away football games, parents generally get text notices when the band busses leave a game, including an estimated arrival time for return to HHS. Charms also may be used by directors and HHBB officers to communicate with parents on other non-immediate matters.  

Our band website and weekly e-newsletter offer convenient methods for receiving “official” information, and also have access to it at any time. Generally, when a major announcement or important information is communicated through Charms, we put it in the newsletter and on the website, too, so you can find it easily later. All registered band parents are added to our e-blast newsletter using information provided during band enrollment. Parents can update their own contact information for newsletter use by using the link at the bottom of each newsletter.

In addition to these, we established Section Liaisons, prime volunteers who work closely with our directors, HHBB and communication team to send section-specific and general band information to parents. You’ll likely receive regular personal e-mails from our section liaisons.

Besides these methods, HHBB maintains other, more informal communication methods. Our Big Blue Band Family on Facebook is an “unofficial,” private, closed group which allows parent-to-parent communication. It’s a great place to get insights and advice from experienced band parents and friends. You must request membership to access the Big Blue Band Family on Facebook.

We also maintain several social media accounts for communicating with broader audiences. However, we remind all that the posting of any video from Harrison Band performances on these or other open social media accounts is prohibited due to potential copyright issues. Our “open” social media accounts are as follows:

• Facebook:           Facebook.com/HarrisonBandsGA  and Facebook.com/groups/HarrisonBandsAlumni
• Instagram:          Instagram.com/harrison_bands  and Instagram.com/harrisonbandsalumni
• Twitter:               Twitter.com/harrison_bands

Enrolling for Band Class

Students who wish to participate in our performing music groups must register for a band class.  Registration for fall semester is completed in the spring under the direction of the guidance counselors. Since high school band is a full-year class, students only register in the spring. Typically, symphonic band is offered during first period, wind ensemble in second period, and concert band in third period. Percussionist enroll for a fourth period class in the fall, then join one of the other band classes for the spring semester. Participation in band classes requires a curriculum enrichment fee, used to support music education requirements. Fees are communicated to students during the enrollment period.

If you’re hesitating about marching band because of a potential conflict with a required physical education class, don’t worry. Thousands of band members have enrolled in band as freshmen, taken physical education during another year, and graduated on time. If you’re in doubt, talk to a counselor.

Joining Marching Band and Color Guard

Marching Band and Color Guard are fall-only extracurricular activities. Joining these groups requires a signed commitment form and an additional fee, which is communicated directly to prospective members and parents during the Spring. Fees vary annually based on the event, competition and travel schedule of the Marching Band and Color Guard.

Reducing Band Fees with Fundraising

Harrison High School Band Boosters offers a variety of fundraising programs which can help reduce the fees associated with extracurricular band participation. With sales-types programs, including Plant Sales, Boston Butt BBQ, Car Wash coupons and similar, a portion of sales is credited to the student’s band account. Programs like RH Events credit 100% of funds raised to the student account. HHBB maintains a listing of annual fundraisers on the band website, including more details on each and links to get more information.

How to Pay Band Fees

We offer multiple methods and schedules for band fee payments. Fall and spring enrichment fees are due each semester, and generally are paid in one payment.  Marching Band and Color Guard fees can be paid:

• In monthly installments (most frequent),
• One lump sum, or
• On another schedule established individually.

We accept payments for fees:

• Through your bank’s online banking system,
• Via Paypal (with a $5 convenience fee),
• By credit card, or
• By check. 

Details about payments are published each year in our Marching Band commitment form. Check our policies and forms pages for the latest versions.

Required Wear and Marching Gear

Your Marching Band commitment form and first payment include a $50 uniform use fee for Marching Band. Additional costs for wind and percussion students include Marching Band required wear (i.e. shorts, shirts, jackets, shoes, polo and gloves). Additional costs for Color Guard students include required wear (i.e. polo, jacket, shoes, warmup), guard bag, and makeup. Our other ensembles also require specific performance attire, typically shirts, slacks and designated accessories.

To maintain uniform standards, some of our required wear must be purchased through the band, including all performance attire such as jackets, shoes, polo and dress shirts, gloves and designated accessories.

Students order one set of required performance clothing. Experienced band parents strongly recommend purchasing multiple sets of other required wear like t-shirts and shorts for regular practice to avoid daily cleaning needs. They also recommend purchase of three to five sets of performance gloves so that extras are available in the event of loss or damage.

Check the links on our Policies-Forms page for the latest required wear forms!

Generally, HHBB sets up a Parent Orientation — unofficially, “Sign Up Saturday” — in late April or early May where final enrollments and required wear ordering are completed.  Ordering forms and personal assistance generally is available.

Spirit Wear and Spirit Shack

In addition to required wear, most of our members and parents purchase additional spirit wear to show their support and involvement with the band. HHBB operates a Spirit Shack” during all band practices, where you can purchase the latest designs of band caps, shirts, jackets, car decals and more. Our Spirit Shack team also produces commemorative wear and items that reflect the annual show theme and events. We often display the latest Spirit Shack items in our weekly newsletter, website, and on our social media pages.

Volunteering: Helping with Programs and Events

Parent volunteers are at the heart of the Harrison Bands programs. While the directors develop creative programs and kids execute the magical performances, parent energy pumps lifeblood through the system. Keeping the band strong, healthy and safe requires parent time, talent and abilities. We request that all parents volunteer for band roles, both to help and to get more involved with the kids and programs. Many families provide volunteers for multiple programs and committees. You can find a complete listing of our volunteer needs, descriptions and sign-up forms (coming soon)  in the volunteer section of the band website, which will be updated for 2020-21.  We also issue periodic calls for specific volunteer needs in our weekly e-blast.

Chaperones: Our Band Champions

Our chaperones are a special class of band volunteers. Wherever the band goes for performance or competitions, chaperones go, too, keeping our band on time, in place and safe. Because of this special role, HHBB requires that chaperones complete a once-per-year training program.  We also staff our band camp, after-school practices and minicamps with chaperones who help with set-up, band member health needs and assisting our on-duty medical personnel with any simply first aid requirements. While some parents initially may be hesitant to sign-up for this important role, those that participate consistently tell us that it is the most rewarding volunteer assignment available given the close relationships they form with their own kids and band friends.

Band Calendar

Our directors maintain a band calendar of all planned band activities. It’s always available on the website. You can follow directions on the website page to automatically sync the band calendar with your own Outlook, Google or other calendar format on your home computer, tablet or phone. Note that using this options load all calendar entries for the year onto your personal calendar.

Marching Band Camp

Our annual marching band camp generally is held at Harrison High School in late July, in the two weeks preceding our Cobb County School open date. Specific dates and times are published in our band calendar. During this camp, we focus on our marching skills, music assignments and beginning to learn our show performance. Our chaperones are on duty throughout to assist kids and directors. The first week, we hold extended practices with a scheduled dinner break where students should leave campus. We recommend that students bring lunches for our midday break. Our second week is a shorter day as we start in the early afternoon following mandatory faculty/staff sessions. 

We’ve published top tips from band members and parents in our Top Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Band Camp.

We recommend:

• Students begin hydrating in the days leading up to camp
• Bring and drink lots of hydrating fluids throughout the camp days.
• Wearing hats or caps plus
• Applying plenty of sunscreen throughout the day.

We take frequent breaks throughout camp for the comfort and safety of our students.

August to October

Marching Band Practices

Once school starts, we begin our afterschool practice schedule. Again, our band calendar has all the details on times. Generally, practice:

• Dress is required wear for all sessions
• Begins promptly at 4 pm
• Includes frequent water breaks and rest periods
• Continues until 7:15 p.m.
• Departures occur for students about 10-15 minutes after practice, as they put away instruments, help with props, and take care of other matters.
• Pick-ups for kids  are easiest near the doors of the Performing Arts Center, as the back lots are often crowded with props, pedestrians, and students arriving for other practices.

We recommend that students bring snacks or energy bars if they want snacks before practice concludes. Students can bring their water jugs and fill them with ice and water in the cafeteria before practices start. Of course, we provide water for those who don’t bring their own. Our chaperones and first-aid team are on duty for the safety of our band members. 

Mini-Camps and Parent Previews

We conduct a few Saturday mini-camps during marching season. These are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. events, with lunch and dinner breaks. Students:

• Dress in required practice wear – grey shirts, shorts, comfortable shoes.
• May purchase an advance-order, optional breakfast for pre-practice consumption, often provided by Chick-Fil-A
• Typically pack heat-appropriate snacks and lunch
• Remain on-site through lunch until practice resumes
• Bring, consume and refill water bottles.
• May remain on-site for purchased dinners or return home for dinner.
• Can be met for pick-ups in the back parking lot.

Generally, at dinner breaks, we offer students the opportunity to purchase meals on site, often prepared and served by our parent volunteers. Parents are welcome to purchase these, too. Menus, prices, and purchase procedures are published in advance. During the extended dinner breaks, our band members can rest, play games, or socialize with their band friends.

Around 7 p.m., the band moves over from the practice areas to Cobbleigh Stadium, and parents are invited to join us for show previews. While we’re still practicing and there is lots of instruction going on, watching the performance from the relative comfort of the stadium seats offers a great way to view the show and observe our progress throughout the season.

Uniform Checklist for All Performances

Our required wear guru, Nancy Brock, has prepared this detailed required wear and uniform checklist to help parents and band members prepare for and pass uniform inspection, with less stress.

Home Football Games

The first home game is one of the true highlights of a band member’s high school experience. Current members and alumni often speak about that first time marching into the stadium to the cadence of the drum line and cheers of students and fans. Many band members remain at school on Friday and enjoy pregame activities with band mates. For most games, HHBB arranges an optional meal available for purchase, with menu and prices publicized in the HHBB newsletter in advance. A standard “call-time” is announced for each game, the time at which all band members must report to the band room for donning uniforms and standing for final inspection. Generally, HHBB uniform volunteers are also on hand in case band members need assistance, or there’s a last-minute uniform malfunction. Once the uniforms are on, there’s no more food or drink – except for the bottled water supplied to band members during the game.

The band typically marches into the stadium approximately 45 minutes before kick-off. Often parents, alumni and friends line the path to the stadium and cheer in support of the unit and their favorite band member.

At the end of each game, the band strikes up the fight song, and the football team runs over to celebrate with and thank the band. Again, it’s one of those memorable high school moments. Approximately 15 minutes later, the band:

• Marches back to the practice field for a brief meeting and spirit session,
• Adjourns to the band room, returning uniforms to assigned locations
• Assists with putting away instruments and props
• Begins departing the band room 15-20 minutes after the band briefing ends

Band Travel

The band travels together for all away events, representing our program and our school at all times. Local travel is on school busses, while longer trips may be on rented coaches. Required wear helps our band members look sharp, and assists our chaperones and directors in managing their groups for logistics and safety. Required and recommended packing lists are provided to all band members well in advance to facilitate planning. We expect band members to know and follow without question our code of conduct, official instructions provided, and all safety guidelines. Parents and band members should familiarize themselves with any conduct and travel guidelines in the Band Handbook.

For trips requiring overnight stays, the band and HHBB make all lodging and most other logistical arrangements for band members. HHBB also may publish informal recommendations on accommodations for parents and families based on previous experiences. Where practical, HHBB also may coordinate ticket or seating blocks so that our band members easily can see our presence and support for their efforts. We’ll generally publish this kind of information in our e-newsletter, on our website, and also on our Facebook group, Big Blue Band Parents.

Away Football Games

Like home games, there’s a “call-time” for away games, announced to the students during the week. Away call times vary due to travel logistics, so be certain you and your student are aware of the right time. HHBB often offers pre-departure meals for advance purchase, with menus and prices published in the newsletter and other locations. The band dons uniforms before departing Harrison, and no eating or drinking is allowed once the uniforms are on and buses roll.

The entire band travels together to away games, accompanied at all times by our HHBB chaperones. On the return home, our lead chaperone uses the CHARMS text system to notify parents of:

• Planned departure time from the away location
• Estimated arrival time at HHS
• Any schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances

We encourage parents who are picking up band members to arrive at school at or before the estimated arrival time. This assures that students are met as expected, and also prevents delays for the directors and chaperones who accompany the band members.  Please, be on time!

Exhibitions and Competitions

Whether around the corner at a nearby Cobb County stadium or on a regional or national stage, our band commands attention at exhibitions and competitions. The competitive season typically includes an invitational or exhibition performance or two, followed by Band of America competition events that feature the best marching bands from around the country.

For local competitions, our band typically dresses in uniform at Harrison, then travels to the competition location together by school bus. Band members, chaperones and limited equipment crew are admitted to these events with the band. Other attendees generally pay an admission fee.

While these competitive events run on very precise schedules, weather can be a factor. Our lead chaperone generally uses the CHARMS text system to keep parents apprised of any schedule changes. When we participate in exhibitions and competitions, we encourage parents to arrive early, watch other groups, and remain through the end. While that’s not always possible nor is it a requirement, our parents truly enjoy the performances, spectacle and enthusiasm of all bands at these events.

Like away football games, our lead chaperone will issue a CHARMS text notification as the band busses depart a competition location, typically including an estimated arrival time at HHS.

November to February

Family Fundraising Plan

Harrison Band Boosters offer a variety of fundraising programs to support the band. Some of these are individual fundraisers, where all or a portion of the funds raised are credited directly to a student’s band account. The account can be applied to band fees, thus reducing the cost of band by participating in these individual fund raisers.

Many Harrison Band families make a year-end plan for raising funds. That might include reviewing and discussing how to optimize the RaiseRight program for day-to-day purchases, joining in event-based fundraisers where the entire family can work at community events to raise funds, and others.

We encourage you to talk to experienced band families to get practical tips for family fundraising.

Winter Concert

Generally held in December toward the end of the fall semester, this concert showcases the performance and musical progress made by our band students through the semester. This concert often is combined with performances by the choral groups, and features seasonal music to boost the holiday spirit.

Joining Spring Ensembles

Look for announcements about Spring band ensembles beginning in early December and when the spring semester commences in January. Color Guard sign-ups and practices often begin in December. Sign-ups for Jazz Bands and Harrison Indoor Percussion Ensemble (HIPE) may be released in the pre-holiday period, or at the beginning of the spring semester.

District Honor Band and All-State Band

We encourage our dedicated students to compete in the annual District Honor Band and All-State Band programs. Students who enroll for these programs work closely with directors to prepare for their auditions. Those selected for District Honor Band also may advance to All-State Band competitions.

Honor Band and All-State Band members will participate in special performances of those groups. Dates and locations for Honor Band and All-State Band performances are announced in the spring semseter.