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GeekyBandMom

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  1. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from Tailgate88 in The "tips, hints, and great things to know" for band parents   
    THIS!
     
    Well, I'm not ready to share my info. But I spend hundreds of hours every year running some large parts of our group. It's exhausting, but I regret none of it.
     
    If you can volunteer at all, please do it. The biggest worry anyone who runs something in band has is "do I have enough people?" Nothing gives me the shakes like not being sure I have enough people to get a job done.
     
    I will say my absolute favorite is PIT CREW AND PROPS. I have chased a runaway rolling cube as fast as my stubby, chubby legs would carry me before it hit a pit train and surprisingly this lady caught it. A band dad I will never know saved me from shame and humiliation as a prop I had sailed away like the Santa Maria before it hit a car in a gusty parking lot. We're the first to say AWESOME JOB KIDS even when they don't have the best run and are gloomy and sad. We tell every group going on "Kill it!" and every group coming off "Fantastic run!" I will never forget the hosting drum majors at one competition who saluted EVERY SINGLE BAND that came off the field. There is nothing like it for the kids, to feel like kings just for that moment. No matter what happened that day, the kids have their moment good or bad right there on the field and we're all there to give them that support. I also suggest every parent do this job at least once, the perspective is quite different. It's eye-opening into what your kid experiences after a performance- the good, the bad, and the ugly. They experience it all.
     
    So volunteer, cook a hot dog, sew some pants, pull a gong, push a speaker, help the CG with their amazing makeup or help with their flags. Whatever it is, I'm sure your group has a task you can do. If not, send the directors a nice email. They get plenty of pretty awfully annoying ones, don't be afraid to send a nice one that doesn't ask a single thing of them. Don't be afraid to take that first step, someone will show you what to do. Don't be afraid to ask for help or where to go to ask for help. I'm not very outgoing, but I never let fear get the best of me when I'm running a task for band.
     
    You would think I'm a CEO. And I'm the furthest thing from that. And I have ZERO regrets. I love band. It goes by in a flash, I will never look back and say "I wish I had done less".
  2. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from bandtingz in What is the long term impact of Covid-19 on the Marching Arts   
    My opinion is longterm on a larger scale the impact won’t be hugely significant if the activities return to normal next fall and the finances are still breathing. I can see most competions and groups bouncing back with force and gusto, passion and excitement for what was missed this year. Clearly, the financial impact is going to be significant, however, and as the millions of people out of work/furloughed etc- this will have an impact that trickles to all kinds of activities dependent on social gathering- obviously marching arts aren’t excluded.

    However, I think the impact on specific groups (or individual kids) is going to vary widely. This will depend a lot on what kind of strength the group had to begin with, how well they adapt to what’s happening this year, and frankly how motivating the leadership is to get back on the field. This isn’t a judgement, just a statement of how I see it moving forward.
    I think some bands that had retention problems (regardless of the cause) to begin with might have even more significant issues with this going forward. I imagine many seniors will quit this year, and that has a sortof spiral and poor morale issue on the band as a whole (ask me how I know lol). I think bands that have strong leadership with communicative and personal band instructors, involved parents all eager to get the kids back at it sooner rather than later will likely have a better outcome. It’s not going to motiv kids to stay in band if the directors themselves aren’t eager to figure a way to work it out. Again, not a judgment on the part of teachers and instructors- only that from a kid’s perspective they are eager to get going asap is what I’m hearing. My lame comparison is to look at restaurants- those that adapted quickly to all of this curbside, online ordering, masks and cleaning survived (if weakly) and those that didn’t have gone forever. It’s quite unfortunate. This is just my .$02 I’m sure there are many perspectives here.
  3. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from LeanderMomma in Reagan @ Macy's Parade   
    Absolutely! The truth is strong MS programs, minimal attrition of students, and retention of staff are the major contributing factors to success. Money opens doors for sure in terms of design, but it surely won’t make the kids more attentive during rehearsal or mean directors will be more effective and efficient with use of their 8 hours or inspire parents and kids to buy into 7 years of band. District support at all levels, and minimal competing programs (not having orchestra class in 4th grade competing with band for students for example) are also factors. I think money is fundraised by successful programs because parents and students are involved and driven to be successful in band and in everything else in their lives. On the flipside there are plenty of programs with plenty of money (member’s families and/or from the district) that aren’t nearly as successful as Leander. Period. Money matters, but only so much.
  4. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from TheSoundOfSilence in Reagan @ Macy's Parade   
    Absolutely! The truth is strong MS programs, minimal attrition of students, and retention of staff are the major contributing factors to success. Money opens doors for sure in terms of design, but it surely won’t make the kids more attentive during rehearsal or mean directors will be more effective and efficient with use of their 8 hours or inspire parents and kids to buy into 7 years of band. District support at all levels, and minimal competing programs (not having orchestra class in 4th grade competing with band for students for example) are also factors. I think money is fundraised by successful programs because parents and students are involved and driven to be successful in band and in everything else in their lives. On the flipside there are plenty of programs with plenty of money (member’s families and/or from the district) that aren’t nearly as successful as Leander. Period. Money matters, but only so much.
  5. Like
    GeekyBandMom reacted to LeanderMomma in Reagan @ Macy's Parade   
    Maybe the poster on Reddit was including their regular band fees in his total. These trips ain’t cheap but they are oh so worth it I’m sure.
     
    On a similar note, I’m appalled at a YouTube video of Leander at GN where people are commenting on how the only reason these schools win competitions is because of money. They obviously have no clue how hard these kids work. Yes, money can buy great designers and directors but not every great program has tons of money. Also, some are just tremendously good at fundraising. Not every district gives their bands (or their directors!) a ton of money. It takes a lot of factors and I hate to see such hard work and talent degraded in such a way. I guess it’s inevitable but it’s a shame really. At least the band kids know the truth!
  6. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from LeanderMomma in Brandon Olander, watch out...   
    LOVE IT!! How awesome is that, just imagine him in 10 years!
  7. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from landong in 2019 5A State Marching Predictions   
    I think this is solid based on the season so far. I think Rouse and CP medal, and not sure who on top. I don’t think show style is as important as years past, but performance is and both of those groups do it well. The rest of the lineup order is up for grabs imo, the groups are all somewhat close in skill, difficulty and have different strong points. Performance time might be a factor, might not. Will be interesting to see how it plays out and what the kids do with their 8 minutes!
  8. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from Danpod in The Danpodcast - UIL 5A Area Nerd-In   
    The last 5-6 minutes of this are *everything* !!!
  9. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from vbassoon in 2019 5A State   
    I would really like to see Roma in finals this year!
  10. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from sop153063 in 2019 5A State   
    Of course Rouse can win. So can many other groups. Nothing is impossible and I love that Vista reminded us of that.
     
    Be teachable. Take criticism and move on. Practice like you’ve never won. Perform like you’ve never lost. Do it every time. If you want to win, make every rep count. My kid performs every rep like it is a state championship. I’m not exaggerating this, she really does. It doesn’t matter what the other team is doing. It only matters what you do and what you leave on the field. And that everyone else in your group does the same to the best of their ability. If they aren’t, take the time to help get them there.
     
    I hope 2019 has some fun and exciting things happen, I am sure plenty of groups are absolutely ready to make a dent in the medal standings. Both those that have been there before and those that are new and I think it will be fun to see how it all shakes out!
  11. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from Mash in 2019 5A State   
    Of course Rouse can win. So can many other groups. Nothing is impossible and I love that Vista reminded us of that.
     
    Be teachable. Take criticism and move on. Practice like you’ve never won. Perform like you’ve never lost. Do it every time. If you want to win, make every rep count. My kid performs every rep like it is a state championship. I’m not exaggerating this, she really does. It doesn’t matter what the other team is doing. It only matters what you do and what you leave on the field. And that everyone else in your group does the same to the best of their ability. If they aren’t, take the time to help get them there.
     
    I hope 2019 has some fun and exciting things happen, I am sure plenty of groups are absolutely ready to make a dent in the medal standings. Both those that have been there before and those that are new and I think it will be fun to see how it all shakes out!
  12. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from LeanderMomma in 2019 5A State   
    Of course Rouse can win. So can many other groups. Nothing is impossible and I love that Vista reminded us of that.
     
    Be teachable. Take criticism and move on. Practice like you’ve never won. Perform like you’ve never lost. Do it every time. If you want to win, make every rep count. My kid performs every rep like it is a state championship. I’m not exaggerating this, she really does. It doesn’t matter what the other team is doing. It only matters what you do and what you leave on the field. And that everyone else in your group does the same to the best of their ability. If they aren’t, take the time to help get them there.
     
    I hope 2019 has some fun and exciting things happen, I am sure plenty of groups are absolutely ready to make a dent in the medal standings. Both those that have been there before and those that are new and I think it will be fun to see how it all shakes out!
  13. Like
    GeekyBandMom reacted to LKendrick in San Antonio Vs. Grand Nationals   
    I think it needs to stop being viewed as a competition about which is better first of all.
  14. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from scoobydoo in 2018 6A State   
    I’m speechless about one judge and RR uniforms. I’m not sure what to say, there are plenty of unconventional uniforms on the field and RR has some of the most traditional looking uniforms on the field that look amazing and are absolutely appropriate for viewing marching. I don’t have a kid at RR but I talk a lot to RR parents. They’re always gracious and talkative-heck I’ve done the full Go Rock Band chant with them just because why not? We always end up talking uniforms because RR has one of the most recognizable designs. If UIL is the great equalizer it’s up to that judge to judge marching in what they’re wearing. Scores are scores but uniform opinion going into the score at UIL, it’s wrong in every way.
  15. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from makebeats in Grand Nationals 2018???   
    Blue Springs is even better in person. Peels your face off in the right places and makes you swoon in the others. Really, those kids nail it in every way. I will not be surprised to see them very high placed tonight.
  16. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from Parkwoodmom in Grand Nationals 2018???   
    Blue Springs is even better in person. Peels your face off in the right places and makes you swoon in the others. Really, those kids nail it in every way. I will not be surprised to see them very high placed tonight.
  17. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from principalagent in Grand Nationals 2018???   
    Blue Springs is even better in person. Peels your face off in the right places and makes you swoon in the others. Really, those kids nail it in every way. I will not be surprised to see them very high placed tonight.
  18. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from TrebleMaker2 in Grand Nationals 2018???   
    Blue Springs is even better in person. Peels your face off in the right places and makes you swoon in the others. Really, those kids nail it in every way. I will not be surprised to see them very high placed tonight.
  19. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from LKendrick in Grand Nationals 2018???   
    I don’t mean this badly because there have been some very good bands on, but there is a distinct lack of depth overshadowed by a couple of dominating bands and I’m certain quite a few Texas programs would be very successful here, not only the larger 6A but some 5A come to mind. This takes nothing away from the kids who perform. But SA and State were so absolutely spectacular I admit to being underwhelmed.
  20. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from LeanderMomma in The Danpodcast - 2018 Cherry On UIL 6A State   
    This is absolutely lovely- raw and full of emotion just like Vista’s show. I don’t even have a kid at state this year and I’m totally overwhelmed! What a great year of band. Period.
  21. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from Tgrey100 in 2018 6A State   
    Vista Ridge sells this show like nothing else, you can see they love it beginning to end. Holy smokes, just beautiful!!!
  22. Like
    GeekyBandMom reacted to principalagent in Area I 2018   
    Speaking of the middle school element, all of the high school directors in Leander ISD spend significant - I mean *significant* - time at the middle schools. To the point of teaching regularly scheduled beginner classes. It’s my understanding that the same goes for the big two NEISD schools and in Lewisville ISD.
     
    There’s another reason why those districts locked up the top half of both of the past week’s contests. Everything is in place and aligned from the first day of 6th grade.
  23. Like
    GeekyBandMom reacted to TWHSParent in Area I 2018   
    And of course if you are the football team, most of those go away or are relaxed, and you can even get truly serious corporate sponsors too! If districts are unable or unwilling to fund the music programs appropriately, then these restrictions on fundraising make no sense - let the programs fundraise (within whatever the law allows for non-profits) to support their needs.
     
    I'm curious about any rules against donations to a particular program. If a group of parents created an unofficial band booster group (call it something like "<community X> music appreciation organization" and register as a non-profit) and could specifically donate to the needs of the music program would this be a way to move forward (via anonymous donations)? Without reading the rules that are in place I have no idea, but an official band booster group would be hamstrung by the rules of the district.
     
    I dunno what the answer is, but I do know that the marching band community is growing, and wielding more influence year by year. Sometimes we have to let the administrators know this.
  24. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from whitewing09 in 2018 6A State   
    This is absolutely beautiful. That show was special from the beginning. Literally no hype and just raw and real. Dang proud moment.
  25. Like
    GeekyBandMom got a reaction from Ginger1229 in 2018 6A State   
    You know when live blog is even more super cool and greatly appreciated? When I'm on pit crew or props and can't see any other bands, which is basically most of the time. I pull up the blog so I can follow along while I'm doing the "hurry up and wait" thing. It's awesome!
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