Reminders for first year folks (and seasoned vets):
HAVE FUN!! These are the days we aim for! Take it in! Be steadfast in your pursuit of excellence with your performance, and additionally enjoy each moment!
- The Show You See In August Is Not The Show You'll See In November
Every season the band performs a fully designed show built around a theme — music, drill, props, costumes, and colorguard work all tied together. What you see at the first competition is essentially a skeleton. By the time state championships arrive, you're watching a completely different, fully developed performance with advanced props, layered choreography, and music that has been refined over months. Early competitions are intentional works in progress. Stick with it — the payoff is remarkable.
The Theme Is A Surprise
Each year's show has a new theme — and it's usually not revealed until the first performance. Part of the fun is watching it unfold for the first time alongside everyone else.
How Shows Are Scored
Bands are scored across three main areas: music performance, visual performance, and general effect. "General effect" essentially asks: did it move you? Did it tell a story? This is why emotional storytelling matters as much as technical precision — and why your energy in the stands is literally part of the score.
The Colorguard Is A Scored Caption Of Its Own
The colorguard — the students performing with flags, rifles, sabers, and dance — is judged separately and contributes significantly to the overall score. They are athletes and artists in equal measure, and they deserve the same attention and appreciation as the horn line.
Props Can Be Enormous
Depending on the year's show design, props can be large, elaborate, and sometimes moving. They're built and transported by the program, and they're part of what makes the visual design come to life. Don't be surprised to see platforms, set pieces, or mid-show transformations.
Behind The Scenes
What Your Student Is Actually Doing Out There
By competition day, your student has memorized both their music and their drill — every note and every step — simultaneously. They're performing all of it from memory while watching a conductor, listening to the ensemble around them, and executing choreography. It is a genuinely extraordinary thing to do, and most people watching from the stands have no idea how much is happening at once.
Band Camp Happens Before School Even Starts
Band camp typically takes place before the school year begins — often a week or more of full days in the summer heat. It's intense and exhausting, and it's also where the group bonds for the entire season. Don't underestimate how important that week is to your student's experience.
Students Lead Each Other
Section leaders run sectionals, upperclassmen mentor younger students, and a real leadership structure exists within the ensemble. The culture of excellence is largely maintained by the students themselves — not just the director.
Warm-Up Is Its Own Performance
Before the band ever steps onto the competition field, they go through a full structured warm-up in a designated lot — music, movement, and a complete run-through. What you watch in the stands is actually the second time they've performed the show that day. By the time they march on, they're ready.
The Emotional Side
You Will Probably Cry
The first time you watch your student march onto that field in full uniform, you will very likely cry. This is universal among band parents and nothing to be embarrassed about. Just be prepared.
Early Scores Are Not The Whole Story
Early-season competition scores can sting if you're not prepared. The band is sometimes scored against larger or more experienced programs, and the show is still developing. Focus on growth from competition to competition, not placement. The trajectory is what matters.
Championships Hit Differently
There's something special that happens at the final competition of the season — watching the fully developed show, knowing how far it's come. Even if your student isn't a senior, watching seniors perform their last show together is an experience. Bring extra tissues.
You Will Become A Different Kind Of Audience Member
After a season or two, you'll find yourself noticing drill design, guard work, and musical phrasing at competitions in ways you never expected. Watching other bands goes from a courtesy to something you actually look forward to. It's a good change.
The Season Is A Marathon
There are hard weeks, early mornings, and exhausted kids. Many weekends from late summer through fall are competition weekends — plan accordingly and make sure the rest of your family's schedule reflects that. The payoff at the end of the season is real, but knowing the grind is coming helps everyone get through it.
Competitions typically take up most of the day — from morning rehearsal through late-night bus return. On competition weekends, plan your whole day around it, not just the performance time.
Community & Culture
Band Families Become A Real Community
The kind where you're texting people you met three months ago at 10pm waiting for the buses to get back. The shared experience of a full marching band season — the early mornings, the competition days, the finals — bonds families in a way that's hard to explain until you've lived it.
Show Shirts Are A Thing
Every year there's a new show shirt designed around the season's theme. Buy one early — they sell out and you'll want to wear it at competitions to show your Northview pride and find your people in the stands.
Seniors Get A Special Moment
The final home performance of the season often includes special recognition for graduating seniors. It's a meaningful moment for the whole community — not just senior families.
For Many Students, This Becomes The Defining Experience Of High School
The band travels together, eats together, wins and loses together. The friendships formed here tend to last. Many students look back on marching band as the most formative thing they did in high school — and many parents say the same about being a band family.
Practical Things Nobody Tells You
Late-Night Bus Returns Are A Thing
After competition days — which include morning rehearsal, an afternoon break, bussing to the venue, performing, watching awards, and bussing home — buses often return to school quite late. Know where drop-off is, plan to wait, and don't schedule anything early the next morning if you can help it.
Students May Not Have Their Phones During Performances
Students are often not permitted to have phones on the field or during performances. Know in advance how you'd reach your student in an urgent situation — usually through the director or a section leader.
Dress For The Weather At Night, Not The Day
October evening competitions in Michigan can get cold fast — even if it's warm during the day. Bring layers, a blanket, and hand warmers. You'll be glad you did. Folding chairs or seat cushions also go a long way after hour three on bleachers.
What Is Marching Band, Really?
Marching band is a competitive performance activity — the band performs a full show (music + drill + visual design) on a football field and is scored by judges. It takes as much dedication as any sport, and it's one of the most rewarding things a student can do in high school.
What's The Vibe Like?
The director put it best: "Have fun!! These are the days we aim for!" The culture is one of excellence AND joy. Northview is known as an amazing community — that reputation is something everyone actively protects.
Are We Judged On The Audience?
Yes — literally. Part of the score is how the band affects the crowd. So your energy in the stands matters!
When Does The Season Run?
The marching band season typically runs late summer through fall, with rehearsals starting before school begins and competitions running on weekends through October or November. Many weekends during the season are competition weekends — sync the calendar early so nothing sneaks up on you.
northviewbandboosters.net/calendar.html — sync to your personal Google Calendar directly from this page.
What Happens In The Morning?
Every competition day includes a rehearsal earlier in the day. The timing shifts based on your performance slot — a later performance means a later rehearsal start. Specific times are always communicated in advance.
Find current-season performance dates at northviewbandboosters.net under High School → Marching Band.
What About Student Athletes With Saturday Meets?
Student athletes can attend their morning sports meet and rejoin the band when they're able — some carpool directly, some drive straight from their meet to the venue. Just let Mr. Wells know in advance.
What Happens After Rehearsal?
Students help load instruments onto carts or trailers before going on break. Cat Pack parents and section leaders are there to help direct the process.
How Long Is The Break?
Typically 90 minutes to 2 hours. Students can go home to eat and change, or stay at school — either is fine.
What Do Students Wear When They Return From Break?
Marching shoes (all black), long black socks, and bibbers (marching pants). Most students also have their uniform tops hung neatly in their garment bags, ready to put on before boarding the bus.
Tip: Get the black socks and shoes sorted early in the season — it's one of those small things that's easy to scramble for on competition morning if you wait.
How Do Buses Work?
Students wait outside the bus until their bus captain arrives to take attendance and confirm everyone has complete attire — including black socks. No boarding until the captain is present.
What Can Students Bring On The Bus?
Water bottles are always welcome. No food on the bus — plan to eat during the break before you load up.
Can Parents Take Their Student Home From A Competition?
Yes — parents may take their own student home after the performance. Have your student give the bus captain a signed note before leaving Northview on competition day.
Parents may only take their own student home. Other students — including friends — cannot leave with another family without prior administrative approval. No exceptions.
****There are rules and regulations regarding your marching uniform. These are MCBA/MSBOA rules for judging purposes. These things are not optional, they are a must. Please click below for the things to know about your uniform.
Click here for things_to_know_about_your_marching_band_uniform.pdf
Why Does Uniformity Matter So Much?
Bands are literally judged on how uniform they look as an ensemble — down to socks, hair, and jewelry. Even one student who stands out visually can affect the score. It's a team effort all the way to the hat.
What Are The Hair Rules?
Students with long hair must pin ALL of it up inside the hat before performing. Bright-colored hair hanging down the back is clearly visible to judges and breaks uniformity.
What About Jewelry?
Big or bright jewelry must be removed for performances. Simple, small pieces that don't show are generally fine — when in doubt, take it off.
What Does The Full Uniform Include?
Typically: jacket, bibbers (marching pants), hat, gloves, gauntlets, all-black marching shoes, and long black socks. Some items are provided by the program; others are student purchases.
Check Info & Downloads on the Band Boosters site for current uniform details and forms.
Are There Uniform Costs?
Some items — like marching shoes and black socks — are typically student purchases. Costs vary year to year; the Cat Pack and Mr. Wells will share specifics at the start of each season.
When Should I Arrive?
Early! Watching multiple bands before and after Northview gives you real context for the activity. Plan extra time for parking — lots can be large and crowds vary a lot by competition.
Is There A Gate Fee?
Yes — fees typically range from around $8–$15 depending on the event, with student/senior rates a few dollars less than adult rates. Some competitions offer family caps. Bringing cash is always a safe bet.
Where Should I Sit?
As high and as center as possible — you'll see the full drill design from above. Wear your show shirt and look for other Northview families to sit with!
Should I Cheer Or Stay Quiet?
Both — it's somewhere between a sporting event and a concert. Cheer for solos, big moments, colorguard tosses, and high-energy passages. Stay respectfully quiet during delicate parts. The band is literally scored on crowd impact, so your energy counts.
When Can I Enter Or Leave The Seating Area?
Only between performances. Unless it's an emergency, wait until a band finishes before moving through the stands. This is standard etiquette at every competition.
What About Scores And Placements?
Please wait until you're back in your car to discuss placements or scores. Northview is known for being a gracious, positive community — protect that reputation.
There is no defense in marching band. Every band out there has worked just as hard as ours. If another band is amazing — celebrate it! Represent Northview with class.
What Do Students Do Right After Performing?
It depends on the schedule. Sometimes students stay to watch other bands and awards; sometimes they head back to the bus first if there's a long wait. The director will communicate the plan for each competition.
What About Instruments And Gear?
Students should promptly put away instruments, hats, gloves, and gauntlets when returning to buses and trailers. This helps the Cat Pack parents pack efficiently so everyone gets home at a reasonable hour.
What Happens When We Get Back To School?
Students typically arrive before the equipment trailers. Please wait for the trailers and help unload everything back into the school — the more help, the faster everyone gets home.
Why Does The Band Fundraise?
Marching band involves real costs — uniforms, equipment, transportation, competition entry fees, and more. Fundraising helps keep participation affordable for every family and credits earnings directly to individual student accounts, which can offset program fees over time — including saving toward the Europe Concert Tour.
See all current fundraisers at northviewbandboosters.net under Fundraising / Donations.
How Do Student Accounts Work?
Many fundraisers credit a portion of earnings to your student's individual account. Those funds can be applied toward program fees, uniform costs, and the Europe trip. Starting to build your student's account early — even freshman year — can make a real difference by the time the tour comes around.
Tip: Even if the Europe trip feels far away, participating in fundraisers from the start is one of the best ways to make it financially manageable when the time comes.
Hanging Flower Baskets
A popular annual spring fundraiser timed perfectly for Mother's Day. Order forms go home with students and are due before spring break each year.
It Works
Typical Price
Generally in the $20–$25 range. A portion goes directly to your student's account — exact amount confirmed each year.
Delivery
Early-to-mid May, timed for Mother's Day. Exact date shared with each year's order form.
Order Deadline
Before spring break. Watch for order forms sent home with students each spring.
Basket Options
Varieties may change slightly year to year — check the current order form for this season's options.
Venmo instructions — please read carefully every year:
Do not have purchasers Venmo the Band Boosters directly. Instead:
1. Collect all orders and payments from your buyers yourself
2. Send one single Venmo payment to the Boosters for your full total
3. Include your student's name and "Hanging Baskets" in the memo
4. No emojis in the memo — they drop off Venmo statements and create matching problems for volunteers
Stadium Clean-Ups
Families sign up to clean trash inside and around the stadium entrance after sporting events. You earn per slot worked and can bring helpers to finish faster.
Ho t Work
Pay Per Slot
Approximately $20–$30 per slot. Exact rate confirmed each season.
Slots Available
Typically 50+ slots across multiple events each season. They fill up fast!
Sign-Up Priority
Opens first to Europe trip student traveler families, then all families shortly after. Sign-ups happen on a specific day and time each year — set a reminder!
Who Should Sign Up?
An adult should sign up. Students are welcome to help — more hands means faster clean-up! Don't send a student to handle a slot solo.
What You're Responsible For
Collecting trash inside the stadium and around the entrance. Bathrooms are not your responsibility.
What to bring: The school provides trash bags and gloves — pick them up in the band room before your shift. Bring your own brooms, rakes, and shovels. A gas or battery-powered leaf blower is very helpful (no electrical outlets available). The Boosters own two leaf blowers available to borrow — contact the Boosters in advance to arrange pickup and timely return.
Weather heads-up: Spring weather is unpredictable. Clean-up dates may be canceled due to weather or game cancellations. Canceled games are not billed to the school, so no student funds are earned for those slots. You'll be notified as quickly as possible if a date is canceled.
What Other Fundraisers Does The Band Run?
The Boosters run several fundraisers throughout the year, including Brick Jam, a Patron Drive, and periodic student fundraisers. Sponsorship and direct donation options are also available.
Full list at northviewbandboosters.net — Fundraising / Donations. Donate directly at JustGiving.
How Can Parents Get Involved In Fundraising?
The Cat Pack organizes and runs most fundraisers. Volunteering is one of the best ways to support the program and get to know other band families.
Explore opportunities at northviewbandboosters.net/volunteering.html or visit the Cat Pack page.
Wait — The Band Goes To Europe?
Yes! Every three years, the Northview band program offers students the opportunity to participate in an international concert tour through Europe. It's one of the most memorable experiences students can have in the program — a full performance tour, not just a trip.
What Does The Trip Involve?
The band travels to multiple countries, performing concerts along the way. The tour is organized through Image Tours, a company specializing in student performance travel. The next tour is planned for summer 2027.
Two sites have full trip details:
· nhs.imagetours.com — itinerary, pricing, payments, passport info & FAQs
· northviewbandboosters.net/europe-information.html — booster updates & past tour photos
Who Can Go?
Band students are eligible to participate. Parents and other adults may also be able to join via a separate adult bus reservation — check the tour site for availability. Students under 18 need a Legal Guardian Form submitted to Image Tours.
How Much Does It Cost?
The trip is a significant investment — exact pricing is posted on the tour site each cycle. This is one of the key reasons many families prioritize fundraising from day one. Student account funds can help offset the cost meaningfully over time.
What Should New Families Know Right Away?
If your student might want to go on the next Europe tour, start planning and saving early — reservations open well in advance and fill up fast. Passport applications often take 10+ weeks to process.
Passport reminder: Applications can take more than 10 weeks to process. If your student (or you, as a traveling parent) doesn't have a current passport, apply well before any deadlines posted on the tour site.
Who Is The Band Director?
Mr. Wells is the band director and the go-to person for questions about schedules, sports conflicts, uniform requirements, and anything performance-related.
Find director and board contact info at northviewbandboosters.net → About Us, or use the Contact page.
Who Are The Cat Pack Parents?
The Cat Pack is the parent booster organization that keeps the program running behind the scenes — fundraisers, uniform days, equipment loading, and so much more. Getting to know them early is one of the best things a new band family can do.
Learn more at northviewbandboosters.net/cat-pack.html
Where Do I Find The Band Calendar?
The Band Boosters maintain a live Google Calendar with all band events — rehearsals, competitions, concerts, meetings, and more. Sync it directly to your personal Google Calendar so you never miss a thing.
northviewbandboosters.net/calendar.html — tap "+ Google Calendar" to sync, or tap individual events to add them one at a time.
Where Do I Find Everything Else?
The Band Boosters website is the central hub for schedules, meeting minutes, performance dates, downloads, concert schedules, and more. Bookmark it on day one.
northviewbandboosters.net — main hub
· Marching Band page — performance dates & downloads
· Meeting Dates — open to all families 5th–12th grade
· Facebook — announcements & updates
Europe Tour Info
· nhs.imagetours.com — itinerary, pricing, payments, passport guidance & FAQs
· northviewbandboosters.net/europe-information.html — booster updates & photos from past tours
Click here for things_to_know_about_your_marching_band_uniform.pdf
LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
General Marching Band questions: contact Greg Wells [email protected]
Uniform questions: contact Regan Johnson [email protected]