New Marching Band Parent’s Handbook

What’s so great about Marching Band?

Ask 100 parents this question, and you’ll get 100 different answers. For some, the benefits are seeing their child’s self-confidence explode; others enjoy the friendship network. Another benefit is giving their child a sense of pride and accomplishment after working hard and giving a great performance in front of an excited crowd.

Being a member of the Allatoona High School Marching Bucs will give your child a valuable educational and social experience. They will work hard and experience many triumphs, as well as some hardships and disappointments – things that will prepare them for the “real world” and life after high school.

The transition from middle school band programs to high school band programs is huge. The increased expectations come with greater rewards in terms of your student’s accomplishments and in the pride you will have in watching their accomplishments. But, walking into Allatoona on the first day of school knowing 100 people across all grades will help the transition much easier.

You will have many questions about the marching band program at Allatoona  High School. This guide will show some of the finer points of making the most of your years as a band parent and hopefully answer many of the questions you have. If you have questions that are not answered in this guide, please contact your band director or any member of the Allatoona Band Boosters Association (ABBA).

When should I sign my child up for Marching Band?

The simplest answer is ,of course, as soon as you can.   The music and drill is written specifically for the students who have already signed and returned commitment forms.   While your child may join Marching Band at any time, there will be no guarantees of a spot in the drill.

What is the Allatoona Band Booster Association (ABBA)?

ABBA is the parent arm of the Allatoona Band Program, and is composed of band parents that work to support the band program at Allatoona High School; supporting the entire band program, not just the marching band. Besides providing volunteer assistance, the band boosters raise money to offset band program costs.   We welcome you into the Allatoona Band Booster Association and look forward to your contributions to the band’s success!

What can I do to contribute to ABBA?

ABBA is integral to the success of the band and there are many roles to fill each and every week.   You can help in many ways, including (but not limited to) the following:

  1. Most importantly, give your child support & encouragement for being in band! Tell him/her how proud you are of what they are learning and how they are growing from being part of the band!
  2. Attend the ABBA meetings to get information about the band and upcoming events.
  3. Ensure that your ABBA dues are current.  If there are any issues, feel free to contact one of the ABBA Treasurers.
  4. Serve as a Chaperone during regular rehearsals, games, or other performances and events.
  5. Join the Hospitality Committee to provide meals for the students during band camp, on Friday nights, and for special events.
  6. Volunteer for the Equipment Crew, where you will help set the stage for the band’s performance and ensure that everything runs smoothly during games.
  7. Help with fundraisers.   This is a great way to add funds to your child’s account with minimal effort.

Please engage one of the committee chairs to contribute today! 

What are the band dues, and what are they for?

The Marching Band dues are specified in the Commitment Packet and are based on the estimated need for the current year.   This may be paid in one lump sum, or in installments.   Payments can be made by check (via mail to the below PO box, or dropped in the band room safe) or by PayPal via the Payment Center.   

ABBA
P.O. Box 801361
Acworth, GA 30101

Your dues for the year will be used to create and deliver the best performance possible as well as enhance your child’s overall band experience.   Among other things, the funds will be used for the following:

  1. Music Licensing for show music
  2. Music Arrangement
  3. Drill Design
  4. Set design, construction, and maintenance
  5. Uniform purchase, maintenance and care
  6. Marching band staff
  7. Chaperone supplies
  8. Transportation of equipment to away games, competitions, and other remote performances
  9. Competition/performance fees and travel costs

Please note that your dues may be offset with the many fundraising opportunities through the band.   Please sign up for email alerts, check the Fundraising page on the website, or login to the ABBA Facebook page. 

What is the time commitment for Marching Band?

Without a doubt, marching band is a huge time commitment. Marching band requires 100% participation during band camp, rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday every week beginning the first Tuesday after band camp, plus Friday night home football games, Saturday competitions, and other events in which the marching band participates.  Please check the calendar for specific rehearsal and performance dates/times.

IMPORTANT: All camps, rehearsals, and performances are mandatory! If your child is absent or unable to play/march/perform their part, it will have a negative impact on the efforts of ALL the other students. To put the best musical product on the field, the director and staff need all members present and prepared each and every time.

If there are conflicts, please discuss with the directors in advance.

What should I expect at Band Camp?

There is no question, Band camp is intense; Band camp is grueling; and also, Band camp is one of the best experiences your child will have during high school! While camp is in session, everyone complains about it. When camp is over, everyone brags about having been there. Everyone swears that they’ll never do it again… until the next year when they all come back.

Band camp sets them apart from the rest of the school community – it bonds them together like no other group within the school. Being part of the Marching Band and attending band camp is a MAJOR accomplishment. It makes them part of a team where each and every member is equally important and equally necessary. Each student possesses a unique talent that makes them special. The band faculty and staff respect them for their talent and for their commitment. We are all here to make sure that this year’s band is a success.

What should my child bring to Band Camp?

IMPORTANT:  Participation in camp is mandatory and essential for all members. Please do not schedule appointments or other events that will require missing any band camp time. We don’t want you to miss out! 

The following will need to be purchased or completed prior to Band Camp:

  • Commitment Form, completed and returned prior to camp
  • Student Medication Form, completed and returned prior to camp
  • Their instrument (woodwinds, brass) in good working order
  • Sufficient supplies for their instrument (extra reeds, slide/valve oil, cork grease, etc)
  • Large, insulated water bottle – ONE GALLON MINIMUM
  • 8.5″ x 11″ binder with clear plastic sheets for music
  • 3″x5″ spiral bound index cards or memo pad for field position recording
  • Several pieces of sidewalk chalk to mark field spots
  • Food for Lunches.   Dinner will be provided for any 9a-9p Band Camp rehearsals
  • Cooler and ice packs for lunch.
  • Yoga Mat or Beach Towel for pre-rehearsal warm-ups


The following will need to be brought every day to Band Camp:

  • Enthusiasm and a great attitude!
  • Refillable water bottle, filled with water – ONE GALLON MINIMUM.
  • Lunch
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Instrument/equipment and music
  • Dot Book (spiral bound index cards or memo pad), several pencils and an eraser
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • Yoga mat or Beach Towel for pre-rehearsal warm-ups


The following clothing is recommended for Band Camp:

  • Cool, comfortable clothes that meets the school dress code.
  • Light colored T-shirt.
  • Athletic shorts
  • Socks and tennis shoes.  No sandals, Flip-Flops, or Crocs.
  • Hat (Baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat is acceptable)
  • Those with long hair should consider tying it up to stay cooler.

What should my child expect during after-school rehearsals?

Rehearsals are not very different from band camp, but they are shorter. Weekly rehearsals are listed on the band calendar. Your child will not have time to go home before practice, and they should bring rehearsal clothes and supplies to school (don’t forget the tennis shoes and filled water bottle!).   They should be 100% prepared and in their spot before 4:00pm.

What should my child expect at home football games?

The Allatoona Marching Band marches at all varsity home football games.   If pre-purchased by the student, a pre-game meal will be available around 4:30pm.   Students will then report to the band room @ 5:00 (unless otherwise notified) prior to the start of the game. During this time, students will change into their uniform and warm-up with their section. There will also be a uniform inspection. 

The band will march into the stadium before the game to a Drum line cadence. They perform on the field during pre-game activities and play the fight song. During the game, they sit in a designated section of the home stands. Parents and friends may NOT sit within the band, but are welcome in the adjacent section or above the band.

The band plays their field show as halftime entertainment. After half-time, the students will return to the stands to continue supporting the football team. After the game, the band will march back to the band room, dress down, get final announcements, and be dismissed AS A GROUP.

Students are not allowed to leave from the band room until formal dismissal, unless other arrangements have been approved in writing by the director PRIOR to the game. 

What should my child expect at away football games?

The Allatoona Marching Band may march at several away football games.   The details of the gameday activities may vary greatly from game to game, so please check the calendar for confirmation and updated schedule information.   Typically, there is not time to go home prior to call time, so the student will need to bring all required items (uniform, instrument, etc) to school.

Students are not allowed to leave from away football games separately from the band unless prior, written approval is received from the directors.

After returning from away games, students will remain in the band room until formal dismissal, unless other arrangements have been approved in writing by the director PRIOR to the game.