6. Parental Support
Parental support is crucial for the success of students in band, as it is in all areas of growing up. The following are some suggestions for how to support your child's band experience.
Have patience in repeatedly reminding your child to do his or her daily practice. The expectation is 30 minutes per day. Students have practice records that must always be in their music folders.
Encouragement when the going gets tough. In music, as in life, some things are learned easily, while others require intensive and repeated application. Parental understanding is critical. Otherwise, children are likely to give up and never reach their potential.
�Imagination is more important than knowledge,� said Albert Einstein. Imagination creates things that had no prior existence. Be imaginative in creating a musical atmosphere in your home. Tune in to interesting musical programs on the radio and television, exploring classical and jazz music, not just today's popular music of the moment. Explore concert opportunities with symphonies, military bands, and college ensembles. Invite friends to your home to practice with your kids. Have students perform for you and make recordings. In short, make your home a haven for the arts...a place where your entire family can grow together in its appreciation for great music.
Organization is important for success. Avoid undue stress by creating an organized schedule of interests and schoolwork into which music and practicing fits as a natural element.
Plan activities ahead of time, knowing that your child's participation in rehearsals and concerts is not only required, but most importantly is vital to the success of the entire ensemble. Bands are teams and their members must be able to rely upon one another.