Parent - FAQ's

     One question I am asked quite often from parents is, "Are parents allowed to watch their student practice at rehearsals"?  The answer is - YES.  Parents are always welcome to come and check out what we are doing during camps and rehearsals.  New parents, especially, enjoy learning how we put together a show from start to finish.

     I do have some guidelines and suggestions, however.  We ask that parents do not disrupt any rehearsals by talking to their student or the instructors while the members are trying to rehearse.  If a bunch of parents are standing together during a rehearsal - we also ask that you don't start up a loud conversation that can be heard by members trying to focus.

     When we are out on the practice fields, we ask that you stay off the field and stay on the sidelines.  This can become a safety issue with flags flying through the air or members marching fast moves.  After dinner, during 9-9 rehearsal days we have what is called "Coordination".  This is where all sections come together as a group and work small show segments over and over.  Since I am the one who runs coordination - this is pretty much the only time I will not be able to talk with parents who may have questions or concerns.

     Most parents come to see "Show-And-Tell" at the end of camp weekends.  This usually takes place around 5:20 on Sundays and gives members and parents the opportunity to see each section perform warm-ups or parts of the show in front of an audience.  During 9-9 rehearsals parents usually come out to the field by 8:30pm to see the "Run-Through" which is a performance level run-through of everything we have been working on that day.  As the entire show is learned - each day ends with a complete run-through of the show.

     I hope this not only answers some questions parents may have - but lets our terrific parents know that they are always welcome to see Brigade rehearsals in action!

     Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to:  Mike -aka- "Plow" (baritone)