Welcome to FC Bands!
Welcome to the Franklin Central Band family! Being a new member of the family can feel a little overwhelming, so we've tried to give you all the information you need to get you started.
The links to the right will take you all sorts of places! Check them out! New Parent FAQsWe all had lots of questions coming into the FC Bands program. Here are some of the top things we wanted to know!
Marching Band 1. How much does marching band cost? You can plan for anywhere between $850 - $1,000. This fee covers staff, show design, uniforms, shoes, pictures, contest entry fees, bus rental, etc. 2. That is a lot of money. How can I pay for this? We have a payment schedule that begins in May/June and goes through October to help lessen the impact. There are also LOTS of opportunities for fundraising, both for the band as a whole (which helps keep all of our fees down) and for your individual student. The sooner you start, the easier it will be to cover. 3. What is the time commitment for my student? Practices are held after school most days of the week (schedules vary based on section) plus all day on Saturdays. The length of those days vary based on whether or not it is a competition day. Rehearsal start times are different from arrival times. Your student should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the start time to ensure they are ready to start! We also hold 2 week-long band camps (1 in July, 1 in October) throughout the season. 4. What is the time commitment for me? That will depend on your involvement. We have a volunteer commitment for our 5 hosted events throughout the year (not just during marching season). Those will require a half day each. In addition, we have we have all types of groups to connect with during the season... props, food, uniforms, spirit, chaperones, etc. This gives you the chance to be around your student and their friends and be part of this fantastic family! Secret: they really do want you around even if they don't say so. 5. Are there any other costs I should plan for? Yes! a. Competitions We are a competitive marching band and I'll bet you'd like to see what all this time and hard work produces! We compete in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) circuit in Open class and the Bands of America (national) circuit in class AAAA. Admission to those events varies. ISSMA events average $8, while the BOA events are closer to the $20-$30 range. Your student will probably also like to have money for the concession stands at these competitions (plan for ~$10/event depending on how hungry they are!). b. Swag Each show will have its own logo printed on t-shirts, hoodies, long sleeve t's, hats, etc. We wear the show shirts to competitions so everyone knows who we're cheering for! The students get 1 shirt included with their fees as well as a show patch for their letter jacket. Swag has a wide range depending on apparel type. ($12 - $45-ish) We also make Spirit Buttons for you to wear! It will picture your student with that season's show logo. Buttons are $3 each. |
Questions? Ask@fcbands.org |