​Almost everybody likes cookies. In fact, an estimated 7 billion chocolate chip cookies are consumed per year. That’s 7,000,000,000 of only one type of cookie. Half of those were made at home and the other half were purchased ready-to-eat.
 
Supposedly, we eat 35,000 cookies in our lifetime. This number includes all types of cookies. If we live to the average life expectancy of an American, we would consume 1.2 cookies every single day.
 
That’s a lot of cookies. So, would you be surprised if you learned there were not one but two specialty cookie stores in Bowling Green? That’s right! The Cookie Jar and Insomnia Cookies are both located downtown, which is about 1.5 miles from the stadium. Their website links are:
     https://www.facebook.com/TheCookieJarBG/
     https://insomniacookies.com/locations/store/40
 
THE COOKIE JAR
This small local store has a lot of school spirit. It just turned 12 years old. It’s located in an old storefront with lots of creaks and character. Inside, it has one of the most unique collections of cookie jars for sale I’ve ever seen. The cookies are delicious and best when fresh and warm. In addition to their usual menu selection, they have specialty cookie that changes every day. The Cookie Jar will also deliver cookies to campus and around town.
 
INSOMNIA COOKIES
Literally one block away from their rival is Insomnia Cookies. This store is part of a nationwide chain, so they have chosen to present a more modern looking store front. They, too, have a changing menu item in addition to their usual selection. Deliveries to students and locals are also an option with them. The cool thing about this chain is that they tend to build near college campuses, so if your student attends another university, there may be a chance Insomnia is nearly. You can call in an order and have it delivered to your student as late as 3 am.
 
So, when you are at the BOA Regional in Bowling Green, look one of these up, and head on over with some friends. Split the cost of a box of cookies and you won’t be sorry. Is one better than the other? Well, I will leave the taste testing to you. Just leave a comment on this blog so we can all hear what you think. Just be aware that these cookies are not priced like a local bake sale. It feels pricey when it’s so easy to make them at home, but it’s a fun experience. It’s okay to treat yourself once in a while, right?

This Regional is the fifth one of the Bands of America (BOA) season already. There are sixteen more to be held after Bowling Green. They occur all over the country but Jenison only attends one of these each year. In the not too distant past, they were held at the Pontiac Silverdome. They were moved to Toledo in 2013 and every couple of years it drifts slightly south to Bowling Green. 
 
CONSTRUCTION
The city of Bowling Green has decided to do some work on the I-75 bridge. The exit ramp from I-75 to Bowling Green should be unaffected. The on-ramp to I-75 North is a right-hand circle ramp and was still open a couple of weeks ago. I would expect the only delays would be in leaving town as the bridge will only have one lane each direction. This is nothing to panic about but you should expect to see the orange barrels.
 
PARKING
Parking is a premium on any college campus. The parking lot used for the basketball arena (Stroh Center) has been reserved for event parking. It is a short walk to the stadium. To get to this parking lot, review the map in the Music For All website.

(http://www.musicforall.org/images/PDFs/2018/Fall/Bowling_Green_Final_Packet/v2_18_BGSU_Site_Overview_Map.pdf)

This map will direct you around the building to a back entrance. The entrance from the main road (Wooster) will be blocked off. Parking here will cost $10 per space. If you leave the lot to find something to eat you may have to repay the $10. There may be alternate parking at the Ice Arena without having to pay. This lot is not heavily used except during Saturday events. It is shown on the map as well. You can find it in the upper left quadrant. If everything is full, you should be able to park in student, commuter, and staff lots. In the past, the university has allowed this on the weekend for visiting parents and families.
 
TICKETS
Ticket prices are $18 for Prelim’s and another $18 for Finals if these are purchased separately. If you want to attend both and save a few bucks, purchase the all-day pass for $27. Historically, Jenison makes it into finals, however, this cannot ever be guaranteed.
 
MERCHANDISE
Within the gates of the stadium there are tables of items being sold. They range from t-shirts and sweatshirts to buttons and patches. There are usually some other misc items as well. BGSU will have table there with some of their band members in case you have any questions about the school.
 
BETWEEN PRELIM'S & FINALS
After Prelim’s conclude and the bands are announced for Finals, you will be required to leave the stadium. You will also have to take your belongings with you as seats cannot be saved for Finals. You do not have to move your car out of the parking lot – as far as I know. This is not usually required. Plan on returning in time for the first performance because it will take some time before we are informed when Jenison will be on the field.
 
FOOD NEAR STADIUM
When you are hungry, there are lots of places to eat across the street from the stadium. Directly across from the Stroh Center parking lot is:
     Waffle House
     Big Boy
     Buffalo Wild Wings
     Starbucks
To their left (closer to I-75) is:
     Burger King
     Subway
     Penn Station
Further left, beyond Speedway, is:
     Bob Evans
     Frickers
To the right of Waffle House is:
     Tim Hortons
     Wendy’s
     McDonalds
 
FOOD NEAR DOWNTOWN
Much further down that direction is the edge of campus and the beginning of the downtown district. It is still within walking distance, but is still about a mile away. In this area, there is:
     Subway
     Pizza Pub 516
     Taco Bell
     Jimmy Johns
     The Stone’s Throw
     and more
 
FOOD IN DOWNTOWN
Downtown is at the crossroads of Wooster and Main Street. In the map below, the downtown area is where the directions to Walmart turn south onto Main Street. Local restaurants that can be found here:
     Beckett’s Burger
     Call of the Canyon Café
     Easy Street Café
     Two Foxes Gastropub
     Pisanello’s Pizza
     Sam B’s
 
FOOD NEAR WALMART
If you turn left on Main, you are heading south toward Walmart. You would need to drive here as it’s about 3 miles away.  The map below shows the easiest way. Restaurant’s near this store are:
     Pizza Hut
     McDonalds
     Wendy’s
     Falcon
     Pagliai’s Pizza buffet
     Burger King
 
SHOPPING & FOOD IN PERRYSBURG
If you would like to shop, in addition to Wal-Mart, there is a Meijer near campus. It’s just on the other side of I-75 (upper right corner of map). The nearest mall is in Toledo. To shop in Perrysburg, follow I-75 north from Bowling Green. Continue north past the I-475 exit and the road will curve to the right. Take the first exit past this, US-20/23. Shopping and restaurants are to the right. There is:
     Cracker Barrel
     Chipotle
     Panera
     Chick-fil-A
     IHOP
     Chili’s
     Sonic
     Five Guys
     and all the other usual fast food places
 
One more thing! If you eat out at one of the local restaurants, leave us a comment on the blog and let us know what you thought of it.
 
If you missed the August blog entry on this competition, use the archive link on the right side of your screen to find it. If you have any additional questions, the following link will take you to the website for the Regional.
(http://www.musicforall.org/what-we-do/boa-marching-championships/regionals/bands-of-america-northwest-ohio-regional-championship-presented-by-yamaha)

As we prepare for our first competition this weekend, there are some pretty basic and commonsense rules for spectators. Unfortunately, over the last few years, we have noticed a substantial drop in proper audience etiquette. We’ve seen it everywhere, including theater productions, choir concerts, orchestra and band concerts, and even sports competitions. This is increasingly frustrating to me. A couple of years at a college football game, my family witnessed a fistfight because of this lack of etiquette, which is really a lack of respect for others. An audience is a very important part of marching band. Although each spectator may be there for different reasons, in the end, they are there to watch at least one performance. Everyone deserves the chance to be able to see that one performance without being surrounded by distraction and drama. So, to that end, here are some tips for us all to remember:
 

1. Respect the BANDS
2. Respect the VOLUNTEERS
3. Respect the PEOPLE around you

 
It’s really that simple. But these categories can be broken down a whole lot more. The following lists will do this, and the entries are not in any particular order. The first list is a list of things to do and the second list is what not to do.
 
                                                                               DO’s

• DO APPLAUD – Support each band in the competition. Applaud for them as they take the field. During the performance, there are certain parts where you will hear their parents cheering from the stands. Go ahead and join in. Applaud once more after they conclude their performance. Remember that applause is the only feedback available to a band from the spectators. If you have ever watched a struggling performance be bolstered by supportive applause and turn into an improved performance, you understand how important this feedback is.
• DO SALUTE – If the competition you are attending sends the band in front of the spectators on their way off out of the stadium, this is called passing in review. Stand and applaud as the entire band marches by. Make sure to include applause for the color guard, which usually follows in the back of the processional.
• DO WATCH – You will enjoy the experience a lot more if you watch each performance instead of play on a cell phone. There is a lot going on. It’s intended to be entertaining. Don’t forget to watch the different elements in the show. There’s percussion, front ensemble, guard, drum majors, and the different sections of the band. Even if you have seen a show before, most bands are making changes every week – just like Jenison does.
• DO ENGAGE – Talk to the people around you and learn where they are from and what they do for their band. Most band parents are friendly and proud, just like Jenison parents. They will share stories of overcoming struggle and finding accomplishment. When their child performs, learn where they are in position and cheer them on. It really makes these events more personal and enjoyable when you know a little more than our own Jenison bubble.
• DO BUY SOMETHING – Just like at Jenison, the bulk of a bands operating income is generated through the Invitational. Buy a program at the very least. These will provide the night’s schedule and you might find some of the ad’s are useful. The concessions are a great way to get a snack or eat your supper. The money raised from this will also help the hosting band.
• DO COME EARLY – For the first competition you attend, please go very early. Don’t try and sneak in right before Jenison performs. We’ve seen this happen at our own Invitational, and those parents get very upset when we won’t let them into the stadium stands. Parking is always busy and walking to the ticket booth will take some time. Waiting to get into the stands will take some time. Finding a seat that you like will take some time. It all adds up, so take some stress away and just go early.
• DO DRESS APPROPRIATELY – Wear the show shirt if you have one. If not, wear Jenison gear. As it gets colder, make sure to wear warmer clothing, even if it hides your show shirt. Blankets are allowed. Umbrellas are allowed, but they are awfully rude to the people behind you, who get the water shed and a blocked view. It’s much better to wear rain gear.

 
                                                                               ​DO NOT’s

• NO TALKING – Be courteous to those around you during a performance and do not carry on a conversation. Making comments frequently happen between companions, but do these as a whisper in an ear instead of using a normal voice. If you have small children who like to talk a lot, this may not be the best place for them to be.
• NO RINGTONES – Likewise, please turn your cell phone to vibrate so no one can hear it. If it rings during a performance, please ignore it and maybe send a text that you will call them back in a few minutes.
• NO STANDING – During a performance, there is no standing and moving around. Please stay seated and save your stretching until in between performances. Besides, no one can leave or enter the stands while a performance is going on. This rule of etiquette extends to small children. They need to remain seated as well. If you have active children who find it difficult to sit still, this may not be easy for them.
• NO NEGATIVITY – Never, ever boo a band or group on the field. This will get you tarred and feathers by other spectators. Likewise, do not make insensitive comments about band members or the band as a whole. Obviously there will be shows you don’t enjoy or are confused by. Observations during a conversation can be made without being negative. Always look for something positive to say about these performances. Most of these bands have worked very hard to get the show together, so let’s respect that. I know we have had parents struggle with the Reeths-Puffer competitive rivalry, but my experiences with their students and parents has overwhelmingly been positive. They have been good losers and happy but respectful winners. Since R-P is no longer in our Flight, it will be easier to cheer them on.
• NO NOISE MAKERS – It is considered inappropriate to use air horns, whistles, bells, and other loud noise makers. Simply let your clapping and vocal expressions be your noise makers.
• NO VIDEO – This one is kind of sensitive for people. Generally, at an invitational, you can take video on your phone or other recording device UNLESS they announce that this is not allowed. They will announce often if this is the case. There are some simple things to consider when recording. You might get away with using a monopod, but tripods tend to draw attention and ire. When recording, try not to block the view of the people behind you, especially if they have a student in the same band. NEVER post your video online during the season. Never record another schools performance. The larger events like Regionals, States, and Nationals will enforce the no recording rule. If they see you, they make force you to delete the footage and have the option to escort you out.

  
So, what caused that fistfight at a college game? A sports enthusiast who didn’t give a hoot for the band stood and was stretching during half-time. No big deal on its own, but the guy behind him was only there to see his student perform in the halftime show as part of the marching band. If you respect other people, even a little, this seems like a pretty easy thing to resolve. In the end, neither was allowed to finish halftime as they were both forced to leave the stadium. I wouldn’t want to be the guy having to tell his kid what happened.

​Pictures of our kids in costume near some props are bound to get posted to the many social media outlets available to us. We’re proud of our kids and excited for this year’s show. Progress feels solid and our excitement builds with it. Now comes the bad part…please do not, under any circumstances, post audio or video to any website during the season. This may make you bristle but there are very good reasons.
 
First, there’s the obligatory legal reason of copyright infringement.
 
Second, and dearer to all of our hearts, is the competitive edge that can be lost. Most bands don’t get the chance to see each other perform much, so they don’t know how hard to work or if drill should be changed. Keeping it this way is helpful for our hardworking students.
 
Third, there may be some judges out there who might preview shows if they can be found online. This can seriously impact their scoring of us due to preconceived ideas. I don’t think this probably happens, but why take the risk?
 
This “rule” of keeping video from leaking to the general public is very important to our Directors. They are counting on us to keep it this way. Thank you!

Our first local invitational is almost here! If this is your first year involved in band, then you probably have a lot of questions. It’s good to understand that any MCBA competition (invitational) occurs on a Saturday.  Competitions are a lot of fun and very well attended. The schedule below will be generally true for all of them but the times will change depending on when Jenison performs.
 
MORNING
Its business as usual with Saturday practice beginning at 9:00 am.
 
LUNCH
Lunch break is typically the same as other practice Saturdays, around 12 noon. Lunch is not provided to the students for local competition days so they will need to pack one or have one dropped off to them. Students with vehicles can leave campus to get their lunch.
 
AFTERNOON
Depending on when they are scheduled to perform combined with the distance to the location and the weather conditions, rehearsal may continue for a bit of time following lunch. However, some of the afternoon will be spent packing up the equipment, loading the trailers, changing into their uniforms, and getting ready to board the buses. For local competitions, school buses are regularly used. The more comfortable coach buses are saved for BOA competitions and State Finals.
 
DINNER
The entire band will be fed the evening meal through the Feed the Band committee. Sign-Up Genius has lists of what food items are needed for each meal provided. Please consider helping fill these needs.
 
COMPETITION
Once the buses arrive at the competition, they will be given instructions on what to do regarding equipment, instruments, etc. They will warm up, perform, and then go to their assigned area for awards. After the ceremony is finished, they will head back to their buses and return to Jenison high school. There is no opportunity for interaction between you and your student.
 
FOR THE SPECTATORS…
 
WHEN TO ARRIVE
If you are going to watch the competition, be sure to arrive a minimum of a half hour before Jenison performs so there is time to find parking, walk to the stadium, and find a seat. Jenison is usually one of the last two or three bands to perform before the awards ceremony, but you are going to want to watch more than this. Stadium seating fills up pretty fast. If you have cushioned seats to sit on, they have been allowed into these events in the past, so I would assume this will continue.
 
TICKET PRICING
Ticket pricing will likely be $8-$10 per person. Programs will cost an additional $1-$3.
 
SEATING
During a competition, there are only certain times that you can go find a seat. Once a marching band is on the field, you may only have a couple of minutes to sneak in to find a seat. The entry to the seating area will be roped off to prevent unwanted distractions for the band on the field. If you do not allow enough time to get in there and find a seat, please do not take your frustration out on the volunteer parent blocking the entry. It is not their fault. After the band has concluded their performance and begin to clear the field, the ropes will open once again. There will probably be a line to get in and this line will run into a bunch of people trying to clear out of the stands to use the bathroom or get some concessions. Remember to be courteous as you are representing Jenison and our marching band. Other band parents notice when a school representative is not behaving complimentary. When you see the bleachers you will notice pockets of Jenison parents here and there because it’s nearly impossible to all sit together. If the stands look pretty full, then you may have to sit closer to the field and the fifty yard line. This is usually the least populated area since visibility is at its lowest. But, there is no rule that says you can’t move seats between band performances.
 
AWARDS
The awards ceremony is what we live for. Well, the scores are anyway. Each band will send representatives to the field while the remainder of the band stays in their designated area. These reps will accept any awards on behalf of the school they represent. The scores are always presented from the lowest to the highest per flight with caption awards spaced intermittently. You will notice a few interesting things if you haven’t been to a competition before. Each school has a routine salute that is performed. This is done before each performance begins and also each time a band receives an award. Examples can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2uCVL82Geo. Please control your reactions because you never know if their parents are sitting nearby. In contrast, Jenison performs the traditionally respected salute. Another thing to know is that Jenison band members will not break into applause, cheering for themselves when they receive an award. Do not be fooled, as they are very excited, but out of respect for their competitors they will not celebrate in front of them. Parents, however, can cheer all they want.
 
RETURNING HOME
As you can imagine, getting out of any high school football stadium parking is a nightmare. There are lots of people and some of them have run out of patience. Be watchful while crossing any paved area. Pay attention to the parking lot attendants. They are there (hopefully) to help the pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow. They will stop all spectators to allow school buses unhindered access to the exit. Don’t panic. If the band makes it back before you do, they still have to do some things before they can leave. So, it’s not a big deal. You will be able to pick them up at the pool entrance.
 
Well, enjoy these competitions. Enjoy the variety of music and themes. Make sure to tell a volunteer parent thank you. They work hard to make it more enjoyable for us.
 
If you would like to nose around the MCBA website, go to:
​ http://www.themcba.org/theMCBA.org/Welcome.html
 
For a very detailed explanation of the rules, scoring, and such, review the MCBA by-laws at:
http://www.themcba.org/theMCBA.org/Organization_files/Rules_SOP_Sheets%202018.pdf