First Time Parents

New to Band? We’ve Got You Covered!  We know it can feel like a lot at first, so we’ve created this page to give you quick answers and helpful information all in one place. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please reach out—we’re always happy to help! 

What’s the Commitment for Marching Band?

Being part of the Eastside Eagle Regiment Marching Band is an exciting experience, but it also comes with important commitments for both students and parents. Here’s what you can expect:

Student Commitments

✅Spring Camp
Before the band season kicks off, new students attend Spring Camp (in late May). This smaller camp focuses on learning the fundamentals of marching, with help from the Leadership Team and staff. It gives first-time members a feel for marching band before it starts.

✅Commitment Form – Sent out during Spring Camp confirms your student’s participation. If a student doesn’t submit the form, they won’t be written into the drill formations. If they commit but don’t attend, it leaves an empty spot in the show. Requires a $100 payment to confirm your spot.

✅Band Camp
Band Camp is mandatory for all members and runs 2 weeks near the end of July beginning of Aug. Students should be prepared for full days of rehearsal, with lunch brought from home or provided by the school (except on Fridays). Recommended items include hats, sunscreen, chap stick, refillable water jugs, lightweight clothing, good walking shoes.

✅Weekly Rehearsals
Practices take place three times per week:

• Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:15-7:00

• Please note that once our marching season begins student practice ends at 7:00 but does not mean they will be ready to go this early.   They still  have to get all instruments back into the school and clean up 

• Practice throughout the week ends after our State competition. 

• We will have practices before Christmas parades which will be announced closer to time. 
  
  

Performances 

• 🏈 Football Games: The band performs at every home football game, with warm-up times shared by Ms. Smith each week. In addition to playing in the stands, the band presents 1–3 full show performances during the season—those performance dates will also be announced by Ms. Smith.
  
  

• 🎶 Competitions: Students perform in several weekend competitions throughout the fall.  These are all day events. Itineraries are announced 1-2 weeks in advance for each competition.  Complete competition schedules are handed out at the end of Spring Camp. (Schedules may change once our season starts due to shows being cancelled or inclement weather)
  
  

• 📢 Call Times: Event start times vary and will be shared the week of the event through our communication channels.
  
  

Transportation
Families should plan ahead for student pick-up after rehearsals, games, and competitions. Communication is sent out prior to arriving back to the school from competitions so parents can be waiting upon our arrival.  It is imperative that students are picked up in a timely manner.

Band Fees & Fundraising

Each year, the boosters and director prepare a budget that sets participation fees to help cover band expenses. Payments may be made by cash, check, debit card (Square), or PayPal. Details about fee amounts and schedules will be shared in May at the parent meeting after Spring Camp.  We try to keep band fees at a minimum so they do not cover all the cost of students for the entire season.  Parents are asked throughout the season to volunteer for snacks and meals for competitions and events.  Monthly statements are handed out about band fees.  

Fundraising Opportunities
We host 3–4 exciting fundraisers each year to support our band! Every event is a chance to have fun, get involved, and help fund uniforms, instruments, trips, and more! 

Sponsorships

At the end of Spring Camp, every family receives Sponsorship Forms to launch our marching season. Sponsorships are a powerful way for family, friends, and local businesses to support the Eastside Eagle Regiment! A sponsorship can fully cover a student’s band fees—or reach higher levels that help pay for additional expenses such as travel, uniforms, and equipment.

We also welcome in-kind donations of snacks and water during pre-season to keep our students fueled. And starting this year, we’re excited to introduce meal sponsorships, where an individual, family, or business can provide a full meal for the band during marching season.

Every contribution directly impacts our students’ experience and helps keep the Eagle Regiment soaring high!

Parent Commitments

When your student joins the band, your family becomes part of the team too. The boosters can’t do it alone—we rely on parent involvement to keep things running and make every event a success. Here’s how you can jump in:

✅ Sign up for a volunteer role (see our Volunteer page for details)
✅ Provide food, drinks, or supplies for events
✅ Support at games and competitions (Your cheers and encouragement make a big difference for our students!)

Your commitment doesn’t just make things easier—it gives our students the BEST possible experience and strengthens our band family. Step in, get involved, and help us shine!