Parents | WHS Marching Band 2026

BAND PARENTS GUIDE

Your one-stop resource for fees, schedules, expectations, and everything else you need as a Wakefield band family.

WELCOME, BAND PARENTS

Congratulations — your student is part of one of the best experiences high school has to offer. The Wakefield band program builds confidence, discipline, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.

This guide is designed to answer every question you might have, especially in your first year. Bookmark this page and refer back to it throughout the season. And remember: the band parent community is here to help. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

1. Sign up for the parent Band app for communications.

2. Mark summer band camp dates on your family calendar.

3. Subscribe to the Band Calendar.

4. Review the fee schedule and set up your payment plan.

First Year? Three Things to Do Right Now

FEES & PAYMENTS

Band fees cover uniforms, equipment, music, competition entry fees, transportation, and other operational costs. The Booster Club works hard to keep costs as low as possible while maintaining a competitive program.

Uniform cleaning, maintenance, and replacement
Sheet music and drill charts
Competition entry fees and travel
Equipment maintenance (instruments, props, sound equipment)
Bus transportation to away games and competitions

Fees are broken into installments to make them manageable. The typical schedule is:

WHAT DO FEES COVER?

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

June

July

August

September

October

Initial deposit

Payment #2

Payment #3

Payment #4

Payment #5

REHEARSAL SCHEDULES

SUMMER BAND CAMP

Band camp is mandatory for all marching band members. Camp typically runs for 1–2 weeks in July. Students should bring water, sunscreen, athletic shoes, and their instrument. Camp hours are approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an evening session some days.

FALL REHEARSALS (AUGUST - NOVEMBER)

After-school rehearsals run Monday/Tuesday/Thursday from approximately 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Students should plan for a snack before rehearsal. The schedule lightens as competition season winds down in November.

Their instrument in good working order
Comfortable athletic shoes for marching rehearsals
Water bottle (hydration is critical!)
Black marching shoes (provided information on ordering)
Music binder or lyre for on-field music

WHAT YOUR STUDENT NEEDS:

FOOTBALL GAME DAY

Friday night football games are a highlight of the marching band experience. Here's what to expect:

TYPICAL GAME DAY TIMELINE

5:00 PM

6:30 PM

7:00 PM

HALFTIME

~10:00 PM

Students report to the band room in full uniform; Warm-up rehearsal

March to stadium, warm-up in the lot

Kickoff! Band performs in the stands throughout the game

Band takes the field for the full show performance

Students dismissed from the band room after equipment is stored

For Parents at the Game

Sit near the band section to enjoy the show! The band sits together in a designated area of the home stands. Parents are welcome to take photos and videos. After the game, pick up your student at the band room, not the stadium exit.