Shout-Out to the Parents

[lawdn]

How is it finals week already? Before the season ends, I want to thank all the wonderful parents of MMs that I have seen on DCP this season. You give us a really great perspective on the activity and who it is for, you make insightful contributions to discussions of shows and performances, you give us all new rooting interests because we all want to see your kids and their corps do well, many of you have volunteered and/or traveled to support your MMs at shows, and last but hardly least, you have been there to support your kids to enable them to pursue the drum corps dream.

Please forgive if I miss or haven’t encountered any of you, but looking at you: @Chief Guns @MandarinMom @DAYGO @Metalbinky @spacewill @darlacorp. If any other forum members can add more names, please do!

I hope all of your children have had great experiences this season that culminate in a finals week experience they will treasure and learn from, and that you have gotten to enjoy the ride they have been on.

Here is to a successful and healthy end to the season for all the MMs of DCP parents.

[spacewill]

How cool thanks!  Gonna be an amazing last week to an amazing season!

[DAYGO]

You're a class act, lawdn!  Safe travel to everyone traveling over the next few days to support a MM or their favorite corp(s)!  Can't wait to board that plane tomorrow morning.  

[Mad Mello]

When I marched seeing my parents in Orlando at finals was so meaningful. Best wishes to all the parents this week and thanks for what you do to give your kids a special experience.

[Chief Guns]

Much love and respect lawdn!!! Appreciate the shout out, and the positive energy you bring to DCP. It's been an incredible season, and finals week is going to be lit!

[TheOneWhoKnows]

It’s honestly so fun being able to interact with parents of the members throughout the season! I’m just heading out for Indy now and can’t wait to enjoy the performances and cheer on everyone! 

[Musicman1084]

Parents have always played such a huge, often unsung role in the performing arts, and do not get nearly enough praise for the level of support they provide to their kids' programs. Whether it's supporting members and groups financially, building props, volunteering for concessions sales, fundraising, sewing/tailoring costumes, transportation ... the list goes on.

But here's something else that has really stood out to me on some occasions:

There have been parents on these forums (and others) over the years, some with no prior marching or music experience, who are here discussing the very activity in which their kids participate. But it's in an even larger capacity than simply cheering on their kids and watching their performances. There are parents that have learned about the activity and have become fans of the activity, developing a genuine, lifelong interest as a hobby beyond their own kids' programs. There are so many kids out there whose parents, while loving and supporting them, do not get to make such a deep connection over something this meaningful to them. Highest of praises to the parents who take such a vested interest in their kids' passions to a point where they are able to bring their own level of interest to such a deep level that they can continue connecting with them on it for life. The act of affirming their passions through your own participation and interest can be life altering in such a positive way.

Kudos to all the parents. You're doing it right.

 

[JohnDF]

28 minutes ago, Musicman1084 said:

There have been parents on these forums (and others) over the years, some with no prior marching or music experience, who are here discussing the very activity in which their kids participate. But it's in an even larger capacity than simply cheering on their kids and watching their performances. There are parents that have learned about the activity and have become fans of the activity, developing a genuine, lifelong interest as a hobby beyond their own kids' programs.

Guilty as Charged... I've never marched or even played an instrument at a high level, but I've supported my kids through it and have become a lifetime lover and learner of the activity.

[KVG_DC]

Heh.  I'm just an aging bando who was introduced to drum corps before that by dad who only marched a year in 1956.  But I got hooked good.

I know someone who is STILL a "Guard Dad" and watches WGI even though his daughter long since stopped following anything in WGI or guard after her interests shifted in college. 

[bluehull]

17 hours ago, lawdn said:

How is it finals week already? Before the season ends, I want to thank all the wonderful parents of MMs that I have seen on DCP this season. You give us a really great perspective on the activity and who it is for, you make insightful contributions to discussions of shows and performances, you give us all new rooting interests because we all want to see your kids and their corps do well, many of you have volunteered and/or traveled to support your MMs at shows, and last but hardly least, you have been there to support your kids to enable them to pursue the drum corps dream.

Please forgive if I miss or haven’t encountered any of you, but looking at you: @Chief Guns @MandarinMom @DAYGO @Metalbinky @spacewill @darlacorp. If any other forum members can add more names, please do!

I hope all of your children have had great experiences this season that culminate in a finals week experience they will treasure and learn from, and that you have gotten to enjoy the ride they have been on.

Here is to a successful and healthy end to the season for all the MMs of DCP parents.

LAWDN....... Such a great post.  lots of credit to parents helping MM's have their drumcorps experience.