Parent Information

PARENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who runs the show?The Marching Vikings are directed Mr. John Stanz, assisted by Mr. Bradley Trinkner and additional staff. There are also many student leaders that give guidance to the students. There is a drum major, section sergeants and field sergeants who are also responsible for giving support and guidance to the students. The EVBA provides support to the Directors, students and the program. And the EVBA serves as a method of communication between the programs and the parents - keeping everyone up to date on important information. The email accounts you provide to the EVBA on your Membership Form will be used for these communications. Not receiving any e-mails from the EVBA? Contact the EVBA President at president@evba-boosters.com.

Communication is Key


Not only do the EVBA and Marching Program Directors use email to communicate, but we also communicate using the Band App. Once your student is registered to participate in the Marching Programs, you and your student should download the band app and contact Mr. Stanz for an invitation to join. (The Band App can also be accessed via Internet Browser). Students should also download the Band App to their school iPad. If they have trouble doing so, they should contact technology help at Eastern. There are different "Bands" on the Band App for Outdoor Marching Band, Indoor Drumline and Indoor Color Guard. 
Mr. Stanz and the other directors will use the Band App to communicate everything from weekly schedules to scholarship opportunities for seniors to ETAs for student return to school after competitions and football games. The EVBA uses the Band App to communicate with both parents and students about EVBA events, volunteer needs, senior events and awards and more.
Make sure you keep your notifications on year-round so you have all of the necessary information.
The EVBA also has a Facebook Group and Instagram and Twitter Accounts. Make sure to follow up for photos, scores, and special event and fundraising information.

When does my student get a formal band uniform?

All Outdoor Marching Band uniforms are stored in the Uniform Closet at the school. Outdoor uniforms must not be taken home. The day of a game or competition, the students will go to the Uniform Closet where they can pick up their uniform. On these days, the students must wear their show shirt and dark long socks and must bring their Dinkles and gloves. During marching season, please refer to the weekly announcement for more information about uniforms. Student must not eat anything covered in powder when in uniform (for example, no Doritos, Cheetos or powdered donuts).  After the game or competition, the students will change back into their street clothes, and return their uniform back in to the volunteers in the Uniform Closet. Information about Outdoor Guard, Indoor Drumline and Indoor Guard uniforms is provided by those directors.

What happens on Football Game Fridays?

On game days, students report to the band room as soon as school is dismissed, to prepare for the game. At about 5:00 pm students will go to the cafeteria for dinner served by the EVBA. During home games, the band sits in the stand playing spirit songs. When the second quarter of a game is almost over, the band leaves the stands and goes onto the track to begin warming up. The Marching Vikings perform their show on the field during the half-time break. After the performance, the band returns to the cafeteria for a snack. After the snack, they return to the stands for the rest of the game. Students are dismissed after the game when all uniforms and equipment are put away. 

What happens on Competition days?

Competitions are usually an all-day event, with report time early in the morning and return time late at night. The report time for competition depends upon the performance slot they are assigned. The Director's weekly Band App announcement always informs you of the report time. Students will usually arrive at school and rehearse. Prior to leaving they will eat their packed lunch (sometimes they eat on the bus), get their uniforms and load the trucks (sometime this is done the night before, if the departure time is very early). The students then board the buses for the competition. Students must ride the bus to and from the competition. When they arrive, the students will unload the trucks and rehearse. After the performance, the EVBA provides a snack and students can purchase food from the concession stands. Students will stay for award announcements. An EVBA Board Member or Spirit Committee member will post the score and place on the Band App and social media for those who cannot attend. Upon returning to the school, all equipment must be unloaded and uniforms turned in before students can leave. 

Do I need to send meals or snacks with my student on Football or Competition Days?

The EVBA provides dinner and a snack on Football Fridays. On Competition Days, students sometimes need to pack a lunch or dinner. Mr. Stanz will let you know if that is needed in his weekly announcement on the Band App. Students can also bring money for concessions on Competition Days.  All meals and snacks provided by the EVBA are nut free. The EVBA works hard to accommodate other dietary needs, but cannot always guarantee accommodation depending upon how complex the need is. Please contact the Vice President of Hospitality about special dietary concerns or other questions about dinners and snacks.

Does anyone take pictures & videos during the games, contests, or concerts?

Yes, the EVBA has some very dedicated parents who take A LOT of pictures of the students in the  stands and on the field.  Pictures can be sent to info@evba-boosters.com to be posted on our website or Instagram or Twitter account. Anyone can feel free to post photos on our FaceBook page.   

While you may take videos of performances, the directors ask that you do not share those videos publicly or on social media until after the final performance of the season. 

If you have questions about taking or sharing photos or videos, please contact a director or board member.