The Allatoona Band Booster Association (ABBA) is the support structure for the Allatoona Band Program. The ABBA is made up of parents of current students in the Allatoona Band program, potential alumni students and parents, and community supporters. There are NO dues or annual fees required to be a member. Everyone who has a student in the program is automatically a member. Through the ABBA you can support your student throughout his or her time in high school. Parents’ working with the ABBA is an “acceptable” way to be involved with your student’s high school career.
The ABBA performs many of the administrative and logistical roles of the band program leaving the Directors free to do what they do best – TEACH. When the Directors are not distracted by worries about uniforms or how to facilitate the movement of students to a myriad of locations, they are better able to focus on the tasks at hand. To assist the Directors and students, the ABBA must rely on the boosters to help raise funds, move equipment, coordinate meals, and a whole host of other tasks. A band program must have support from its boosters.
As your student begins his or her high school participation in the Allatoona Band, you will find you will interact on a frequent basis with the ABBA. Each interaction is an opportunity for you to become involved.
If you are unsure what you would like to do, just try something. Because you helped in one area doesn’t mean you can’t help elsewhere next time. With all that the ABBA will do, a place can be found that fits you. As an ABBA volunteer, you will enjoy a unique opportunity to share in your student’s pride and accomplishments not found in many other school activities. The personal rewards are MANY!!!!
There are so many ways for YOU to make a difference with the Allatoona Band program. Some parents are fortunate to be able to give many hours to the organization; others are limited to assisting only occasionally. Regardless of the time you are able or willing to give, your involvement promises to be positive, productive, fun, and will be of benefit to an outstanding group of young adults. Be part of it, and share this extraordinary experience with your student.
ABBA Executive Board
President: Sarah Baumhoff
Co-Vice President: Shenae Franklin
Co-Vice President: Kimberly Austin
Co-Treasurer: Brad Wild
Co-Treasurer: Rebecca HwangBo
Secretary: Nina Stewart
ABBA Committees
To keep the Allatoona Band running smoothly, many people are needed to work behind the scenes. To enable this, several committees have been established. The following is an overview of each committee and how they “fit” into the scheme of things.
Alumni
The Alumni Committee works as a liaison between present band activities and past students and boosters. They coordinate and maintain communication with alumni and organize alumni support when necessary.
Chaperones
The Chaperones are responsible for the safety of the band students. Several committee chairpersons coordinate the many individuals who volunteer to chaperone for numerous events. Any time the band is together outside of school hours, the Chaperone Committee is active. This includes practices and performances. Chaperones ensure that every student is accounted for when traveling, that water is available when needed, that first-aid is administered, if necessary, and to help band members with a variety of needs should they be required to do so.
Equipment
The Equipment Crew ensures that all band equipment is at the right place at the right time for all band activities.
Props
The Props committee builds and repairs much of the props and equipment used by the band. This industrious group always has a project going that can use an extra hand.
Friday Night Meals
The FNM Crew coordinates between staff, students, volunteers, and food vendors to ensure that the Friday night pregame meals are provided, funded, and served in an efficient and safe manner.
Guard Activities/Sewing
Serves as liaison between the Guard Director and Band Booster Association. The liaison assists directors in seeing that the activities needs of the Guard are met. This includes helping with costumes, flags, and prop development.
Hospitality
The Hospitality Committee makes sure that refreshments are provided for the many activities in which the band is involved throughout the year. This might be as simple as cookies and punch for a reception or planning the year-end Awards Banquet. The Hospitality Committee also makes arrangements for meals during band camps and special events.
Jazz Dinner and Auction
The Jazz Dinner and Auction Committee coordinates all activities for the yearly Jazz Dinner conducted in the spring.
Parking
This committee is charged with staffing and operating Friday night parking activities, which helps to fund the Booster Association.
Photography/Audio-Visual
This committee is charged with creating and maintaining a visual history of the band. This includes still photography, video recording, and audio recording.
Publicity & Public Relations
The Publicity and Public Relations Committee maintains and controls contact with various mass media professionals to keep the Allatoona community informed of the band’s activities and accomplishments. The Allatoona Band will quite often ask the community for support through fund-raisers and other means. As a member of a community, the band would like to return to the surrounding community part of what has been so generously given. The Public Relations Committee helps to find and coordinate public service activities for the band.
Spirit Wear
The Spirit Wear Committee creates the Allatoona band spirit wear line and sells items at any/all band events.
“The Conquest” Marching Band Competition
Uniform
The Uniform Committee has the responsibility of ensuring that each band member has the correct uniform and for the general maintenance of the uniforms throughout the seasons. This committee facilitates the cleaning of the uniforms and the ordering of uniform parts and accessories. During the marching season, the Uniform Committee is on hand for last-minute emergencies. This group ensures that, when in uniform, the Allatoona Band mirrors the excellence that the band displays as they play and march.
Ways & Means
The Ways & Means Committee plays a critical role in the financial well-being of the ABBA. They are responsible for coordinating the fund-raising activities required to meet the annual budget. As part of the Ways & Means Committee, subcommittees may chair specific fundraising activities. Even if you are not a member of this committee, your assistance is crucial for the various activities throughout the year.
Recruitment & Retention
The Recruitment & Retention Committee is responsible for engaging prospective band members via the middle school directors and programs. In addition, this committee strives to ensure that existing members are enjoying the band program.
Webmaster/Communications
The Webmaster designs, monitors, and maintains all aspects of the ABBA internet site. They are also responsible for any mass communications that need to be distributed to the band program such as announcements, newsletters, etc.