Hear from Freshman & New Member Rep

Welcome Freshman & New Members!

Dear Fellow Band Families,

From one Wando Band Family to another, we would like to welcome the incoming class of students and their parents. Trust me; you are at the beginning of a very special four-year journey. Actually, for some of us parents with more than one band student, the journey will last a little longer. Our family will be starting year number six of nine since all three of our kids have chosen to be in the band. It is a choice for them that we feel better and better about as we have learned more each year about all of the benefits of being a band student and a band family. Like you, we were once “rookies” and didn’t know what to expect. Though we are still learning and growing with the program, we wanted to give you a preview of the wonderful experience that comes along with our great music education program.

First, know this: there IS a place for you in Wando Band. There is no question about “Will my student fit in? Will we fit in?” By its very nature, a band program has a place for each student and each one is important to the success of the whole. Whether it is on the marching band field or on the concert stage, every person’s effort is needed to succeed so everyone is supportive of one another. In addition to the staff, the upperclassmen will welcome your freshman and will be there to encourage your student through the hot summer days of band camp. They will also be there to set the example throughout the year in the concert practice room and on the performance stage. Their mentoring will even extend to sharing advice and assistance on academics and helping with homework. Joining such a supportive social network is one of the greatest benefits of being in the Wando Band. Every year, students report how good it feels to be greeted on the first day of school by so many fellow band students. Wando Band is a very special family within the larger Wando High School community.

Second, know that being in Wando Band WILL be hard work. But the hard work will be its own reward. Your student’s self confidence will grow as he or she masters the new skills of marching or the more challenging high school level music. Yes, it will take many hours of practice, but again, there is something comforting about everyone being in this challenge together. Even as you marvel at how hard they are all working, you will be even more amazed by how much they are smiling and laughing and feeling at ease. There is something about making music together that lifts everybody’s spirits and my own children have found it to be a great balance to the workload in their other academic subjects. Of course, band students have no choice but to learn time management skills in order to handle all of the rigors of the high school curriculum. But that is a very good skill to learn at the very beginning of high school and one that will always serve them well.

Speaking of hard work, know that there will be work for parents too! There are many volunteer jobs that require no previous experience and whether you have just a little time to give or a lot of time to share, you will always be most welcome to participate. It takes many moms and dads to support our band. We work mostly on the sidelines and behind the scenes. Working side by side with other parents is actually a lot of fun and gives all of us a chance to compare notes and get support from one another as we are all learning how to be the parents of teenagers. The students tolerate us well and even appreciate us and the view into their lives is well worth the volunteer hours that will be asked of us. What I like best of all about volunteering for the Wando Band is that each person can find a way to contribute that fits his/her interests. No one forces you to do more than you want to do and no one “keeps score” so volunteering really is about your choice to contribute in the way that suits you best. Many parents that I have known through the years have wanted to volunteer more each year as their appreciation for the benefits of band has grown right along with their student’s musical ability and personal character development.

Finally, in the spirit of full disclosure, I suppose I must mention a harsh fact of being a band family, and one that you probably already know if your student has participated in band in middle school: Band is not free. The Wando Band is a top-notch program committed to excellence. There are many expenses of the program that are not covered by the Charleston County School District. Our Band Staff and Band Board do a great job of managing our budget, stretching a dollar, pinching a penny, and getting many donations. However, the shortfall in the budget must be covered by all of us paying our “fair share” amount and, in addition; there are various incidental fees for your student’s trips and other needs. The good news is that these fair share payments and extra expenses are spread throughout the year and students are given many opportunities to fundraise money that goes directly into the student’s own account to offset your costs. Of course, you are not pressured to do fundraising and you can choose to fundraise as much or as little as you like.

For our family, being part of the Wando Band has been well worth every penny spent and what we have gained from our investment has surpassed all of our expectations. We want to sincerely welcome you and hope that you will also have a rewarding Bands of Wando experience!

Sincerely,

The Spires Family

“Co-Freshman & New Member Representative”