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Competition Season is Upon Us.

9/14/2025

Dear Band Families,

I had the pleasure of chaperoning this first competition of the 2025 season. The number of times I said “careful with your skirt - or “waist cape” as some of us put it, was overwhelming. The fabric on the costumes is quite delicate and with the skirt being sewn into the pants it can tear easily if our kids aren’t careful. The zippers are also quite delicate. Remind your band member to take extra care while in their costume, and if something happens - they should let an adult know as soon as they can. We have a wonderful costume team who maintain and launder the costumes after every competition - they are hard working and very giving of their time! Students should remember to be polite and grateful to this team - and all the parent volunteers they encounter.

Now that our first competition is under our belt, it's time to start thinking about and preparing for the rest of the season!
Here are the top five things that I wanted to remind parents about competitions.

Marching Competitions are not football games. PLEASE leave your noisemakers at home. Cowbells, horns, clappers, megaphones, loud cups - they have no place at a band competition. They are disruptive to the band, create noise that can make it difficult for judges to hear, and could impact scores negatively if that happens. By all means - cheer before we start, clap and applaud during appropriate sections - but we do NOT need more cowbell…
Wear your Jenison Apparel with pride. Remember that when you put on a Jenison band shirt - you are representing the band. You should abide by the same values that are expected of our students when they are in uniform. Be respectful. Show kindness to others. Stay off your phone during performances. Watch with a positive attitude - you are not there to critique or judge - you are there to support. Keep your comments and observations about the other bands (and ours) POSITIVE. You never know who may be sitting near you, or who might overhear you in passing. Be a good sport. All of the bands competing have worked just as hard as our own kids - and they should be applauded for that! Remind anyone attending with you of these guidelines as well. Don't stand up or talk during any of the bands. Don't enter or exit the stands during performances. Be nice to the volunteers! Clean up after yourself. Don't block someone else's view with big hats or umbrellas. Be mindful of your words and actions when you're representing Jenison Bands.
Don’t take video or record audio. Don’t post video or audio. There are copyright rules and we don’t want to cross those boundaries. Take LOTS of photos of your band members, your friends' band members, all the band members! Post the photos on the Jenison Marching Band Parents' facebook page. Not every parent has a great view, a great camera, or the opportunity to attend - sharing photos helps us all!
You can check the scores from the local competitions on the MCBA website (or the BOA site for Toledo and Indy.) MCBA stands for Michigan Competing Band Association. BOA is Bands of America. For MCBA - Jenison is in Flight II based on the population of Jenison High School. For BOA Jenison is in Class AA (2A)). Scores are based on Music, General Effect, and Visual Effect. Overall scores are calculated as a sum of those scores. The judges are right there on the field to judge and make recorded comments. The band will get a chance to review those comments with the directors following the competition.
TRAVEL TO TOLEDO! It's a long day - but SO worth it.

Our next competition will be in Toledo - at the Glass Bowl Stadium. (1745 Stadium Drive, Toledo, OH 42606) Students will ride the buses to the event, and directions will be sent out by directors for the trip. It’s a long drive and students will want to double check that they have everything they need. Help them confirm that they are prepared prior to leaving. As for us, the fans, we will drive ourselves there, and park in any "A lots" on campus. Everyone is really helpful - so if you’re confused - ask someone directing traffic where to go. You pay for your parking through the PARKMOBILE APP. I’d recommend setting it up before you arrive as it takes a bit of information to complete. You will purchase tickets ahead of time on their website.
Depending on your preference you’ll buy tickets for the Prelims and/or the Finals. You will need a ticket for both events if you plan to attend both events. I recommend purchasing the day pass - this will get you tickets for both prelims and finals for a discounted rate. There are other discounts for students, seniors, and the military as well. Children 10 and under are free - but still need a ticket. Tickets are less expensive if you order ahead of time. (This savings will add up!) There is some initial sticker shock at the cost of the tickets for these larger events - but remember you’re paying to see a FULL day of amazing bands - not just our performance! I have always attended both Prelims and Finals - and Jenison has typically made Finals in the past. Plan to bring a clear stadium bag if you need to bring a bag into the stadium at all.

(I will be working on another blog with more Toledo specific information VERY soon.) There is, however, SO much great information that can be found in the blogs of the past. If you can't wait to see mine, and you're looking for information - search by keyword or by dates and you can go back and read all the tried and true tricks from the band parents who have “been there, done that.”

Way to go, Wildcats!

As always - comment or send me questions! We're all happy to help.

Kate Cummings-Ackerman

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What’s Happening at Band Camp?

7/27/2025

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As the calendar flips from July to August, band families begin the final preparations for band camp. Our students have been fully immersed in weekly rehearsals all summer - but band camp weeks will still be an awakening into the world that is Marching Band. I have been reviewing blog posts from previous July/August posts as inspiration for what to include here in my own post - and I would encourage you to do the same. There’s a lot of wisdom and history in those posts. Some are straightforward and informative while others are humorous with a hint of sarcasm - but the overlapping reminders and insider tips are priceless. (LINK TO AN INFORMATIVE BLOG POST FROM THE PAST) (Here is another good post - check out the images!)

Let’s start with the basics: there are THREE camps remaining this season. Pre-Camp, Band Camp, and Post-Camp. All three weeks are intense, long, and ultimately rewarding. It would be a good idea to go back and review my earlier blog post for reminders of what to expect.

Here’s the schedule from the directors:

Pre-Camp
Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31; 8:00am - 4:00pm*
Lunch is "on your own" - 12:00 - 1:00 pm each day

*Don't forget our Marching Band Family Dessert Socialon Wednesday, July 30, 7:00-8:30 pm at Johnson Park! Bring a dessert or snack to share, and any fun lawn games etc!

Band Camp
Monday, August 4 - Friday, August 8; 9:00am - 9:00pm*
Lunch is "on your own" - 12:00 - 1:00pm
Dinner is served by the Band Boosters each evening

*Students should plan to stay until 10:00 pm on Thursday night for our Band Camp dance. On Friday evening, students will be dismissed after our Community Performance, around 8:00 pm.

Post-Camp
Tuesday, August 12 - Thursday, August 14; 8:00am - 4:00pm*
Lunch is "on your own" - 12:00 - 1:00pm

*Students will have their high school orientations during this week. We will accommodate those orientation times, details will be provided closer to those dates.

Now let me explain in Band Parent terms:

Band camps are mandatory. Your band member NEEDS to be there. Make sure your band member is arriving at designated locations at least 15 - 20 minutes prior to the start of camps. Students are frequently responsible for gathering items from the band/guard rooms and moving them to designated locations. As Vince Lombardi said, “If you’re early, you’re on time, If you’re on time, you’re late…”

Make sure your band member has all of the proper equipment for the camp weeks.

Dot book - if you haven’t picked one up yet - there are fantastic options at Dollar Tree in Jenison for $1.25.
3 ring binder with clear paper protectors
Pencils - mechanical (there’s not pencil sharpener on the field)
String or shoelace - this is for wearing your dog book during rehearsals.
Large water bottle/jug filled with ice and water! (freeze those solo cups!)
Healthy snack (nothing that melts) for a quick snack if needed during breaks.
Hat, sunglasses, sunblock, chapstick, cooling towel, after sun lotion/aloe
Khaki Shorts for the Community Performance (black athletic shorts for guard)
Appropriate shoes (not sandals, not slides, not crocs…)

Your band member will need to pack a healthy lunch and a snack for EVERY day of all three camps. Students will still eat together - but the meal itself is not provided. Some of the older band members will go to local fast food locations, while many others bring a sack lunch and stay at school.

Dinner will be provided and served during band camp week by the Feed the Band Committee and volunteers. Encourage your band members to fuel their body in a healthy, well balanced way. (AND STAY WELL HYDRATED)

The Marching Band Family Dessert Social (formerly known as the MB Family Picnic) is a great opportunity to mingle and get to know fellow band parents. Bring a dessert - preferably NUT FREE. If your dish contains nuts - please label it clearly! Your dish does NOT have to be homemade - this should be fun - not stressful. This year the dessert social will be at Johnson Park, on Wednesday, July 30 from 7pm - 8:30pm. If you have lawn games you’re willing to bring - the students and families always seem to enjoy relaxing and playing together.

The Band Camp Dance is an annual tradition for that Thursday night of band camp week. Students bring a change of clothes and some deodorant so that after rehearsal that night they can dance, play games, and have fun with their fellow band members. This is not an optional activity - it is a part of band camp and a great opportunity to bond off the field. There will be parent chaperones there and the kids make great memories and frequently carry on traditions of funny costumes, group dances, and forming inside jokes. I have seen many students cultivate friendships at the dance that continue throughout their marching band and high school years.

The Community Performance is the first formal opportunity for parents, families, neighbors, and community members to see everything that the Jenison High School Marching Band has been working on all summer. The performance will demonstrate the warm ups, the music, and typically part one of the show. I love this performance personally because you get the chance to see where your band member is on the field and hear the music. If this is your first community performance don’t be surprised that it feels incomplete - it still is - remember that the show is a continual work in progress. Remember, that any evening, during band camp, you can come to the football field at the end of the night to see the “full run through.” Honestly, witnessing the progression of the show is my favorite part of band camp. I love seeing them start from the first day and each day witnessing the beginning of the show take shape, the confidence and pride that the students have in their work.

Post Camp is the same week as Orientations. Students will be dismissed during their designated times to go to their orientations. Since school pictures are taken at orientation - band members should remember to bring what they plan to wear, and any toiletries they may need to refresh themselves as they join their classmates at their designated orientation. They will attend their open house and then promptly return to rehearsals.

As always, if there are questions - don’t hesitate to ask! Let the countdown to “official band season” begin! 10, 9, 8…

Band Blog Mom -
Kate

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Ten things to know about Mini-Camp...

6/7/2025

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Mini-Camp 2023

Mini-Camp Dates:
Monday, June 9th, 2025 -- 9am - 4pm -- Temperatures: High: 75F Low: 52F - Partly Cloudy
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 -- 9am - 4pm -- Temperatures: High 70F Low: 55F - Partly Cloudy

10. Start hydration habits now - your band members will be on the go from 9am - 4pm both days of Mini-camp. They will need to have their big water jug (a gallon minimum) for these rehearsals. I often send my kids with a gatorade pod or a liquid IV pack to add to their bottle the second half of the day. My kids like the “Bomb Pop” Flavor of Liquid IV - it has a sweeter taste than some of the others. Band members should keep hydrating after they return home as well. Remember to clean the water bottles and dry them out between uses - they can get moldy or mildew (even with just water) and no one wants that! Avoid pop and sugary drinks or energy drinks and coffee - these are not good choices either. Water is the best way to get the hydration you need! Band members should remember to AVOID MILK and dairy products BEFORE REHEARSALS - the milk will curdle in their tummies!

9. Purchase a good pair of athletic shoes (NOT crocs, NOT converse, NOT vans, definitely not sandals) you will want running shoes or cross trainers. There will be running, much more running than you’d expect! Band members should prepare themselves for this - set their pace - know their limits - but push themselves as well. Mr. Z and the directors will be giving directions for when to run and when to walk. Students should do their best to keep going and follow those directions. The expectation during running is to keep moving - water breaks will be given at the end of the run. This is another reason it is important to hydrate. Mini camp is a bit like marching band boot camp! Remind your students not to be nervous - they'll still have fun! They should be encouraging to each other, and not complain, this is team building and important for building stamina!

8. Freeze solo cups - this sounds strange - but stay with me - the kids will need water in their large water jug. They will have their water outside with them throughout the day. Without ice in the water, it will warm up and just won’t be as refreshing. Someone long ago suggested freezing a solo cup full of water to make LARGE ice cubes for water jugs. This marching band tradition has been passed down to new band parents year after year. Here is the recipe: fill a solo cup most of the way full and freeze. The next morning you can take the ice block out of the cup and add it to the water bottle to keep the water nice and cold - even when the day gets really hot! You could also use empty yogurt containers or sour cream containers for making the ice cubes - it just depends what size block you want. As an alternative you could put ice in a cup, then add the water around it - the water will freeze around the ice cubes, then as it melts, the smaller cubes release into the water. Former band members have reported still having ice blocks in their water jugs at the end of the day after using the frozen solo cup ice.

7. Be on time! In marching band, if rehearsal starts at 9am - students need to be ready to start practice at 9am, NOT just arriving. If they're on time, they're late - plan on having your band member there by 8:45am at the latest! Give your band member some buffer to get to rehearsal early, get what they need, and walk to where they’re meeting. Sometimes they have to get stands from the band room, or retrieve instruments, speakers, flag bags, or other equipment for the day. It will be important for students to wake up early enough to eat something for breakfast (again - avoid dairy - it will NOT sit well). Some fruit, something high in protein, a breakfast burrito or a sandwich - breakfast will be essential - not eating breakfast before camp is like driving your car without fuel. Encourage your marcher to fuel their body with nutritious foods so that they feel good throughout the rehearsal!

6. Lunch for mini-camp is provided by our fabulous FEED THE BAND committee. Signups to donate items or to volunteer your time were sent out in a Band Update Email not that long ago. Please remember that students are only fed what parents volunteer to donate. If you haven’t donated - please check the sign up and contribute an item or two. These band members will be HUNGRY and we are so lucky to have Sandy Terbeek and Rachel Zondervan planning, organizing, preparing, serving, leading volunteers, and cleaning up meals for our kids! It's not a bad idea though to pack a healthy, non-sugary snack that is easy to eat quickly and won't be too affected by heat (trail mix, bananas, granola bars with no chocolate etc.) in case kids feel hungry before getting to the lunch break. The meals are fantastic. Students will enjoy fruits and vegetables, salads, a main course, dessert, and drinks. If your band member has a specific dietary need - they are accommodated. There are gluten free options and vegetarian options available for students who have let the committee know. There is also a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich station available every single time! If they don’t like the main course - they can go to the sandwich station and a volunteer will GLADLY prepare them a PB&J - they’ll have to take off their own crusts though! During the lunch break students have the option to sit where they want, with whomever they want - BUT most students do end up eating with their section. It’s a great opportunity to bond with the band members they will be with most of their time!

5. What to wear - what not to wear - I’m sure there will be many questions about this! If this were Family Feud I'd say I polled 100 Band parents and they were asked: What item should your student wear for marching band rehearsals - the number one answer would be: SUNSCREEN. That’s right, sunscreen, because “not getting sunburned is cool.” Even if it’s cloudy, even in the early part of the day - the sun is brutal - and there is such a thing as a band burn… There will still be unfortunate tan lines. This is a point of pride for the band members - but getting sunburnt is so uncool - or as the kids would say - it’s pretty cringe. In addition to sunscreen, your band member should wear comfortable clothing - band camp isn’t a fashion show - it’s a sports practice - you don’t need makeup and you should dress appropriately. You’ll want your hair up or off your neck. This is required for guard members! Students will be running, stretching, jumping, spinning, dancing, moving their body, and marching. Athletic shorts, ankle socks (again think tan lines), good athletic shoes, and a lightweight shirt would be good choices. Parents - don’t be surprised if you see band members without their shirts on, or in sports bras and shorts. They are working hard, and it gets VERY warm. Make sure students are putting sunblock on everywhere their skin might show during rehearsal! Band members will be able to remove their shirts during rehearsal when they’re on the practice field - but they will need to be covered up when moving through the school or around campus. Encourage your band member to wear a hat or sunglasses.
Another top answer from the veteran parents was DEODORANT. Hygiene is so so so important for everyone involved with our band. Our band does NOT stink - so neither should our band members! I recommend packing a spray deodorant in their backpack for reapplication throughout the day - I suggest spray because that’s definitely more hygienic to offer to a friend in need AND it won’t melt in their backpack! Please, no matter how tired your band member is - they should hit the showers immediately after getting home from rehearsal EVERYDAY. Wash their practice clothes - make sure they wear fresh socks! Students should also pay attention to spirit days - these are fun for everyone, a great bonding activity, and look great in photos!! Color guard has already designated spirit days for pre-camp - those have been posted in the band app! Your students should remember to check the band app specific for their section as this is often how leadership will communicate with them! They will want to check with their section leader to see if they are using the band app for communication.

4. Sleep is going to be important. Your band members will be more tired than you’ve probably ever seen them. Remember when they were really little and you’d take them to the park to run around and burn off some energy so they’d take a good nap? Band camp is this, but so much more intense - and your kid may come home acting like a bigger baby than they did when they were tiny. They’re going to be sore, dehydrated, hungry, and tired - and possibly stinky… When you pick them up, make sure the car is nice and cool, consider having a fresh bottle of water or a gatorade ready for them. Offer a protein based snack or hydrating fruit (cucumbers or grapes) and a healthy meal. Don’t fill up on fast food or heavy foods. This can be tricky - but make it a priority. Meal prep and planning ahead will make this a lot easier. Make sure they drink more water, send them to the shower, and then send them to bed. They will need to sleep, sleep, sleep so they can wake up refreshed for the second day.

3. Consider yourself warned - emotions will run high. On top of being tired and hungry, possibly sunburned, and sore - your band member will mentally be drained too. They may be grouchy with you. Don’t take it personally - just remind them to be respectful, then offer them a healthy snack and some water. Give them space to process. The first mini-camp my kids were involved in, I was SO excited for them - I took the first day of minicamp photos, and when I picked them up I asked so many questions - they were not having it. I didn’t get any information from them. Don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t respond like you’d expect them to! Give them time. They just need to process everything they have just experienced - especially if this is their first time participating in our "mini-camp." Once they are rested and fed, you probably won't be able to get them to stop talking about their experiences! I assure you, the directors, leadership, techs, and everyone involved with the band are there for your band members and looking out for their well being - they know that this band is going to be successful if everyone puts in the hard work. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. The training is tough - physically, mentally, and emotionally. This team is in it for the long haul, there is NOT instant gratification. Some will want to quit. Don’t let them. They’re committed to the season. The hard work pays off. Their efforts come together. The show gets better and better. The competitions start, and the results speak for themselves. Encourage them to get up and go again the next day. If something doesn’t seem right, have them talk to leadership, and reach out to other parents from your section (our numbers are in the paperwork!) Being a part of THE Jenison Marching Band is a rewarding experience for the students and their families alike. There’s a lot of pride. When you hear people mention their band family - they mean it. We are family. There are band parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, younger siblings, and alumni. The community supports our band. The administration in our high school/district supports our band. There is a strong bond between anyone connected to the band. Be proud that you're a part of this!

2. Remind your band members that they are a part of something big. They are joining a nationally recognized band. They are representing our entire community at a national level. Their habits as a member of the band start now. Be kind to each other. You’re all in this together. If someone is struggling - help them. If someone is complaining - listen and then encourage them. If you feel someone isn’t doing something the way they should be - remember that you can only control how you react to that. Be a leader. Lead by example. Don’t be the drama, don’t buy into the drama, don’t speak negatively toward others - hard work, dedication, positive attitude, respectfulness, trustworthiness, willingness to adapt - these are the attributes that a Jenison band member must have. The code of conduct for all band members was signed by both students and parents - please make sure that you’re adhering to this code! "Members will treat each other, staff members, and parent volunteers with courtesy and respect. The Jenison Marching Band strictly enforces a No Bullying policy. Bullying may include gossip, back talk, arguing, hate speech, physical confrontation, hazing, taunting and mocking." If there is an issue with this, please speak to leadership for your section, techs for your section, then directors. Bullying or disrespectful behavior/attitudes only weakens the strength of our team - parents this goes for you too! Be kind and encouraging with your words and actions toward other parents and their band members. Not everyone will be the best of friends, but we can still be civil and respectful of one another!

1. Lastly, I am really looking forward to this season - and I hope you are too. As always - don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions, sign up to volunteer, introduce yourself to other parents, and welcome to the family! Check back soon for another important blog post!

Kate Cummings-Ackerman
Band & Guard Mom
Connor - Baritone - Class of 2024 **Alumni are Amazing**
Hannah - Color Guard - Class of 2026 **GO SENIORS**
Gracelyn - Color Guard - Class of 2029 **WELCOME FRESHMAN!**
Wyatt - Future Band Member - Class of 2035 **As if he has a choice now!**

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Getting Started - Top 10 List of Things to Know

5/15/2025

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Top Ten Things to Know as a Jenison Marching Band Parent

10. Prepare yourself, your family, and your friends for a busy season ahead. Add dates to your calendar, set reminders of due dates for payments, forms, and orders, set aside time to read the weekly email and to read this blog. Want to hang out? Come join us, we will all be with the band!

9. The show is a work in progress all throughout the season. The directors will change, fine tune, adjust, take out, and add things in as the season goes on. The entire show will be learned in parts. At the start of the season, all the parts are not ready to go. This means that no two shows will be identical. Budget your time and funds to come to as many of the performances as you can! Remember, no recordings of the show can be posted online - it's best to come see it live!

8. Rehearsals during the week are on Monday and Tuesday nights. You should show up to the end of the rehearsals to see the "full run." It is a great chance to see your band member in action, to learn where they are on the field, and to get to know other band families. Don't be shy either, come introduce yourself and sit with us! Staying for the full run through is also a fantastic way to see for yourself why rehearsal might "end" at 9pm, but your marcher doesn't make it to the car until sometimes much later! (More to come on that soon!)

7. Marching Band is an investment, and needs equipment - like any other activity your marcher might find time to participate in, band members will need appropriate supplies. Quality tennis shoes and a BIG water jug for rehearsals are essential. Did you know that marchers RUN - like really run? They do stretching, conditioning, and strength building exercises during every rehearsal to develop stamina and endurance! They even have an entire, choreographed warm up routine that they do! You'll see that at the Community Performance at the end of band camp! It's amazing to see. (more on Band Camp in a later post!)

6. What on Earth does that mean? Trust me, you're going to hear words this year that you may have never heard before. If you're like me, your child will tell you things they need, or items that they have to remember - and you'll want Google translate to help you decipher what they are talking about. Quick lesson: dinkles are shoes, shakos are hats, plumes are feathers that stick out of the hats - and you can't touch those unless you're wearing gloves! Compression Gear is tight fitting garments worn under the uniforms in order to smooth and disguise the lines of the body. Band members wear compression gear with the Jenison logo under both the traditional uniform and show costume. When in show costume, they also wear a full bodysuit for an added layer of compression. Color Guard will have a set of Full Body Tights to wear, which has a similar use to the compression Gear. (Megan will send a link for that in the Band App - an platform used by color guard to communicate information that pertains only to guard). Dot Books are spiral bound notecards on which students write down their "dots" or where they are at any point in the performance. Silks are flags, Weapons include Rifles and Sabres that are spun and tossed and caught by the color guard. If you don't know what something means - it is okay to ask - we were all there once! Glossary of marching band terms - coming soon to a blog near you!

5. Did I mention that marching band is an investment? Be prepared for some sticker shock with entrance fees. The cost to enter a competition can be pricey - but remember that this cost is NOT to just see our band perform. This cost covers the cost of seeing potentially a full day of marching band performances. Many venues offer a family deal - (2 adults and kids under 18) for a discounted price! Each Invitational is a HUGE fundraiser for the hosting band. The ticket price helps to keep the costs of band lower overall! Have cash on hand, just in case, but most venues accept card or apple pay now as well. Some larger events like Regionals in Toledo, the State Competition and Grand Nationals will require tickets to be purchased online. (More to come on those events soon!)

4. Order a show shirt and/or a show sweatshirt. Wear the show shirt to competitions! Some of us go so far as to find fun accessories to coordinate with the show - earrings, headbands, hats, shoes, cardigans, even some years - fancy pants! (None of this is required - but it sure is fun!) The show shirts, for parents, help us find each other. If you see a Jenison Band Show Shirt - sit with us, or invite that person to sit with you! We are your people, and you are now ours! If you don't have a shirt - you definitely should get one. There will be a couple of opportunities to order. Order on the first opportunity so that you have your shirt for the first competition. Trust me, you'll wear it so much, it will pay for itself in no time!

3. If you haven't already - join the Jenison Marching Band Parents 2025 Facebook group page. This is a great place to ask questions, share advice, introduce yourself, get reminders, find information about fundraisers, and links for ticket sales. Some of the very talented photographers in the group share their AMAZING photos throughout the season. They generously post them to share for everyone to enjoy.

2. As the season gets started - ENCOURAGE your band members to Keep showing up - even when things get hard. The season can be exhausting. There is a period of adjustment for the marchers and the adults. Be patient with each other and it will get better - AND it is totally worth it! Encourage your band members to attend their SECTION parties - don't just encourage them - send them. Give them permission to go. These are great social events for new marchers to get to know the other members of their section. They bond with upperclassmen, and their peers alike. (Who knows, maybe they will find a section leader who drives and can bring them home when they've forgotten something!) Encourage your band members to have fun and work hard. Praise their hard work, compliment their drive to achieve great things. We are their biggest fans and they should know it. I find myself bragging about our marching band and their hard work to anyone who will listen!

1. If you are looking for one of the fastest ways to meet other band families who are welcoming and generous with their time and talents, AND also looking for a way to get a peek inside the inner workings of the band - have I got a suggestion for you... VOLUNTEER! Watch the weekly email for links to SIGN UP GENIUS to select opportunities that work best for you. There will be plenty and you can earn $100 off your band fees by completing 10 volunteer credits. There are MANY ways to help out throughout the season - one of the first and most frequent opportunities is with FEED THE BAND. This is exactly what it sounds like - you show up, and help serve a well balanced meal to the entire band, color guard, front ensemble, tech crew, drum majors, and directors! Sandy Terbeek and Rachel Zondervan co-chair this committee and they handle the main courses - but everything else that the band eats is donated by parents like us! If you can't donate your time - please contribute food items! (These will also be on a sign up genius sent out in the emails). Donations can be made in the form of GFS gift cards - all monetary donations are used to purchase sides for meals, snacks for bus rides, and bottled waters for football games and competition days. Feeding and watering these hard working teenagers are not easy tasks and it takes everyone contributing for it to work!

Looking forward to meeting all of you this season! Reach out if you have any questions!

Kate Cummings-Ackerman

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A Love Letter to Marching Band – From One Thankful Parent

5/6/2025

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I never expected to fall in love with marching band. I didn’t play an instrument, couldn’t tell a sousaphone from a saxophone, and I definitely didn’t know what “Dinkles” were. But somewhere between the early morning practices, the long competition days, and the endless hours volunteering—I found something extraordinary. Marching band gave me more than just a calendar full of events. It gave me a place. A purpose. A community. Through it, I formed forever friendships with fellow band parents—people who became my travel buddies, rock painters and sideline cheerleaders. Together we laughed, worried and held hands as scores were announced. We bonded over the shared joy of watching “our” kids—whether they held an instrument, a flag, or a drumstick—transform into something greater than the sum of their parts. It pulled me into my children’s high school years in a way I never imagined possible. I got to see the world they were part of, the friends they cherished, and the directors they looked up to. I learned their language: shakos, blacks, dot books, pit, BOA. Words that once meant nothing now stir emotion in me. They are part of our story. And with every performance, as the band took the field, I felt it: pride. The kind that puts a lump in your throat and brings tears to your eyes. Because I saw the sweat, the sacrifice, the discipline, and the drive it took to create those awe-inspiring shows. I witnessed the directors push for greatness, the students rise to meet impossible challenges, and the magic that unfolded under stadium lights. Jenison Marching Band gave me the greatest gift of all—it let me be there. It gave me a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful moments of my children’s teenage years. And in doing so, it gave me memories I’ll hold forever.

To marching band, thank you. I thought I was signing up to help with the invitational, booster meetings, dying gloves, emails and this blog—but I found much more. I found a family. I found joy. And I found pride, every single time the band stepped onto that field.

To Sue, thank you for being the official “band mom” in taking care of our kids. Thank you for the COUNTLESS hours you have given and still do to this organization. Yes, you may be behind the scenes but this band would come to a grinding halt without your steady presence and organization. Love you friend.

To our directors, Dave, Seth and Linus, I want to sincerely thank you for the incredible impact you’ve had on our children’s lives. Your dedication, encouragement, and passion for music have not only developed their talent but also deepened their love for music in ways that words can hardly express. You've helped shape them into a more confident, disciplined, and inspired individual, and for that, I’m truly grateful.

To my Owen and Ian — thank you for letting Dad and me be part of your marching band journey. From early mornings to late-night competitions, every moment has been a memory we’ll treasure forever. Watching you grow, perform, and lead has filled us with so much pride. We are endlessly proud of you, we love you fiercely, and we will always be your biggest cheerleaders.

PEACE OUT JMB! We will continue to cheer you on.

Keri Roth

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Grand Nationals, Here We Come

11/10/2024

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It’s here! Grand Nationals is the highlight of the band season for many families. There is just so much to do in between watching our band. Here are some ideas:
My family enjoys stopping at Wilson’s Farm Market, right outside of Carmel. They have an amazing selection of fresh baked goods, bulk food, canned jams, jellies, relishes, pickles and an impressive deli. We like to stop on the way down to get some snacks for the hotel room and then on the way back too. I think we will bring a cooler this time to bring home pies and other ready to bake goodies. Side note, they have an incredible bulk candy section.
Wilsons Farm Market: 1720 E 256th St, Arcadia, IN 46030
https://www.facebook.com/wilsonfarmmarket

Within walking distance of Lucas Oil is Shapiros Deli. Shapiro's Delicatessen is a family-owned Jewish deli in Indianapolis, Indiana, known for its sandwiches, fried chicken, and stuffed cabbage. The deli has been a staple in the Indianapolis food scene for over 100 years. Their bakery has some amazing desserts.

https://shapiros.com/indianapolis-stadium-village-babe-denny-shapiro-s-delicatessen-food-menu

The weekend we are in Indy, there is a holiday mart at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
https://www.indianastatefair.com/events/2024/junior-league-holiday-mart2

There is also a fun looking exhibit at the Eitejorg Museum. Jingle Rails, a holiday train exhibit. This is right downtown Indy.
https://eiteljorg.org/exhibitions/jingle-rails/

There is always the Children's Museum of Indy. They have a special WinterFaire Exhibit right now that looks cool.
https://www.childrensmuseum.org/

30 minutes from Indy is Fishers. There are some fun places to visit there as well:

IKEA in Fishers: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/stores/fishers/
TopGolf: https://topgolf.com/us/fishers/
Adrenaline Family Adventure: https://adrenalineactionpark.com/
Connor Prarie: https://www.connerprairie.org/

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Marching Band Do's & Do Not's

9/15/2024

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Coming off from our incredibly successful Regionals performance, I thought it would be a good idea to share some reminders for those of you who are new band parents, and for those of us who have done this for a while.
Marching band has etiquette recommendations for competitions. Jenison Marching Band has high standards for their students as well as their parents and families. Here is some helpful “rules”. These rules apply any time you are watching a band performance, including football games, after football games, exhibitions, and of course contests.

RULE #1: Please leave all noisemakers at home. This is extremely important at all Marching Competitions. They may distract the performers and could even impact a band's score if the judge is unable to hear the music. Cheering and applause are fine during a performance and may be especially appropriate after a solo or when the band or color guard achieves a particularly striking effect. Music judges are almost always outside of the press box near the center of the stadium. If you are sitting directly below this area, please be extremely aware of your noise level throughout our performance and the entire competition.

RULE #2: Please refrain from talking in the stands while ANY band is performing. It is important to realize that although it is fun to visit with family and friends during a competition, it is unfair to distract other spectators from enjoying the show. This is true at any performance, including a marching band performance. Be respectful of all other spectators and hopefully they will extend you the same courtesy.

RULE #3: Please turn off (or at least put on vibrate) your cell phone. If you receive a call during a performance, please wait until that performance is over before returning the call

RULE #4: Please don’t get up to leave or come into the stands during a performance. This is especially distracting to the band on the field and those around you. Please do that in between performances. Most competitions will have monitors to prevent exit and entry, but if they don't, please stay put.

RULE #5: EVERY band that takes the field deserves our absolute attention and respect. We applaud every band that takes the field. Remember, those kids have worked just as hard as yours and they deserve it!

RULE #6: Please don’t speak poorly of other bands in the stands, even if you didn’t like their performance. Those other parents around you might be the parents or friends of the kids in the band you were just talking about. Always keep a positive attitude regarding EVERY band. Band is a family even in competition. Negative comments can reflect poorly on the entire Jenison Band program.

Rule #7: Please don’t use anything in the stands that could block any spectator’s vision. Please avoid standing in front of people trying to watch the show. If you have a banner to display, try to do so from the top of the stands or in some way that others can still see the bands. Also do not use large umbrellas, hats etc that will block the vision of other spectators.

Rule #8: Do not allow children to play in the stands and distract other spectators. Obviously, children are the future of this activity. It is good for them to see why big brother and big sister are always at practice and are not at home. However for their safety and as a courtesy to others they should not be allowed to run up and down steps and play in the aisles so others may enjoy the show.

Below are examples of what NOT to wear or use at competitions:

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Notre Dame Architecture

8/24/2024

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Notre-Dame Cathedral’s Rose Windows

The most notable of Notre-Dame de Paris’ stained-glass windows are its three rose windows. The rose windows are set in the north, south, and west facades of the cathedral. The south rose window, also called the “midday rose” was given to Notre-Dame Cathedral by the king of France Saint Louis IX. The rose windows of the cathedral have a diameter of 32-feet, wider than the length of a London bus. Many of the exquisite stained glass windows date to the 13th century. Sitting directly opposite the south rose window is the north rose window, also constructed around 1250. It is the only rose window that still contains most of its original glass from the 13th century. It depicts Mary enthroned holding the Christ Child, surrounded by kings and prophets from the Old Testament. The colors of the south and north rose windows were thoughtfully chosen, taking into consideration the effect of sunlight hitting the cathedral at different times of the day. The south rose window boasts more reds while the north rose window contains more blues. The west rose window is found above the entrance of Notre-Dame de Paris. The oldest window, originally completed around 1225, none of the original glass survives today.

During World War II, they were removed for safety and reinstalled after the war. The Stained-Glass Windows after the Fire Fortunately, all the stained-glass windows survived the fire in April 2019. They will undergo much needed restoration to repair smoke and lead damage, and wear-and-tear incurred over decades of weathering. When Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens to the public, these windows will once again cast a vibrant glow over the cathedral’s interior.

Flying Buttresses

Notre-Dame Cathedral's flying buttresses are particularly remarkable and serve as a prime example of Gothic engineering. A total of 28 flying buttresses encircle the cathedral's apse and choir, with an additional two at the transepts. The cathedral's initial flying buttresses were incorporated during the 13th century when the concept was still relatively novel.
Notre-Dame’s flying buttresses are not just functional, but also visually striking. They gracefully frame the cathedral's exterior and contribute to the overall design's sense of balance and harmony. Each buttress is adorned with intricate sculptures and ornamental detailing, including statues of saints, angels, and biblical figures. The artistic quality and craftsmanship of these decorative elements further accentuate the flying buttresses' visual appeal.
Notre-Dame Cathedral's flying buttresses have proven their durability over time and even played a crucial role in the building's survival during the devastating fire in April 2019. The fire caused significant damage to the cathedral's roof and spire, but the flying buttresses remained mostly intact, helping to prevent the collapse of the entire structure. Since then, these remarkable supports have been a vital part of the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts.

Bells

There are 10 bells at Notre-Dame, all named after Saints. Marie, Emmanuel, Gabriel, Anne-Genevieve, Denis, Marcel, Etienne, Benoit-Joseph, Maurice, and Jean-Marie.
Most of the original bells from the cathedral were melted to make cannons during the French Revolution. New bells were not installed in the cathedral until the mid-19th century.
The South tower is home to the largest bell, Emmanuel, installed in 1638. Weighing in at 13-tonnes, it’s clapper alone weighs 1,100 lbs.
The bells survived the fire in April 2019 and today are still hanging in the bell towers as the cathedral undergoes restoration. They are undergoing cleaning and were rung on the 1-year anniversary of the fire.

The Fire

On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out under the eav and burned until the next morning Tuesday, April 16. Fire engulfed the spire and most of the roof. Thankfully, firefighters were able to control the blaze, saving the main structure including the bell towers and rose windows. Nobody was injured, and the Catholic relics housed in the cathedral and priceless works of art were rescued and brought to safety.
The cathedral is officially scheduled to reopen on December 8, 2024.
Though it was not be ready in time for the Summer Olympic in Paris, as was initially desired, visitors to the French capital can once again see Notre Dame's towering spire following the recent removal of the surrounding scaffolding.

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