Surviving F3 Day

As most of you know, my youngest is a member of his high school's band (marching and concert). Today was what is known as F3 day (form, fees and fittings), where the students and their parents come to finalize their commitment to the SHS Band.

Let's suffice it to say that all went well until the freshmen came to be fitted for uniforms for marching season.

Both the Band Director and I knew that there would not be enough proper fitting uniforms for everyone. We ordered based on the incoming numbers and current size needs. The one thing we didn't plan on was how big, both size and number, the incoming freshmen class is.

Upon reviewing the order that I submitted in early June, we will have enough properly sized uniforms at some point this season. Unfortunately, the lead time for uniforms is a minimum 120 days. Based on previous experience, uniforms have come in well before our first game. I'm sincerely hoping and praying that this is the case this season as well. The issue at hand is the fact that I don't have control over when the orders are submitted after I send them to my 'contact'. My 'contact' hasn't been the most reliable lately and I'm starting to get very concerned whether or not my uniforms will be here when promised. As it is, the band's sashes MIGHT be here before Fall Break, which is October 17-21.

I was told the other day that last year went so smoothly and that all the parents were sufficiently impressed. I don't think it's going to be the same this year, especially since we had to send 15 students home without fitting them for uniforms.

My thinking is...the upperclassmen come first and then the freshmen. I had more than one parent get upset with me because of the way their child's uniform fit. I explained politely that the Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores have priority when it comes to uniforms and the freshmen take what's left. Many were not pleased, but that's the way it is. The freshmen parents also didn't want to hear that when the new uniforms come in the upperclassmen will be given first opportunity at them and they (freshmen) will be given what's left over. Sorry, but that's the way it is. Get over it. Another issue is parents who are HABITUALLY late for 'appointments' and then think it's okay to bitch about how their child has an ill-fitting uniform. Ummm...show up during your appointed time and you might receive a better fitting uniform.

I just needed to vent...it'll all work out. Right now, I and my team are just a little overwhelmed.

Time for a margarita!!!