Band Day Parent and Director Information

Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band

Band Day Information for Parents/Directors 

Below is important information for parents and directors to supplement the information provided on the Band Day Schedule.

Attendance for Directors and Parents:

Directors and parents are not required to attend Band Day with their students, but we encourage it. Moreover, parents are welcome to drop off their student and pick them up at the end of the day. The BMB staff will supervise students for the duration of Band Day. However, please be sure to pick up your student on time at the end of the day. It is unsafe for students to remain on campus at the conclusion of Band Day and the BMB is not staffed to wait with students for an extended time for pick-up.

Weather:

Band Day, including the rehearsal, will proceed rain or shine. Please be aware of the weather forecast for the rehearsal and performance, and plan accordingly. The BMB will not provide rain coats for participants.

Refunds:

Due to the planning and up-front expenses involved in producing Band Day, no refunds are possible. This includes the possibility of inclement weather. If you choose not to attend Band Day for any reason after the postmark deadline, we cannot provide a refund.

Parking:

Please pay close attention to all parking instructions on the schedule. It is important for the success of the day for everyone to abide by these instructions.

Meals:

The registration fee that each student includes the cost of providing a boxed lunch and water to the participants. Since the students are paying for this, we ask that parents and directors not plan to eat the catered lunch that will be served. There are several restaurants nearby or you can bring your own lunch. Students with dietary needs/food allergies should bring something to eat in case the meal options do not adequately accommodate them. Once all of the students have eaten it is possible that there will be leftovers. Parents and directors are welcome to eat at that time, but we cannot guarantee how much food will be available. Thank you for understanding.

Rehearsal Observation:

Parents and directors are welcome to attend the rehearsal. This rehearsal is free and open to the public. It’s usually quite amazing to see how quickly the halftime show comes together, and how hard the students work to facilitate the learning process. Plus, it’s pretty awesome to see nearly 1,000 students on the field performing the same thing!

Game Tickets:

Parents wishing to attend the game have access to a special promotion and ticket price. Visit www.wmubroncos.com and click on “Tickets.” Then in the "Tickets" drop down menu click on "Promotions" and enter the promo code BANDDAY (all one word). These promotion tickets are available for $15.

• Directors are welcome to attend the game at no charge as long as they enter with the band as we march to the stadium after the Pre-Game Concert at Kanley Track. Parents who are serving as chaperones are also welcome at the rate of 1 chaperone per 10 students from your school. Likewise, these chaperones must enter the stadium with the band. Your seats will be located at the top of the section where the band is seated during the game (Section P). Seating is quite limited in this section. As a result, chaperone admittance is for those groups that are bringing at least 10 students. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to accommodate any more parents or chaperones beyond the above-mentioned rate. All others will need to purchase tickets for the game by contacting the WMU ticket office at 1.888.4.WMU.TIX or www.wmubroncos.com. It is often possible to purchase tickets on game day via walk-up to the ticket office. The ticket office is located at Gate 1 in Waldo Stadium and opens four hours prior to kick-off.

WMU Clear Bag Policy:

WMU’s Waldo Stadium has a clear bag policy that prohibits the use of non-clear backpacks, duffle bags, briefcases, cinch bags, purses, cameras bags and more. All bags brought into the stadium must be clear and are subject to inspection. We strongly encourage you to visit the full policy available at wmubroncos.com. Click on “Tickets” then “Clear Bag Policy.” We have also linked to this on the BMB website Band Day page.

COVID-19 Policy:

All students in attendance at Band Day will be required to have a mask with them. Masks will be required in any indoor spaces, including when they use university facilities for uniform changes, restroom usage, and meals. Students will not be required to wear masks outside.

We hope everyone has a safe and positive experience with High School Band Day. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us (broncoband@wmich.edu).