Welcome Freshman Parents!

Welcome to the band. If you haven't already done so, please visit the calendar page to see what you are in for! Relax, it really does go by fast.

As a freshman parent, you will often find yourself grilling a young teen for the 'who, what, where, why' of band activities. We've been there and understand. So....

Below you will find several names with musicians in different sections of the band that have agreed to be there 'just for you'. Your own "Band Buddy" if you will. If you find yourself scratching your head about uniforms, what to wear, what to bring, where am I, where was I going.... just give them an email and they'll be happy to help. They've already been there and done that!

And, welcome to the BAND! It really is fun!

FRESHMAN FAQ'S

Welcome freshman band parents! Your child has finally made it to high school and YOU have now become a member of the Naaman Forest Ranger Band Boosters. For those of us who were in your shoes last year, we tried to put together a few “things you should know” tips to prevent you from feeling as lost as we did. :)

1. Band Camp - Make sure your child brings water to EVERY band practice that is outside. A large, insulated container works best as they can refill it over the course of the day. For the first two weeks of practice, it’s better if your child takes an actual lunch and not just money to buy lunch. There won’t be a whole lot of time for running up to Sonic or Wendy’s.
2. Schedules - It is VERY important to have your child at the school at least 15 minutes before every practice or performance (unless the directors give a specific arrival time). The band runs on a tight schedule, so please be considerate and give your child enough time to get in the band hall, get his/her instrument and music and get seated where he/she needs to be. Remember: “If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re early, you’re on time.”
3. After School Practices - After School practices are on Tuesday and Wednesday every week. On Thursdays there will be a practice or a football game. In the event of Thursday football games, there will be a Friday after school practice. Practices will mostly cease after the UIL Marching contest usually in late October. Check the calendar!  You will not need to supply water for the after school practices, as it will be provided for students.
4. Labor Day Parade - Your child will be issued a band shirt which will be worn for the first few performances and games. Make sure your child has khaki shorts (NOT cargos) or capris and sneakers. Flip flops are not allowed.
5. Uniform Fitting - Will be scheduled in August before school starts - your child may want to wear comfortable (thin) shorts and a t-shirt to try on underneath the band uniform. Some of the kids like to wear the extra clothes under the uniform so we’d need to fit accordingly. Any alterations needed will be taken care of by one of our band parents, but you will pay for those when you pay for your band fees on that day.
6. Uniform Care - The band uniforms have white collars. We’ve found that carrying a Tide-To-Go pen is handy when you need to get make-up, dirt or lipstick off the collars.
7. Uniform Care, The Sequel - The band uniforms will be dry-cleaned at the end of the marching season. This fee is included in your uniform charges at the beginning of the year; however, it’s a good idea to get them cleaned a few times during the season as well. We recommend Perry’s Cleaners on Shiloh Road @ Arapaho. They give the NFHS band members a discounted rate.
8. Concert Dress - The gentleman will be issued tuxedos at the beginning of the year. This includes jacket, pants, shoes, cumberbund and tie. You will supply the standard white tuxedo shirt and black dress socks. The ladies wear the black concert dress that they purchased for middle school band concerts. If a new dress is needed, orders will be placed later during the first semester. Cost is around $55. They are long dresses and should be hemmed from ankle to floor length. They are worn with black dress shoes of your choice.
9. Percussion Dress - For percussion only concerts or ensemble performances, the dress will be a long sleeve black shirt with long black pants.
10. Transportation - During football season, EVERY band member will ride on the bus to the games. If you would like to take your child home with you after the games, the bus chaperones must be given written notice that is signed by you. The chaperones have specific instructions not to release anyone without written notice from a parent. This is to make sure no one gets left behind at the stadium.
11. Football Game Beverages - While in the stands at the football games, the band will be provided water. If your child would like to take additional water, that is fine. Please DO NOT send sugary drinks or snacks. The sugar and food particles end up in the horns and in some cases on the uniforms!
12. Halloween - NFHS band dresses in costume every year for the Halloween Home Game. It’s quite the tradition and a sight to see on the field. Start planning costumes now. :)
13. Monday Night Stadium Practices - These practices are held at Williams Stadium. You are responsible for getting your child there and back. Make sure he/she takes water. Percussion will meet early at the school to load the ensemble equipment, and will need return transportation to the school to unload the equipment.
14. Football Game Tickets - You will have an opportunity to purchase tickets for the football home games through the band boosters. More information to follow.
    

We hope this helps answer some of your questions. If you have more, don’t hesitate to find another band parent and ask. We’re here to help! GO RANGER BAND!

If you have other faq's we've missed, please email the webmaster.