MMMB - Stands for Marquette Mustangs Marching Band. MMMB includes percussion (pit and battery), winds (brass and woodwind instruments), and color guard.

Band Boosters- an organization made up of parents that fundraise and support the marching band.

Volunteer- We can’t do it without you. Volunteer and come to the band booster meetings.  You will be asked to commit time, energy, and sometimes simple donations. No experience is necessary; there are tasks that require specific skills, but most opportunities do not, and you are bound to find something you enjoy doing. Getting involved in the marching band program will give you the opportunity to share with your child the last few years of their education. Plan to attend as many Booster meetings as you can. They are a great source of information.

Fees- Marching band fees help pay for band camp, band banquet, Eighth Grade Night, equipment, competition fees, advertisement, professional services, transportation, and clinicians. The art programs are given a minimum amount of money from the school district and we, the parents, need to help make up the difference.

The Black Box- An actual black box where you can turn in forms and money. It is a large metal box that sits on the floor. Walk through the band room doors and it is in the corner on your left.

Student Account– this is an individual account that is set up for each member of MMMB. There are individual fundraisers held throughout the year. The profits from what your child sells go into his/her account and you can use this money for the child’s marching band fees, trips, etc.

Football Games- A great place for the band to practice their show for an audience while in
uniform. All parents are required to help at one football game. You can help with moving pit equipment to and from the football field or props (putting together, moving to and from the football field, and holding up). You are not limited to helping only once, you can help at more than one football game if you like.

Football Program Ad– You can purchase a Football Program Ad (handed out at the April meeting or emailed at a later date). This is an ad that will be printed in the MHS Football Program so you can give a shout-out to the MMMB or to your child.

Competitions- All parents are required to help at one competition. You can help with moving pit equipment to and from the football field or props (putting together, moving to and from the football field, and holding up). You are not limited to helping only once, you can help at more than one competition if you like. If you are not helping, you can sit in the stands with other MMMB parents to cheer the kids on. Competitions last all day. The show is not done when they go to their first competition. Each competition will have a little more of the show added to it. By the last competition, the entire show will be performed – so don’t miss it! Bring with you (or keep in your car): warm clothing/blanket, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if it is sunny, stadium seats or something to sit on, Cash for the admission fee, concession food, and souvenirs.

Wounded Warrior Benefit– this is an event held at St. Alban’s Country Club in late September that some of the marching band members (winds and battery) attend. This is during the morning on a school day. The band performs the National Anthem before the Wounded Warrior Golf Benefit begins.

MMMB Car Decals- Sold in the school store. They are behind the counter, just ask one of the wonderful parent volunteers for them.

Band Banquet – Held at the end of the school year.

You will feel overwhelmed and have questions. The time commitment appears very overwhelming, but it truly isn’t as bad as it looks and the marching season goes by quickly. Ask any current MMMB parent and they will be more than happy to help you out. Remember that you are not alone. All of the rides, time, and effort that as a parent you put into getting your child to and from practices are worth every second. Your child may get discouraged at first. There is a lot of repetition, hot sweaty days, failures, and disappointments. Oncethe show starts to come together, everything changes. This is the point where your child will fully love marching band! Most of the kids adore marching band by the end of the season, so make them tough it out for the whole season. (It will be worth it.)  If you can push past the confusion and the chaos, you will get hooked like the rest of us. There is no way to describe how amazing this experience can be, but if you get involved you will find out for yourself.