Timing & Attendance

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Your student will need your support to be on time.  Make sure alarms are set, and arrange whatever transportation is needed.  There are a lot of band students and parents.  Consider reaching out to other parents to carpool if you have scheduling conflicts that would prevent your student from being where they need to be on time.  Consistent attendance not only counts toward student grades, but is the key to student success in Band and Color Guard.  We understand that occasional issues might prevent your student from attending an event or practice. Please communicate with the Band Director to ensure that your student does not fall behind. 

 

Similar to a team sport, most of the marching band's practice time is after school.  Current practice times will be on the calendar but expect night practices a 2x week, and one shorter sectional practice every week.  You can also expect a few Saturday practices during the Fall semester.  The band attends and plays at most home football games on Friday nights in the Fall semester.   Tournaments start in October and run through late November, typically on Saturdays.  The Fall semester is fast paced and a busy time for the Band.   Winter semester continues with a tournament schedule for students who choose to be in Winter Guard and Drumline.  ​

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Voluntary Program Contributions and Fundraising

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Running an elite band program like the Rhythm of the Ranch takes funding.  The RBV Band Booster's goal is to provide the most support that we can each year.  Students and parents are asked to participate in fundraising efforts.  The annual cost of the program is typically between $250,000-$300,000.  By spreading the word, volunteering and participating, parents can help get keep sponsorship and donation numbers up - allowing us to have a well funded Band program. These funds help cover things like props, coaching, music, tournament entries, uniforms and beyond, and help offset the cost to individual students that our district or school may not cover. ​ The more successful fundraising efforts are, the more the band can do!  Additional enriching events like parades and trips are something we strive to include in the program every year. 

 

So how do we raise funds? 

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• Voluntary Program Contributions

• Events

• Corporate Sponsors
• Merchandise Sales
• Concession Sales
• RaiseRight
• Other Fundraising - dine outs, cookie dough sales, calendar pick a date fundraisers, and more.
• District and School Support

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What is a Voluntary Program Contribution? 

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To help cover the baseline costs of participating in the band program, we ask each student family to make a suggested program contribution. Each student will have an individual account, with the suggested contribution for the Fall semester typically ranging from $550–$750.

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We understand that every family's situation is different, and there are several opportunities throughout the year to help achieve these fundraising goals. 

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Beginning at Band Camp in August, we partner with a fundraising program to host a month long campaign specifically designed to help students raise funds toward their program contribution. Families will also have opportunities throughout the year to apply for the City of Vista Scholarship. This scholarship program opens and closes at different times during the school year, so it's always worth checking to see if an application opportunity is available.

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Following the summer fundraiser, families may choose to set up a payment plan or make periodic contributions throughout the semester if that works better for their budget.  We also encourage parents and other adults in the family or circle of friends to check with their employers. Many companies offer matching gift programs for donations made to nonprofit organizations, which can be a great way to increase your contribution.

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Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate while also providing the resources needed for a successful and enriching band experience. Program contributions are voluntary, and students will not be excluded from participation if they do not meet the suggested contribution goal.

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What is RaiseRight? 

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If you eat out or shop in person or online - you can buy gift certificates for your favorite restaurants and stores, or shop online through RaiseRight!  A portion of those sales go to the band.   Sign up, use code BCE9575E1L17L to find our program, and don't forget to check RaiseRight before you shop.  Every day purchases could earn big for the band over time.  

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What Events Raise Funds? 

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The Band hosts a small handful of large events and several smaller events each year.  We host two tournaments which are a major part of our annual fundraising efforts.  In particular our Premier Field Tournament has grown over the years to be one of the largest marching tournaments in the region.   In the Spring, we also host a winter tournament for color guard and drum line.  Our annual POPs concert is a vital part of ensuring that we end the year well funded.  Tickets, concessions, program and merchandise sales for and at these events support the band in a big way. These events are student and volunteer ran!  Your helping hands make them possible and successful.  

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Other Fundraising

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The RBV Band Boosters raise funds year round through corporate sponsorship, spirit wear and football game concession sales, and other fundraisers that may be led by students or come in the form of gift cards sales, dine out nights, holiday goodies and more. Fundraisers may change year to year but we are always looking for best opportunities for our program.  

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VOLUNTEERING

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The Band is supported by the Band Boosters, a dedicated team of volunteers who help keep the program running successfully. From raising funds and keeping students hydrated to supporting events and everything in between, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Volunteering is a fantastic way to support the students and become part of the band community.

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Throughout the year, we have several opportunities for parents and families to help. We sell concessions at select home football games to raise funds, and the band also needs roadies, chaperones, ticket sellers, crowd control, and much more.

Even if you only have a few hours to give, or aren't able to volunteer in person but can contribute in other ways—we would love to have your help. Every hour makes a difference!

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Please keep an eye out for volunteer information and sign-ups throughout the year. Our home field tournament and annual Spring Pops concerts are two of our biggest events, and volunteers are always needed!

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If you're interested in getting involved, please reach out to president@rbvband.org.

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Roadies are a specialized group of volunteers who provide hands-on support for the band both on and off the field. They help move equipment, assist with transportation, build props, and much more.  Some Roadie responsibilities may require the ability to lift, push, or pull larger and heavier equipment, transport trailers, or provide a vehicle capable of towing. Certain roles may also require additional clearance or specific physical abilities.  If you're ready to get hands-on and help keep the band moving, Roadies are an essential part of making the program possible!  Please contact roadies@rbvband.org if you are interested.  

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Chaperones play an important role in helping keep our students safe, organized, and supported during band events, performances, competitions, and trips. They help supervise students, assist with check-in and check-out, provide an extra set of eyes and ears, and help make sure everyone is where they need to be.  Chaperoning is a great way to be involved with the band and spend time supporting the students, and you don't need any special skills or equipment, just a willingness to help! Depending on the event, chaperones may be needed for football games, competitions, concerts, trips, and other activities throughout the year.  Some events may require additional clearance, so please keep an eye out for volunteer information and chaperone sign-ups throughout the season.  Please reach out to chaperones@rbvband.org if you are interested.  

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​MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS

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Middle School Parents play an especially important role in the RBV Band program. RBV Band has a unique connection with our local middle schools, giving younger musicians the opportunity to participate and become part of the larger band community.

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Middle school students are expected to attend regular evening and weekend practices and tournaments alongside the high school students. However, they do not attend sectional rehearsals or have the same instruction during school hours as the high school students. Because of this, they may need a little extra support at home to stay on track with music, drill, and other responsibilities.

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Parents can help by encouraging students to practice, keeping track of the band calendar, and helping them stay prepared for upcoming rehearsals and performances. Your support at home is an important part of helping your student have a successful and enjoyable experience in the RBV Band!

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We also love to have our middle school parents volunteer! 

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FOR THE FUN OF IT!

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Please be on the lookout for Booster sponsored events throughout the year! Many of these events are designed for the whole family and are a wonderful way to support your student while getting to know other members of the band community.  

 

On select Thursday night practices, we gather in the stands for a bake sale, a chance to visit with other families, and an opportunity to watch the band work on their field show. We may also plan a beach day or other casual outings where families can simply relax, have fun, and spend time together.

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These events are all about building community and giving our band families a chance to connect. We hope you'll join us!