Once you become a band parent, you will always be a band parent. All throughout high school (and college), I get to have the band experience, but a lot of that would not be possible if it were not for all the dedicated band parents.
How could I put into words how thankful I am to you? You came to all of the football games when you didn't have to. You came to some (and maybe even all) of the band contests on Saturday's, when maybe you had something else going on. You drove me to early morning rehearsals before I could drive, sacrificing sleep just so I can get there on time. You helped with concessions at football and basketball games so the band could get some much needed money. You volunteered your time to be in the band council so you can help the band program succeed. You have dealt with turf nuggets in your car, in the house, in our laundry, and you'll still probably find them 20 years later. You reminisce the days you were in band by probably taking your kids instrument or flag and saying "I still got it."
You are my hero. You are an inspiration. You (and my band directors) pushed me to do my best, to actually practice at home, and when I was close to giving up, you gave me the necessary nudge to keep going. You made time for me and my activities when you didn't have to.
The band needs good band parents and I'm glad you stepped up. Being in band as a student, especially marching band, is time consuming, but you have a full time job, other kids, and you still carve in a time to help make the band program even more successful. My friends know you by name, and you know theirs. You (and the band directors) showed me that it is possible to tackle multiple things at once, and to do them at my best. You taught me that volunteering is essential and necessary, and just because you don't get paid, doesn't mean it's not worth it. You not only support me, but you support everyone in the band who needs it. You are looked upon.
So thank you for being the backbone. Thank you for serving us lunches and dinners at contests, making sure our uniforms are cleaned, that we get to band practice on time, for coming to the football games and contests, and thank you most of all for being there, and being as involved as I am during this chapter of my life. A good band (especially a marching band) is having awesome directors, great students, and dedicated band parents. I hope future band parents will see you and strive to be like you. I also hope that I get to be as great as you, no matter what sport or activity I get to support.
