Behind the band: Parent volunteers keep bands in tune

Nearly every detail behind the music is handled by a volunteer parent.

Marching band parents make sure students have on the right color socks before a competition and eat a meal before a Friday night performance.

They build the props and take them on and off the field, sew color guard flags and uniform buttons, and sell hot dogs and nachos as a fundraiser at the concession stand.

Students do the actual performing, but their parents are active behind the scenes and in some cases do as much work as the students.

Hundreds of parents across Johnson County volunteer with high school bands and spend months taking care of the details that keep the marching band marching.

Their help is invaluable, Center Grove band director Kevin Schuessler said.

“It’s ridiculously incredible what they do,” he said. “I could never do that.”

Band parents often get to practice before the students to set the props on the field. In some cases, they’re working on props after the director leaves.

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