Band directors sometimes seem superhuman with all the hats they wear, from music teacher to tour director, counselor, promoter, logistical specialist, and more. Managing all these tasks can be quite overwhelming and lead to inefficiency or even burnout. It is essential to ease the burden on directors by asking parents to help take on some of the tasks associated with performing at football games. When asking for help from others, it is crucial to provide volunteers with clear directions for their service and how it fits into the routine of a football game performance.
Directors have many procedures and standards of operation that we teach students daily. That is true for football games as well. By sharing these procedures with parents in leadership, they develop a greater understanding of what we teach and a stronger respect for us and the content we impart beyond music. One of my mentors used to say, we “teach about life through music.”
I created a document for game day procedures to help me remember all of the things I need to do as a director, but also to give parents a cheat sheet each year. This document grows in importance as students and parents graduate from the program, and new families join each year. While many veterans share their wisdom with rookie students and parents, it is helpful to have a written guide. Over the years, I have found students and parents respond well to procedures – “This is how we do XYZ in our band.” Written procedures lower stress for students, directors, and parents when everyone understands a complex event’s expectations and needs.
PDF of chart for download
Photos by Will England
