Host a potluck and invite all parents of band members and students to attend. Introduce new band member parents around to all band members and their parents. Make sure new band member parents feel included in all activities of the band. Social activities will help new parents to become part of the band community.
Include new band member parents on the e-mail list of the band, and include them in all communication and discussions regarding the band. If your band has a blog or website, include new band member parents and make sure everyone has a voice in the band. E-mail is an excellent way for the band community to stay in touch and exchange information regarding the band with other parents and members. Text messaging and blogging can help band member parents stay in touch as well.
Schedule regular meetings with band members and their parents, and hold them monthly or bi-weekly. Each band member family can take turns hosting the meetings. This is a time for parents and band members to keep apprised of current information regarding the band and its upcoming performances and practices. Regularly scheduled meetings lead to increased communication and better relations between all band members.
Transporting band members to and from practices and performances is a big part of marching band. Band member parents can establish a carpool to help with driving students to various functions if a band bus is not available. New band member parents can participate in these carpools and will become better acquainted with the various members and parents who take part in band. Parents with minivans or large SUVs can volunteer to take part in the carpool.
Arrange for parents to participate in fundraisers for the band. Invite new band member parents to accompany established band member parents in assisting in these fundraisers. Do not expect new band member parents to actively participate in fundraising when first joining the band, but let them observe how fundraisers are organized.