There are few things as impressive as the sight of a high school marching band taking the field under the Friday night lights. The crisp formations, the booming sound, and the flash of brilliant color are the result of hundreds of hours of dedicated practice. But behind that flawless halftime performance is a dedicated army of band boosters handling a host of behind-the-scenes logistics.
One of the most stressful and complex of these challenges is the pre-performance meal. How do you feed over one hundred hungry, energetic teenagers while protecting the thousands of dollars’ worth of pristine marching band uniforms they are wearing? It’s a high-stakes operation that requires military-like precision and a carefully chosen menu. A single drip of ketchup or a spilled sports drink can be a uniform catastrophe just minutes before a major performance.
As a band parent, your goal is to make sure the students are well-fed and ready to perform at their best. Here are some tried-and-true tips from seasoned band boosters to help you do it without any last-minute uniform disasters.
Don’t Allow Red-Colored Foods
This is the number one, non-negotiable rule of feeding a band in uniform. Red-colored foods and drinks are the absolute enemy of a white uniform top, and they are notoriously difficult stains to remove.
Your “banned” list should include ketchup and mustard, marinara or spaghetti sauce, red or purple sports drinks, juices, and sodas, and cheesy, orange-dusted snack foods. Sticking to a “white and light” color palette for your menu is the safest possible bet.
Embrace “Fork-Only” and “Hand-Held” Foods
The goal is to choose foods that are easy to eat and that minimize the potential for drips, drops, and splatters.
- Great Hand-Held Options: Sub sandwiches or wraps are a fantastic choice. They are a complete, self-contained meal. Just be sure to go light on any messy condiments. Hot dogs (with no ketchup or mustard) are another simple classic.
- Fork-Only Favorites: A large tray of macaroni and cheese (made with a white cheese sauce, of course) is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that is easy to eat with just a fork. A simple pasta salad with a clear vinaigrette is another great, low-mess option.
The key is to avoid foods that require a lot of cutting with a knife or are overly saucy.
Create a “Uniform Bib”
Even with the safest possible menu, accidents can happen. Your best line of defense is a simple, effective, and mandatory “uniform bib.” This is a protective covering that every single student must wear over the front of their uniform while they are eating.
This doesn’t have to be fancy. The most common and effective solution is a large, clean, white kitchen trash bag. Simply cut a hole for the student’s head and slits for their arms. It’s not glamorous, but it is an incredibly effective shield against spills.
Offer Light-Colored Drink Choices
Spills are inevitable, but you can minimize the damage by being strategic with your drink choices. Stick to clear or light-colored beverages.
- Water is always the best choice.
- Light-colored sports drinks (like lemon-lime or white cherry) are great for hydration.
- Lemonade is another good option.
It’s also a smart idea to use drinks that have a screw-top cap or to provide a straw for every open cup. This dramatically reduces the potential for a large, catastrophic spill if a cup gets knocked over in the chaos of a crowded pre-game meal.
Have a “Stain Triage” Kit Ready
Even with the best planning, a small spill might happen. The key is to treat it immediately. Have a small “stain triage” kit on hand, staffed by a parent volunteer. This kit should contain a few essentials for on-the-spot treatment, like stain-remover pens, gentle cleaning wipes, and a can of seltzer water.
Feeding a marching band is a true act of love. By following these simple tips, you can ensure the students are fueled up and ready to perform, and that their beautiful uniforms will look sharp and pristine when they proudly take the field.