2024 Marching Band Season FAQ for Parents
On behalf of the Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters Board, we would like to welcome all of you to the start of the school year and MIHS marching band season! We know that some of you may have questions about how marching band season works, so we wanted to send out a brief FAQ to our new high school band parents before the first football game.
What is marching band season?
The high school band class year is split into marching band season (fall) and concert band season (winter/spring). Marching band season starts with band camp in August. During marching band season, the entire high school band learns to play and march together. The band performs during the home football games.
When are evening rehearsals?
Evening rehearsals take place the night before every home football game, typically Thursdays 6-9:30 at the stadium. Students should eat dinner before rehearsal, wear comfortable clothes, and wear appropriate shoes for marching (no flip flops).
What are sectionals?
Sections (students who play the same instrument) have additional weekly rehearsals led by the student section leaders to provide instrument specific practice. These rehearsals can happen before or after school.
What happens at football games?
There are typically 4 to 5 home football games every fall. Prior to the start of the game, the band marches from the school to the stadium (starting near the gym, down 42nd Street, and into the football stadium). The band enters the stadium from the far side and marches on the field before heading to their seats. The band sits together and plays “shorts” throughout the game. During halftime, they go onto the field and perform. Following the game, they march back to the school and do a “5th Quarter” performance in the amphitheater. The three drum majors are elected student leaders who conduct during the football games. (They do not play the drums!)
Call time for football games is typically 5:45, “step off” (start of marching) is approximately 6:30, and halftime is approximately 7:45. Students need to eat dinner prior to call time and charge their cell phones (or bring batteries). They are not allowed to eat once they are in their uniforms. It is a long night and phone batteries often do not last. Students need to wear their black band shirts, long black socks, and black marching band shoes. Their uniforms are stored at the school and they will put those on once they arrive.
How do I buy my football ticket?
You will need to purchase a football ticket to enter the stadium. Tickets can be purchased at the booth by the stadium entrance, using QR codes posted in the parking lot, or with this ticket link. Consider purchasing your tickets ahead of time to avoid lines.
Where should parents watch from?
There will be a dedicated band section for band parents to sit together in the stadium just past the concession stands. Look for our information booth, swag table, and seating area when you arrive. Stop by the band tables and pick up free prizes. Parents can also watch students march from the school to the stadium before and after the game, as well as at the 5th quarter performance in the amphitheater.
What is section bonding?
Following football games, instrument sections will often go out to a local restaurant for food (such as Dicks or IHOP). Older students typically drive younger students from the school to the restaurant and home at the end of the evening. For many students, this is their favorite part of band. While section bonding is a beloved and important responsibility of the older students and section leaders, it is NOT organized or supervised by district staff. Make sure to talk with your student about your family’s comfort with this and agree on a communication plan. Your student should bring a charged cell phone and money for food.
What are the things my child should remember to bring to a marching band performance without my reminding them?
A full stomach
Instrument and flip folder (music)
Earplugs (playing can be loud)
Long black socks
Black band shirt
Black marching band shoes (they do not have these yet) A charged cell phone or extra battery
Money for section bonding
When are this year’s football games?
Friday, September 13
Saturday, October 5
Thursday, October 10 (Homecoming; Band also marches in afternoon parade before the game) Friday, October 25 (All Island Band Night)
What are the parts of a band uniform?
Shako = Hat
Plume = Feather on top of the hat Jacket = Jacket
Bib = Pants
Vipers (formerly dinkles) = Shoes
What if my child doesn’t want marching band to end?
Let them know that after fall football season they will get to play at basketball games as part of Animal Band. And there is always next year!
What is the MISBB?
The Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters is a 501(c)(3) volunteer organization dedicated to support, promote, and encourage the band programs of the Mercer Island School District. For more information, check out our MISBB website.
Who should I contact with questions?
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to anyone on the MISBB Board, your band class parent reps (emails below), Jen McLellan, or the band directors. Also, check out our MISBB website and our school Band website. And make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
How can I get more involved in band?
We are always looking for volunteers! Football games require volunteers to help with uniforms, place plumes, manage traffic, hand out water, and help with equipment. Band Together, our annual party, also needs volunteers. Please stop by the table at the football games to inquire and/or check out our volunteer sign-up page here.
Looking forward to seeing you all on September 13!
Sincerely,
MISBB Board
Jennifer Glick, President, jendogger@gmail.com
Meng-Hua Wei, Co-Treasurer treasurer@misbb.org
Vivian Zhou, Co-Treasurer treasurer@misbb.org
John Stokke, Secretary, johns@cascademgt.com
Jody Lee, At Large, adamsjodylee@mac.com
Sharon Perez, Band Together Chair, sharon.m.perez@mac.com
Gwen Loosmore, At Large, loosmore@comcast.net
Kat Lin, At Large, kathleenlinmd@gmail.com
Claudia Harner-Jay, At Large
Jeff Miller, At Large, jeffmiller@greensails.net
Yenling Lee, At Large, yenlinglee@gmail.com