Band Parent Alumni?

[anotherbandmom]

How often do band parents hang around the high school marching scene once their kiddo graduates? Mine is a senior and won't pursue marching band in college or DCI. I am of course fine with his decision, but we are both lifelong fans now of both high school and DCI marching. I'd like to continue volunteering and supporting bands, especially ours, after he graduates. Is this pretty common or do most generally move on? Marching had a huge positive impact on our lives and I adore the culture. Maybe I am just in my feelings because this is all coming to an end for him, but I can't imagine not being a part of it in some capacity and don't want the directors looking at me crazy when I show up to volunteer next year. 😂 Can any band parents who hung around after their kid graduated chime in?

[bassboneman]

1 hour ago, rousemom52 said:

How often do band parents hang around the high school marching scene once their kiddo graduates? Mine is a senior and won't pursue marching band in college or DCI. I am of course fine with his decision, but we are both lifelong fans now of both high school and DCI marching. I'd like to continue volunteering and supporting bands, especially ours, after he graduates. Is this pretty common or do most generally move on? Marching had a huge positive impact on our lives and I adore the culture. Maybe I am just in my feelings because this is all coming to an end for him, but I can't imagine not being a part of it in some capacity and don't want the directors looking at me crazy when I show up to volunteer next year. 😂 Can any band parents who hung around after their kid graduated chime in?

I know some parents hang around for a long time. For example: Katy HS has a volunteer who has been doing it for like 30 some years. Cy Fair has a dad who builds all there props for like the last 10ish years (I think). Some parents stay most move on. If you want to stay involved you can always show up to cheer the bands on or just stay active in the band world and keep up with new. You can keep volunteering I am sure no one will complain.

I am a senior who really loves my band program and will keep supporting it likely till the end of time. There are some parents on here like @LeanderMomma who would be better to provide insight. 

[WoodlandsMom4ever]

My youngest graduated in 2023, and hasn’t done anything since then. After 10 years of marching band with 4 kids it’s hard to give it up! I’ve hopped on the busses and chaperoned a few times since then and I still hang around these message boards and try and get to a few football games each year- and I’ve gone to BOA San Antonio each year as well as gone to WGI worlds twice just to watch.   I know some former parents in our bad that still go and show up as part of the pit crew and are still involved a lot.  If it is something you enjoy volunteering and helping with- most booster groups are fine with extra helpers! 

[TWHSParent]

Our youngest graduated in 2019 and I'm still around. I have started volunteering at Grand Nationals as of last year and plan to continue doing so (and have 2 shifts coming up this year). I don't live in Texas anymore so I don't have direct contact with the program hence I volunteer for BOA.