The Rookie Band Parent Survival Guide
Episode 2: In the Heat of the Competitive Moments
This week begins the month lovingly known as “Bandtober”: the time of year when the lives of band families are paused to focus entirely on the meaty part of the marching season. Temperatures are finally dropping, mostly-complete shows are on the field, and it’s time to break out the backup pair of tennis shoes I told you you’d need.
The nation’s two top circuits are in full swing, and competition is heating up – October brings with it several USBands Regional and State Championships and two Bands of America Super Regional Championships. I outlined this very article on my way home from the BOA Des Moines Regional, where two previous champions were trumped by Rosemount (MN) with their long-coming first Regional Championship. Rosemount is one band out of seven first-time Regional Champions this season out of a total of 10 shows, with many upsets leaving groups wondering how to handle their new achievement (or how to cope with an unexpected loss). If band camp was a strain on the body and mind, competition season is a strain on the heart.
With such a diverse competition experience, there are few bits of advice that are completely applicable to everyone – if you’re on the hunt for BOA-specific breakdowns, you can find some here. Like last time, I’ve gone out into the wider band community and asked for advice for those attending their first marching contest (or anyone who’s into expanding their knowledge, because you can never know enough about band). I’ll keep this one quick in order to maximize the amount of sleep that I know you’re not getting enough of, but if you haven’t yet, read the previous installment in the series here:
Responding to the question “What do you wish that you or your parents knew before band competition season?” and an invitation for general advice (responses may have been edited for clarity):
“How contests work, and where to go on contest websites. To bring a jacket for Finals results.” Josh, percussionist
“To bring cash, to local competitions especially.” Jackson, saxophone instructor
“Your early season can and will impact your late season. None of these competitions are “just another football game”, so keep your attitude and focus locked in no matter what. It’s still okay to have fun, but know when to flip the switch.” Astro, baritone, Cedar Ridge (TX)
“Sleep is good.” Owen, University of Missouri
“I have a list: Hydration starts a week in advance. The meals might suck, so bring snacks. Aspercreme is going to be your best friend. There are going to be kids that are lost, confused, frustrated, etc. Be nice to them. DON’T GLOAT IN THE STANDS. People will find you, and they will hate you. Even if you’ve been told that during retreat you can’t sway, if you’re going to pass out, that takes priority. Listen to your body above all else. There’s always a bathroom somewhere. Some places we compete might be sketchy, so take a buddy. Take four buddies. Lastly, it’s about the activity AND the performances. Enjoy yourself. If you’re on that field. You’ve earned your way onto it. Kim, University of Oklahoma and the MVP of this article
Some of my personal anecdotes based on my years of experience on and off the field:
Water is so much more crucial than it seems. I’m an out-and-proud Dasani hater, but more often than not, it’s the only option (but bring your own non-salty water whenever you can). Any water is better than no water at all, and no, Dr. Pepper is not a suitable alternative.
Band members, if you’re going to commit the cardinal sin of dating another band member, leave the inevitable breakup for the bus ride home and not for during warmup.
Do NOT check, and especially DO NOT POST on Band forums if you value your sanity. As an adult who talks about marching band online, the opinions of adults talking about marching band online do not matter and are not indicative of your band’s ability (this goes for students, parents, and any alumni who have not yet achieved self-awareness).
Buy the swag. Your favorite pop artist may one day turn out to be a weirdo, but you’ll always be able to look back fondly at the t-shirt you bought at your first big band contest. While you’re there, pick up a pin, maybe a patch, or possibly this incredible Comfort Colors tee with a dog on it (this is not sponsored content, I’ve just bought enough that the card readers at the Pepwear stand automatically send me receipts now).
One of the greatest things about the Internet is its function as a public forum. Comment sections can span the gamut from wholesome to cancerous and everything in between; in the spirit of grassroots democracy, I invite our readers to contribute their own advice. Seek it out as well – I don’t believe in stupid questions, and neither should anyone else. Learning is a good thing!
Above any of this, I ask of you to practice patience. High school is an incredibly formative time and teenage experiences now will shape adult lives in more ways than we can attempt to understand. At BOA Des Moines this week, I was encouraged by the care I witnessed in every interaction: seasoned band parents guiding new ones, band members checking in on one another to be sure they’d had enough water, strangers cheering at the top of their lungs for other strangers. It was hotter in Waukee, Iowa, than some of the stadiums in Texas this past weekend! Despite the weather, the stands were filled with smiles and compliments and the blossoming of friendships. I don’t think it’s controversial to say that’s a rare sight in a world that is so harsh to its youth. Band is a thing that gives me hope that one day, that harshness will be overwhelmed by love.
Hattie Bartlett is an experienced marching arts content creator making her writing debut with GEM. As a former member of the color guard, she has traveled across the country covering events with WGI and Box5, as well as informally commentating via HornRank. Hattie is currently on staff at the University of Missouri as a field photographer and communications intern. She can be found on Instagram and Tiktok as @ilikeguard.