Band Competition Etiquette 101

"BAND-FANS-IN-STANDS" Guidelines

We are Ambassadors of the

Rancocas Valley Regional High School

Our actions in the stands are directly related to the hard work and PRIDE of each of our kids marching on the field.  When attending performances and competitions, and have an opportunity to set the standard for Fan Behavior  - 

Just as our terrific kids have worked hard to set the standard for performance.

 

 Things You Should Do at a Band Competition

• Support all bands. Regardless of which band is on the field you should applaud or even cheer when they do a good job. Reaction from the crowd will encourage the band to perform better and will result in a more enjoyable show for the audience.

• Watch the whole show. Observe different elements of the bands performance. Your interest may be percussion but, you might be surprised with the work the color guard is doing. Often, several things are going on at once in a show. If you watch a show several times you may see something new on each occasion.

• Show up early. This is especially true for supporters of larger class bands. Many smaller class bands have great shows. Arrive early at the next show and see what you have been missing.

• Buy something from the concession stand. In many cases a band competition may be the major source of a band programs yearly budget. They have made a large investment and would appreciate your support. In most cases you will find that the prices are much less than what you will pay at your local movie theater.

• Our kids thrive on our support and look to the stands for the waving frenzy of the RV Fans. Bring your enthusiasm!

• Finally, and most importantly, attend as many performances as possible to support all of our kids, and to appreciate the improvements they make each time they perform!

Things to Avoid at a Band Competition

• It is very important to realize that although it is fun to visit with family and friends during a contest, it is UNFAIR and rude to distract other spectators from enjoying the show by TALKING during any performance. This is true at any performance, including a marching band performance.  Although you are sitting in a stadium, think Concert – NOT Football Game!  Be respectful of all other spectators and hopefully they will extend you the same courtesy.  Let RV supporters set the standard – not be the problem!

• Do not leave or enter the stadium while a band is performing. Try to avoid any unnecessary movement, especially while a band is performing. At most, contest the time for each band is fifteen minutes. Each show lasts around 7 to 9 minutes so that gives you plenty of time between bands to leave the seating area for concessions or to enter the stadium.

• Do not talk on your cell phone. Turn off your cell phone or set it to vibrate. If someone calls you on your cell phone you can return the call between bands. Again, please do not talk at all during a performance.

• Do not allow younger 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.

• Do not make negative comments about other bands. That color guard uniform that you don’t like may have been made by a guard member’s mother who happens to be sitting behind you. That person sitting in front of you could be the show’s drill designer. If you don’t have something nice to say then you probably should not say it.  Remember how hard our kids have worked to get their show ready for the field. Chances are that the other kids have worked just as hard to get their show ready.

• Do not obstruct the view of others. 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.

• When the band is set to perform, refrain from yelling a name or cheering during a quiet segment of the performance. Our kids are in performance mode and are concentrating on delivering an excellent performance.

• Do not boo other bands or the contest results during the awards. Unfortunately every one is not going to agree on contest results. Booing the award winners or the judges will not accomplish positive results.

• Be prepared for rain with a poncho or raincoat. Umbrellas block the view of those behind you and may even be dangerous to others in the close quarters of stadium seating.  You may want to invest in a stadium seat (about $10 at Wal-Mart) for comfort.  Also expect it to be cold. A blanket or a long coat is a good idea.  For those fiercely cold nights, hand & foot warmers are a good idea.  You can even give them to your kids.  Therma-care makes tape-on back warmers – a bit pricey – but worth every penny at finals!

• When photographing or video taping a performance, be mindful not to block the view of others. (Reminder, USSBA* does not permit video cameras during championship shows – i.e. States, Regionals, Finals.  You’ll need to purchase their video.)

Hopefully these tips will make your experience more enjoyable as we cheer our kids on,

and also support all the performers of this amazing art form!