New Parent Welcome Guide

Welcome to the Mighty Marching Pirates Band Family!

Whether you're brand new to high school band or just new to FBHS, we’re thrilled to have you and your student with us. This guide will help you navigate the first few months of band life and answer some of the most common parent questions.

What to Expect

Marching Band is more than music.

It’s a community. A team. A leadership lab. Your student will be learning responsibility, time management, self-discipline—and yes, how to march in 95° heat with a smile on their face.

They’ll also:

• Build deep friendships
• Learn from upperclassmen
• Be pushed beyond their comfort zone
• Have fun (even while being sore and sweaty!)

📆 The Season at a Glance

• May–June: Registration, Mini Camp, Shrimp Fest parade.
• July: Summer practices, Pirate Invasion, Mandatory Band Parent Meeting
• Late July/Early August: Band Camp (required), rehearsals begin
• August–October: Football games every Friday
• October–Early November: Competitions on Saturdays
• November: End of marching season / Symphonic. Jazz Band & Winter Guard season begins

🧢 What Your Student Needs

Band doesn’t require much outside gear, but they do need:

• A water jug
• Comfortable athletic shoes
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Instrument & music
• Long black socks
• Black compression/athletic shorts
• Black Binder with clear sheet protectors

🤔 Common Questions

Is Band Camp required?

Yes. Band Camp is where the entire show is learned. Missing it affects the whole team.

Will my student get overwhelmed?

Probably during the first few days—but they’ll settle in quickly. Encourage them to stick with it. Band becomes a second home for many students.

Do I need to volunteer?

Yes, please! Whether it’s one game or the whole season, your help matters. Volunteers are the engine of our program.

How do I stay in the loop?

Our primary communication tool is the BAND App. Download it and request to join. You’ll receive schedules, reminders, and event info directly.

📌 Your To-Do List

✅ Register via “Intent to March” form

✅ Pay the $50 deposit

✅ Set up your Booster Hub account

✅ Join the BAND app

✅ Order rookie uniform package (if new)

✅ Schedule sports physical & turn in forms

✅ Add all dates to your family calendar

✅ Sign up for at least 3 concession shifts (Booster Hub)

✅ Label your student’s belongings!

✅ Pay fair share and uniform fees.

How to encourage your student.

AT HOME

1. Show an interest in the music study of your child.

2. Arrange a regular time for your child to practice.

3. Find a quiet place where they can practice without interruption.

4. Help them with their practice as much as possible by counting, studying, music texts, etc.

5. Help the student keep a daily record of their practice for accountability.

6. Give them a safe place to keep their instrument.

7. Make sure you help your student get the necessary accessories for his instrument such as reeds, mutes, oil, and slide grease. All students should have a metronome and tuner.

8. Be very careful with instruments. The cost of repairs are very high.

9. Help your child to be prepared and on time for each rehearsal and lesson. Even though private study is not required, it is strongly recommended as an extension of the classroom.

10. Make faithful attendance at all activities important.

11. Encourage your child to play for others when the opportunity arises, in the home, at school, church and in the community.

12. When picking your student up at band practice or from a performance, do not park off of Billie Watkins Street.  This is a major safety issue. Park in a parking spot and wait for your student to come to you or join us in the band room.

13. Work with your student on how to manage their time between band and school work.

AT SCHOOL

1. Keep a record of the students various musical activities.

2. Ensure your student notify' s the teacher and Section Leader in advance if the student is to be absent or tardy at lessons, rehearsals, etc., and explain why.

3. See that they take their instrument and music to school.

4. Teach them to be punctual at lessons and rehearsals.

5. See that your child keeps up with classroom studies and makes up work they missed.

6. Discuss with your music teachers anything that will help them to better understand your child.

7. Attend concerts and other performances whenever possible.

8. Join and Attend Band Booster meetings whenever possible.

9. Volunteer to help through the band parent boosters.

10. Purchase band spirit wear and wear items to all band functions.

Be Present. Join the Band Parent Community. Celebrate them. Build Connections. Cheer Loud!

🤝 You’re Not Alone

There’s a learning curve, but we’ve got your back.

The Band Boosters, veteran parents, and our staff are here to guide you. Never hesitate to reach out, ask questions, or jump in to help.

📧 Questions? Contact us anytime at fbhsbandparents@gmail.com

Welcome aboard—and GO PIRATES!