Welcome to Marching Band!
Your student(s) shows an interest in the Fruitland High School Marching Band. Parental involvement is crucial to the continued success of the Marching Band. We have a great history of not just supportive parents, but aunts, uncles, grandmas & grandpas and returning alumni to help this band continue being an exemplary showcase of talent and dedication. There are several ways to support the band and we understand not everyone has endless time or resources. Each event gives you the chance to help in the way you are most able to and are comfortable with. Here are a few examples of ways to help during the season:
- Marching Band camp-Monday thru Friday during the last full week in July. Your student should have LOTS of water, transportation and availability for this kick off to marching band season. They will practice at Fruitland High School daily Monday-Friday, and then participate in an end of camp celebration (location TBD yearly). There is a BBQ/meal at this celebration that each grade level will help provide for (drinks, desserts, sides etc. Main dish is provided.)
- Meals:During competition season we feed the approximately 125 person band a meal before each show. This requires some coordination by our food chair to select a menu, and his/her team to collect the donated meal dishes, and set up, serve and take down at the event.
- Chaperones: for each band competition we need at least 2 parents per bus to ride along. Chaperones are there for student support. Most competitions run smoothly with little help from parents besides supervision. You get a GREAT inside look at what these hard working students have been practicing for. We do ask for help ensuring all equipment makes it from the trailer to the competition, uniform assistance, and other general tasks as needed.
- Fundraising: Our big individual fundraisers are the Spring Dinner & Raffle (formerly the Prime Rib Dinner) & the Dutch Oven Dinner, which require a lot of parent help in order to be successful. Other fundraising opportunities for the students to earn money towards their trip include; the Mattress Sale, Car Washes, Trailer Ads for the semi and Fall TV Raffle. Bucks for the Band and the silent auction provide opportunities to raise funds collectively for the band.
- Trips:Each fall the band will travel to a competition outside of the Treasure Valley. This multi-day travel experience provides opportunities for students to encounter new cultural surroundings and get competition feedback from a different set of judges. Travel dates, location & cost vary each year, but will typically be given in the spring. As parents, you can support your student’s preparations for the band trip by encouraging them to participate in fundraisers, making sure you’re connected to remind, parent portal & other communication means, as well as being prompt to meet payment & paperwork deadlines for the trip.
We are excited that your student has chosen band to be one of the ways they excel while in high school and we realize what a big commitment they are making by joining our ranks. We know that with YOUR help and involvement they will be successful in this endeavor. Music is enriching and powerful and Band will open the door to many long-term opportunities. Please join us at our next Band Booster Meeting in the High School band room at 7 pm. If you have any questions please contact one of the Booster Executive Committee.
Thank you
Lacee Salinas – Booster President
Cassie Mossman – Booster VP
Tina Cheney – Booster Secretary
Clarissa Weideman – Booster Communications Rep.
Jill Stephens – Booster Treasurer (208.740.9078)