Why We got Involved with the Band Boosters

I went to the first football game alone, as it was on a Thursday night and my wife needed to stay home with our young boys.  This was the first year of marching band for our older daughter, a junior.  The following week, my wife and I sat in the stands during the first home game.  I posed the question to our younger daughter, a freshman, who was sitting with us in the stands - "Where would you rather be... sitting here with us, or out there on the field marching?"  She chose to march.

First 2012 Game at Lake Forest Game

A call came for a band parent meeting and we showed up with a handful of others.  One of the parents, sitting beside another parent, says "We are the Band Boosters (meaning her and the other parent)... we could use some help."

My wife and I immediately knew it was an easy decision for us.  It wasn't just that there was an obvious need.  It wasn't just that we had two girls in the band, with twice the incentive to be part of the boosters.  The fact is, we both knew this was something we would enjoy.  We were going to be attending all the games anyway to watch our girls perform.

So we showed up at the next home game toting 21 pizzas and helped feed the hungry hoard which is our band.  We gradually got to know the other Boosters (my wife already knew one of the parents who is a teacher),  and followed their lead as to what Boosters actually do at games.  We came with zero knowledge.

The whole Booster thing was a perfect fit.  We get to spend game nights with our girls and march in parades.  My wife loves to help organize meals, a real asset since the students stay after school on game nights to practice and need a simple meal before the game.  The kids are polite, appreciative, and a pleasure to serve. Our two young boys both found things they enjoy doing as well. 

On top of all that,  we got to meet a group of people we never would have met apart from the band.  Turns out, we actually like these people, which is a nice perk since we see them regularly.  They have enriched our lives.

Perhaps what really hooked me was the first time we followed the band as they marched from the band room all the way out to the football field.  We act as road guards, fending of anyone who would dare get close to our kids with an automobile.  The drum line led with a cadence.  The kids were small in number, but marched orderly and with pride.  "This is so cool" I thought to myself.  "This is where we belong."