Volunteering 101

Hello McNeil Band and Guard Families!

Happy Summer Band!  The students have been working so hard already this summer and we are excited for what this season holds!  I wanted to share a little more detailed information regarding our volunteering opportunities and needs.  Our students are not the only ones who work hard, volunteers play an integral part in helping make the marching season a big success.  There are several ways to get plugged into various volunteering opportunities and while completing our duties, volunteers also have fun together!  

This is a list of some of our volunteering areas:

1.   Chaperoning: Chaperones are responsible for ensuring all the students are accounted for before, during and after a band event under the direction of the Chaperone Coordinator.  Occasionally at competitions, you may be asked to assist with other areas that may need additional volunteers such as serving meals for the students or helping push a prop onto the field.

2.   Concessions: This is very important for our fundraising.  The more volunteers we have the more we can sell!  Every family is required to do at least 2 shifts a year. Volunteers for concessions will work in the concession stands at HOME varsity games and middle school games for Cedar Valley, Deerpark and Pearson Ranch.  Responsibilities may include handling cash, operating the card reader, food prep, food running, etc.  No experience is necessary and stand managers will provide any instruction/training as needed on the day of. Concessions volunteers will operate under the direction of the stand manager for the event they are volunteering.  Each varsity game is designated for a section.   Please be sure to sign up for your section. Also, we still have a need for stand managers.  Please email me for more information regarding this very important position. 

3.  Hospitality: A part of our hospitality crew, game day meals volunteers help our band students get fed before each football game.  Responsibilities include distributing meals to the students and cleaning up the area afterwards.    The Water Crew is also part of Hospitality.  They ensure our performers get COLD water after the game/contest performance.  These volunteers bring coolers of iced down water (coolers provided by the band program) to our events.

4.  Prop Crew: Assists the directors with creating and maintaining props for the marching show.   Also assists students in getting props to the game and on the field.  Some of the duties include:       

Loading props in the truck at the school
Unloading props from the truck at the stadium
Getting props to the field for performance (halftime at games)
Removing props from the field after a performance

Loading props back onto the truck

 5.    Pit Crew: They are like the prop crew but focuses on the front ensemble equipment.  They will assist students with loading and unloading at games and events just like the prop crew.

 6.   BOA Austin: OUR BIGGEST FUNDRAISING EVENT that requires ALL HANDS-ON DECK.  There is no opt out for BOA Austin, we need all families to plan on volunteering for this event.  This is already set for 9/20/25.

 7.    Uniform Maintenance: A few times through the season, we will need parent help laundering uniforms.  Emails will be sent once those laundry days are set seeking volunteers to help.  Some have already indicated interest in helping in this area at registration. If you are interested, email volunteering@mcneilband.org and let me know and we'll add you to a running list of uniform maintenance crew volunteers and send you targeted emails through the season.

8.    Q2 Concession Fundraising:  We have a new and unique opportunity to earn money by our parents volunteering to sell concessions at Q2 events.  Parents must attend online training prior to signing up for shifts.  If you are interested, we can send you detailed information and your contact info will be added to an "interest list" for future communications.  This does not obligate you to any events.  You will just be included in future communications.

 *Important*   Volunteers are required to complete the free RRISD Volunteer Application.  This Volunteer application must be completed EVERY year, so returning parents must also submit the application.  The good news is, once you do it, it saves your information, so you just must confirm it the next time.  The link to complete this will open August 8, 2025 according to the RRISD website.         https://www.roundrockisd.org/o/rrisd/page/volunteer

The links associated with some of these areas will be emailed out a bit closer to the start of school.  Please remember, the list of current volunteer opportunities is always located on the McNeil website.  Here is the link: Here is the link:  https://mcneilband.ivolunteer.com/ 

I know this is a lot of information. If you have any general questions regarding volunteering or band parent life in general, please feel free to email me!   If I don't know the answer, I'll point you to the person who does.  Our kids need our help to have a successful year.  Please do not miss this opportunity to create lifelong memories with our amazing kids. 

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Nancy Trevino

VP Volunteering

https://mcneilband.ivolunteer.com/

McNeil HS Band Boosters