My Kid Is a Marching Spartan… Now What?

Marching Band can be a lot for first time families but this is your quick start guide!

New Family Checklist (Do These First)

Get connected:

  • Get the band app (iOS or Android). This is how all time sensitive information is sent out. It is for:

    • Schedule changes

    • Call times

    • Weather adjustments

    • Urgent need volunteer requests

  • Get on our eBlast. This is the weekly email that is sent out. Make sure we have your email so that you can get this and reference it for:

    • Upcoming important dates

    • Deadlines and forms

    • Fundraising updates

    • Reminders and program-wide updates

Update your calendar:

  • Put these dates on your calendar now so you don’t miss them.

    • May 20th, 7pm. This is the New Parent Orientation during our May Booster meeting. We will share with you what you need to be part of the band immediately and throughout band camp including fundraising opportunities.

    • July 24th. This is the mandatory Parent Meeting / Season Brief where we provide details of the season (Band Camp, Football, and Competitions)

  • Add our calendar to your calendar!

Prepare for Band Camp

  • Band starts in July (!!) so make sure you have adjusted your summer plans to accommodate it. IT IS REQUIRED! Some other items to keep in mind:

    • Band Camp is a big lift the first year—plan ahead. The best Band Camp is the one where nothing is a surprise. Students will be tired (in a good way) so routines matter: sleep, hydration, nutrition.

    • Begin adjusting bedtime earlier 1–2 weeks ahead.

    • Practice “packed and ready” habits (water, snacks, rehearsal items)

    • Plan transportation early if your family has conflicts.

    • If you’re unsure of anything, ask early—we’d rather help in May than see you scramble in July.

  • If you are craving more info, visit our Band Camp Page!

Think About Fundraising

  • Every student has a fundraising obligation to the band that’s called “Fair Share”. We all raise our fair share!

    • You don’t have to do any fundraising activity if you want to just pay the Fair Share directly.

    • If you want to fundraise it can begin as soon as you’re ready—no need to wait for Band Camp to start.

  • Why early fundraising matters.

    • Some programs take time to ramp up

    • Checks and processing can move slowly

    • Starting early can reduce what you pay out of pocket your first year

  • If you want to get started now, just visit our Walnut Creek page for our earliest fundraiser!

Find How You Want to Volunteer

  • The fastest way to learn about the Band is jump right in and work side-by-side with our amazing parents!

    • Helping out with even small things helps you learn who’s who.

    • Questions are easily answered while we chaperone or paint props.

    • We get to see our kids making friends with the best students in the school!

  • This is an incredible program but it cannot function without parent volunteers. Here are some of the ways you can contribute.

    • Uniform support (sorting, fittings, organization)

    • Band Camp Chaperone (water/snacks, extra adult hands for instructors)

    • Hospitality (water/snacks, volunteer check-ins)

    • Logistics (moving props/pit help on key days)

    • Communications (web updates, helping new families get connected)

  • Questions about pitching in? Shoot an email to our new parent ambassador (ambassador@sandersonband.com)