Loveland High School Bands

A Band Parent’s Observation

Cost Analysis vs Priceless Experience

It is towards the end of marching season, and I’ve heard some parents wondering if marching band is “worth it.” As the parent of one senior who has been involved with the program each semester during high school, I am not an expert compared to parents who have had several children in band, but I do have some insights to share. Nothing in life is without costs and benefits. It is up to each family to weigh the costs and benefits of each activity in which family members can participate. The band program is no exception, and is not for everyone. In my opinion, however, the experience has been well worth the cost.

Since our family is not described as having the following qualities, I can sincerely attest to the fact that the Loveland Band Program is not just for families with only children, with lucrative careers, with at least one stay-at-home parent, or with both parents highly involved in the program.

The financial costs vary each year, largely with the number of competitions and with the expenses associated with a trip. Gloves, marching shoes, marching band camp, symphonic band camp, private lessons they are all costs each family must face.

Benefits have been summarized as lifelong friendships, excellent musical training and character development. I agree with this synopsis and live to refer to band as an AP course in life. What other activity can your student participate in which will offer the following?

1. A positive peer group with which t identify from BEFORE the first day of school.
2. A teamwork experience at a variety of levels: on a grand scale with the band as a whole and on a smaller scale with sectionals and small ensembles.
3. Opportunities to interact uniquely with a variety of professional (directors and staff) and volunteer (student and parents) leaders.
4. The chance to be part of an organization with a reputation for excellence.
5. Setting ambitious goals with the support to reach them.
6. Opportunities for success as well as disappointment.
7. Opportunities to make (potentially) difficult choices
a. Limiting which activities in which to participate.
b. Controlled freedom at rehearsals, at competitions, and on trips.
c. Leadership opportunities.
8. Intellectual stimulation and sense of accomplishment from mastering challenging goals.
9. Knowledge to enhance enjoyment of a subject, which can be enjoyed throughout lief.
10. Interacting with leaders and peers for an entire high school career, facilitating intensity in those relationships.
11. Potentially lifelong connections (for example my student contacted alumni she didn’t know who attend her first choice college. They respond helpfully.)

If you knew your student would have these benefits even before beginning an activity, wouldn’t you place a high value on this opportunity? Wouldn’t it be worth the time, effort and dollars? There are other activities at Loveland High School that may offer opportunities. Life is full of demanding choices. Many of us highly recommend Band.

-Anonymous Band Parent