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What do you do for seniors?

Posted by 2APonyBoy on 4/7/2026, 9:37 am

What gifts, thank yous, rites of passage, etc do y'all do for your senior band members every year?

Re: What do you do for seniors?

Posted by DesertJazz on 4/8/2026, 8:05 pm, in reply to "What do you do for seniors?"

I always write a card for every kid. I used to include a USB stick with all of their performances from high school (audio and video), but recently have begun just giving QR codes that link to a limited-time Google Drive folder.

Last year, we purchased a laser engraver for our program. (Catching up on 20 years of UIL plaques meant it was more economical than paying someone else to do it). I bought some metal business cards and put the QR code on one side, then put their name and major accomplishments in band on the other side. That was included in the card.

Re: What do you do for seniors?

Posted by Gifts on 4/8/2026, 7:35 pm, in reply to "What do you do for seniors?"

We've done various things over the years.

Blanket with the band logo on it - great for the dorm room.
Coffee mug with the band logo and "Class of 20XX"
Framed photo of the band with artwork representing their 4 years of marching shows.
Custom band t-shirt with the seniors' names and a "Class of 20XX."

Re: What do you do for seniors?

Posted by Questioner on 4/7/2026, 5:14 pm, in reply to "What do you do for seniors?"

Give each one an HONORABLE DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE from THE MASCOT BAND at YOUR HIGH SCHOOL.
"Here ye all men and women that STUDENT NAME "having been a loyal and true member of the Mascot Band and having pursued all the musical obligations zealously, and having creditably met the director's requirements of the school, bringing honor and good repute to this organization, is hereby honorably discharged as an active member the Mascot Band and herewith admitted to membership for life in
THE MASCOT BAND EX-MEMBERS' ASSOCIATION. Therefore, in testimony of the merits of our fellow members and with the most sincere wishes for a long, successful and happy life, we have set our hands in witness this XX day of May in the year of our Lord, year XXXX.
You would get it signed by the superintendent, principal,and Band directors. I've given you the words - you can space it out and make the print like you want.

Re: What do you do for seniors?

Posted by Brkt87 on 4/8/2026, 10:33 am, in reply to "Re: What do you do for seniors?"

I like this!!

Re: What do you do for seniors?

Posted by 2APonyBoy on 4/8/2026, 9:20 am, in reply to "Re: What do you do for seniors?"

Thank you!

Re: What do you do for seniors?

Posted by Hmm on 4/8/2026, 7:37 am, in reply to "Re: What do you do for seniors?"

Food for thought:

What would constitute a dishonorable discharge? Obviously, removal from the band program, but what of the deserters who quit before 7 years of service? Do the honorably discharged earn benefits?

Re: What do you do for seniors?

Posted by Beecher on 4/7/2026, 12:08 pm, in reply to "What do you do for seniors?"

I do a pin that says "School Mascot Band Senior." I've seen other groups do a shirt that says "School Band Alumni."

Re: What do you do for seniors?

Posted by 2APonyBoy on 4/7/2026, 2:20 pm, in reply to "Re: What do you do for seniors?"

Thanks for the ideas!

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