2024 Marching Tigers Competition Season
FAQs and Tips for Rookie Parents
Congratulations! You and your band student have joined one of the premier marching bands in Illinois! After band camp and summer rehearsals, we will be in competition season, and it will go very fast. We don’t want you to feel lost ~ but get the most out of the competitions your student has worked so hard to bring to you and the audience.
If this is your first experience as a Band Parent, here are some answers to questions you may be asking, as well as general tips on how to make the competition season more successful.
Feel free to reach out to a member of the PNHS Band Boosters Board if you have additional questions or concerns:
Plainfield North Band Boosters Board:
Dana Loeblich, President
Lisa Witek, Vice President
Suzzane and Randy Janke, Co-Treasurers
Katie Clark, Secretary
e-mail: boosters@pnhsbands.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What competitions will my student attend?
The Marching Tigers are currently scheduled to compete in five events (plus one parade) throughout September and October. The competitions are hosted by high schools, colleges or universities on their campuses. Here is this season’s schedule:
| September 14 Plainfield South HS Marching Invitational Plainfield, IL | September 28 Plainfield Homecoming Parade Plainfield, IL |
October 5 DGS Marching Mustang Music Bowl Downers Grove, IL October 19 Illinois State Marching Band Championships Normal, IL | October 18 Bands of America Super Regional Indianapolis, IN October 26 Illinois Marching Band Championships (University of Illinois) Champaign, IL |
How many schools compete at these events?
Many high schools attend each event, with the field split into classes so that schools are typically competing against bands of comparable size and resources.
The typical weekend competition will see fifteen to twenty schools. Larger events, such as the University of Illinois and the Illinois State competitions, will see over forty schools compete.
Is there a winner? If so, how do you win?
Multiple judges grade each competing band in a variety of areas. Some judges observe from the stands while others will actually be on the field, dodging among the students as they perform.
Depending on the size and scale of the event, awards may be given after initial performances or, in some cases, the top bands from each class will advance to a second, final round.
The drum majors from each band represent their school on the field, accepting awards in subcategories such as best percussion, best general effect, best drum majors, and so on, in addition to the overall places in their class.
Who prepares the band for these events?
As the Director of the Marching Tigers, Mr. Hatcher is responsible for putting together a staff each year to help the band gear up for competitions. Along with Assistant Director Mr. LaValle, the staff consists of adult experts in a variety of different instruments and performance elements.
Among the students, the three drum majors act as the conductors for shows and practices, and each section of the band will also have two student leaders responsible for assisting the other members of their section.
Fundraising, chaperones, equipment crew, meal planning, and other support activities are handled by the Plainfield North Band Boosters, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. (As a band parent, you are automatically a member of the Band Boosters – welcome!)
How long does a Marching Band competition last?
Competition days are long for your band student, and for you as a parent.
The students will often arrive at Plainfield North by 9 AM or earlier on the morning of a competition day, and if we make Final rounds (which is always the goal) we will likely not return to PNHS until 10 or 11 PM. For competitions further away, the return could be after midnight.
Mr. Hatcher will provide guidance on specific schedules in advance of each competition.
How do the Marching Tigers travel to these contests?
A portion of the band fees paid at the start of each season goes toward chartering buses to transport the students from PNHS to the competition site and back.
As a parent, you are strongly encouraged to come out to the event and cheer for your student and the rest of the Marching Tigers. However, you must provide your own transportation. Carpooling with other parents is suggested, as parking at some events can be challenging.
What about the instruments? Are the students responsible for transporting them?
The Equipment Crew transports the instruments and show props, using the two trailers you may have noticed in the East parking lot by the tennis courts and sometimes a District 202 truck or rental truck as well, depending on the amount of equipment and props.
The Crew does rely on the band members to have their instruments staged in the designated areas and ready for loading both at the school, and again at the competition.
Will food be provided?
A portion of your band fees paid at the start of each season goes toward providing a meal for the band at some events. Whether a meal is included will be determined and communicated by Mr. Hatcher in advance of each competition.
Depending on the length of the day, students may be asked to bring their own snacks and/or a bag lunch (or money for food at the event) to provide additional nourishment, in addition to any meal provided by the band.
What to do if your child has food allergies:
There are several members of the band with severe food allergies or other dietary needs. For those students, we provide alternate meals at each competition where a meal is provided. Food allergy and sensitivity information was collected when you enrolled your student. Mr. LaValle maintains a list of students who have registered their food allergy and this list is made available to event meal planners.
Please note that our event meal planners take food allergies very seriously, and often order food in the exact quantity of students eating. This means that if a special meal is ordered for your student, they will be expected to eat that special meal. Students will not be allowed to declare at the competition that they are eating the standard meal instead.
What kind of supervision is provided for the band students?
First and foremost, we rely upon every member of the band to act maturely and responsibly in representing Plainfield North High School and the Marching Tigers.
Mr. Hatcher, Mr. LaValle, and the rest of the band staff are in attendance and provide oversight. In addition, parent volunteer chaperones accompany the band on the buses and at the competition to help ensure everything runs smoothly.
Do parents typically attend the competitions?
Yes! Parents are always encouraged to attend!! Our students spend over three hundred hours in practice. When parents, friends and family attend, it means the world to the students!
Most competing schools have groups of parents and supporters in attendance. It’s definitely a boost for the Marching Tigers to hear cheers from the crowd when we are announced. This is also a great time to show off your spirit wear!
Is there a cost for parents, friends and family to attend competitions?
Yes, most competitions serve as a fundraiser for the host band, so there is typically an entrance fee on the order of $15. For families attending, there may be a discounted ticket package.
Larger competitions such as Bands of America will often charge more for tickets.
Most competitions will have websites where you can see not only entrance fees, but also a schedule of competitors so you can plan accordingly.
Note that while credit cards are typically welcome at larger venues (e.g. Illinois State University), smaller competitions may only accept cash. Plan ahead to have cash available for entrance fees, just in case.
Is there anything I should bring to the competition as a spectator?
If you expect to attend one or more competitions, you may wish to invest in cushioned or folding stadium seats. These are available in a variety of styles, and can be invaluable if you have back problems or just want the extra comfort.
While some stadiums have actual seats, most have metal bleachers that get quite cold during the season. Stadium seats and an extra blanket for warmth and cushioning can help you stay comfortable. Handwarmers are also a very good idea.
Also be aware that some venues only allow clear vinyl bags or bags of a certain size. Be sure to check the website for bag policy. Mr. Hatcher’s messages before the event usually includes links to this information as well.
For your student: Invest In a Portable Phone Charger
Marching band competitions are long days, and there are no charging outlets on the standard school buses often used to transport the band to competitions. While mobile phone use is not allowed when the band is in uniform, there will be a fair amount of down time on the bus, during meals, and after competing. Your student’s phone battery may not make it through the day.
For your student: Carry a Marching Band Survival Kit in Your Vehicle
Competition days are long, and temperatures can drop drastically, especially at night. Be prepared with a Marching Band Survival Kit that you leave in your vehicle throughout the season. You can include blankets, gloves, hand warmers, extra snacks, water, and so on.
MARCHING BAND GLOSSARY
Adjudicators – An alternate term for the judges at a competition.
Auxiliary – An alternate term for the Color Guard. (See Color Guard, below)
Band Camp – A mandatory summer camp (8/5 – 8/10) where the majority of the show is implemented. Students will typically practice 1 PM to 9 PM every weekday, rain or shine. All friends and family are invited to a special end-of-camp celebration to see the premier of the 2024 show on 8/10 at 12 noon!
Bands of America, or B.O.A. – A regional marching band competition series the Marching Tigers attend each season.
Bibbers – Slang term for the bib overalls worn as part of the marching band uniform.
Brass – General term for all of the wind instruments typically made of brass, e.g. trumpets, trombones, tubas, and so on. As any brass player will tell you, it is the most important part of a successful marching band.
Color Guard – Group of performers who use dance, flags, rifles, sabers, and other props to engage the audience and enhance the musical performance. As any color guard member will tell you, it is the most important part of a successful marching band.
Drill – Series of positions that each individual member of the marching band will move to throughout the course of the show, designed for visual impact and artistic expression. The only thing keeping the Marching Tigers from being a gruesome, 150-person pileup.
Drumline – Members of the Percussion section that march with the rest of the band (also called the Battery).
Drum Majors – The student conductors on platforms on the front and back sidelines.
Football Game – Sporting event that provides adequate time for the audience to park, find their seats, and get settled in so they can fully appreciate the performance of the marching band at halftime.
Long Black Socks – The only visible portion of the marching band uniform that the students are expected to provide. Not long blue socks. Not short black socks. Not white socks of any length. Long. Black. Socks.
Mellophone – A marching-friendly version of a French Horn.
Metronome – Known familiarly as the “Met”, a machine that produces a hugely loud pinging noise at various beats per minute to assist the band in keeping time during practices. You will be able to hear it during summer camp from several blocks away.
Percussion – General term for all instruments played by striking them with a hand, foot pedal, or mallet to produce sound (far more than simply “drums”). As any percussion member will tell you, it is the most important part of a successful marching band.
Pit – Members of the Percussion section that, due to the large instruments they play, remain stationary at the front of the playing field.
Plume – Tall, decorative feather added to a shako for visual effect.
Shako – The hat in the marching band uniform, typically worn during parades or competitions.
Sousaphone – A marching-friendly version of a tuba.
Spirit Wear – Any article of clothing that promotes: a) this year’s show, b) your individual student’s instrument or section, and/or c) the Plainfield North Marching Tigers. Spirit Wear is the easiest way to find (and be found) by your fellow Marching Tigers fans in the stands at events.
Theme Days – Each day during Band Camp will have a theme to add a little fun and good-natured section rivalry to camp, such as Superhero Day, Twin Day, Section Color Day, Crazy Hat Day, Dress Like Your Favorite Character from Medieval French Literature Day, and so on. (Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.)
Woodwinds – General term for all instruments that create sound by passing air across a wooden or plastic reed, or an air hole, such as oboes, clarinets, flutes, and saxophones. As any woodwinds member will tell you, it is the most important part of a successful marching band.
ADDITIONAL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Attendance is Critical!
Your student has a unique contribution in the band. If they are not present at a rehearsal or a competition, there is no one to replace them – there is a hole in the show. Each student has an obligation to their section and the band overall to be where they are supposed to be at the time they are supposed to be there.
At competitions, you will quickly be able to identify when a band has a missing member – the gap is obvious. This can impact both our scores as well as the overall performance.
While we understand every family has multiple events and commitments to juggle, the success of the band is highly dependent on consistent attendance. Please make every effort to drop off (and pick up) your student on time for rehearsals and competitions.
Planned absences would be communicated to Mr. Hatcher through the online attendance form.
Stay Connected
Staff or Chaperones often post to PNHS social media or text groups to keep parents up to date on where the Tigers are, or what activity is currently taking place.
For parents who cannot attend competitions, this is a great way to keep tabs on how the band is doing. These updates can even be beneficial to parents in the stands at the event, as there is a lot going on “behind the scenes”.
If you are active on social media, please join or follow these sites to stay in touch:
| Main website: http://www.pnhsbands.com | Facebook: Plainfield North High School BandsPlainfield North Band Families and Alumni (Private) |
| Twitter: @PNHSBands_com | Instagram: pnbands, pnhsbandboosters, pnhs_percussion, pnhscolorguard |
| YouTube: PNHS Bands | Illinois Marching Online http://www.ilmarching.com |
Watch for Communications from Mr. Hatcher
Mr. Hatcher uses the Remind text messaging service to communicate important information such as the Weekly News and Notes (includes a link to the calendar) and instructions / itineraries for rehearsals and competitions. Here is how to subscribe:
Text one (or more) of the following Codes to 81010:
Group Code
- Class of 2025(SENIORS): @pnhsband25
- Class of 2026(JUNIORS): @pnhsband26
- Class of 2027(SOPHOMORES): @pnhsband27
- Class of 2028(FRESHMEN): @pnhsband28
- Percussion(in addition to the class code): @pnhsperc
Give A Shout Out To Your Student
At some events, the host school may offer “shout outs” for a nominal fee. In the periods between the previous band exiting the field and the new band entering, the PA announcer will read the shout outs for members of the incoming band.
This can be a great way to celebrate a birthday or simply wish a student, section, or the entire band good luck at the competition. For parents unable to attend an event due to other obligations, friends in the stadium or even a chaperone may be able to sign you up for a shout out and have your message included.
Wear Your Colors
If you have it, by all means wear your Marching Tigers apparel to competitions and performances. If you see a group of other Marching Tigers fans seated in an area, don’t hesitate to sit next to them if seats are available. It’s more fun to cheer together!
If you are on the PNHS social media pages, you may often find indications of where Marching Tigers fans are gathering in the bleachers. Your cheering can help boost the performance, and some competitions even offer a “fan favorite” award.
Competition Etiquette
Most competitions provide “bleacher bouncers” to manage this, but be aware that the audience should only enter and exit the seating area between band performances.
The Marching Tigers greatly appreciate your applause and cheers, but please refrain from making noise at the start of the show, as the entire band needs to be focused on a good start to the performance.
Noisemakers (e.g. cowbells) are acceptable in moderation while the band is taking the field, and following a performance. They should not be used during the performance itself. Note that some competitions do prohibit the use of noisemakers.
It is never acceptable to boo or otherwise make negative comments before, during, or after competitor performances. The Golden Rule applies.
Your Support Is Greatly Appreciated
Given the number of students and the logistics involved, fielding a competitive marching band is an expensive proposition. To help keep our overall marching band fees as reasonable as possible for our band families, the Band Boosters coordinate a number of fundraisers throughout the course of the year. Vendor Sponsorships, Car Wash, Crowd Source Fundraising, Bake Sales, Spirit Wear, Craft Fair, Just Desserts, and other activities all defray our costs. Thank you for your support of these efforts whenever possible.
Get Involved Any Way You Can
Marching Band is a tremendous experience for the students and parents alike. There are many opportunities to contribute to the success of the band – volunteering on a committee, purchasing spirit wear, cheering the band on at events, helping your student with their fundraiser sales, or even simply driving another student who needs a ride to or from the school for a competition.
As parents, we are also part of the Marching Tigers.
Their success is our success.