On the Marching Roundtable Podcast, we have been talking a lot about competition–both the good and the bad.  Recently George Hopkins talked about his philosophy of competition, which was indeed very interesting and thought-provoking.  We also have a new podcast with Dave Webber, a director who changed his program from competitive to non-competitive (for some VERY valid and important reasons.)

One of the things that MANY of our podcast guests have mentioned is that it’s important to talk to your band family about competition, your philosophy, and how you feel they should think about it.   It is really the band director’s job to educate the band about this and prepare them adequately for the ups and downs of the competitive environment.

But don’t forget that you must talk to the ENTIRE band family, not just the students.  David Starnes pointed out that it’s easy to talk to the students and make sure they understand all of this.  We see them all the time, talk to them in class and rehearsal every day.  But it’s often the PARENTS in the band family that need educating and talking to also.  We can’t forget them. 

David mentioned in his podcast that he always invites the parents to be a part of the “huddle up” conversations that happen after rehearsals or performances.  But I also suggest that you plan time to talk to band parents at booster meetings or gatherings of any kind.  And if it’s hard to get them all together, make sure and take a few minutes to share this information with your KEY band parents…the leaders and hard workers who are around a lot.  They will share this with the others, and can start a chain of conversations that will surely benefit you and your program in huge ways.

The last thing any of us want is to be a part of one of those band programs where the parents refuse to clap for another band, or worse yet act negatively toward other programs!

So don’t forget to include band parents in your conversations, and take a few minutes to share your thoughts so that every part of your band family demonstrates the attitude and philosophy that you want to represent you and your school.