So, am I a bad father if...

[MacNut]

Yeah, my parents didn't go to all the games and pep rallies I played in (percussionist). The band is just there to tell people when to get excited and clap and stuff. OMG, here are some people who throw balls around! Huzzah!

Go drummers. ^_^

 

[madfresh]

You're only a bad father if he asks you to go and you don't.

 

[savanahrose]

Yeah, my parents didn't go to all the games and pep rallies I played in (percussionist). The band is just there to tell people when to get excited and clap and stuff. OMG, here are some people who throw balls around! Huzzah!

So was my son in HS. In middle he tried the sax. I was a proud mama...still am.

 

[iTeen]

well, from a high schoolers point of view, i think you kid would much rather appreciate it if you not there.
as said above^, parents=embarrassment
in public at least(lol)

 

[NAG]

So was my son in HS. In middle he tried the sax. I was a proud mama...still am.

I also tried sax but didn't really stick with it because I was learning piano instead. I'm not very good at jazz/don't have the feel for it. I think I can play the marimba pretty well though (or at least I could).

Anyway, don't feel bad about not going to something that isn't about your kid. And yeah, no one wants to go to the stupid pep rallies except for the athletes and their parents.

 

[devilot]

A chance for cheerleaders and jocks to be, well, cheerleaders and jocks, while the rest of the school attempts to act like they care. Essentially, an attempt to increase school spirit and seem cool.

Guess my HS was different. You couldn't be cool unless you had at least a 3.5 GPA and were in a couple AP classes. (Well, jocks were still a bit behind, but cheerleaders and the rally commission, and even homecoming "court" were all smarties.)

My senior year, our rally comm had the bestest ideas and rallies EVAR!

OP, I'm glad you attempted, even if you felt disappointed w/ the experience. I know that for myself, yeah, a tiny part of me was glad that my parents never showed up to any performances, races, meets, tournies-- but a bigger part of me was always disappointed when I saw my peers' parents there to support them.

 

[iRachel]

As long as you show up to the "big" events (concerts, etc.), that actually feature the band, I don't think it matters if you miss the lesser events like this pep rally.

And no, you aren't a bad father. My parents used to always miss the same track meet every year (on purpose) because it was poorly organized, took twice as long as it should have, and they simply didn't want to sit through it. I didn't care - what was important was that I knew they supported me and they each made an effort to attend at least a few events each season.

 

[Roger1]

Don't worry about it. Pep rallies, etc, are generally for the kids. If it was a concert/recital, or something where they were performing for the parents, then yes, hanging out in a coffee shop would make you a bad dad, no matter how bad they sound

 

[MBHockey]

Pep rallies are fine. I spoke at one in high school. Lighten up, it's a good time. But no, it doesn't seem like something you'd need to attend if your kid is doing the side music. It's not like it's his own concert/recital.

 

[Mord]

TBH I much preferred it when my father didn't attend the concerts I played at, Trouble was he actually enjoyed them, as did I mostly I just didn't play as well with him watching.

 

[bartelby]

But is it hypocritical of me to say he had to go, and then not go myself?

Not at all. It effects his grade doesn't it?
It's not like the band are the main attraction...

 

[yamabushi]

Just don't abuse him and I think he'll be fine. Don't sweat the small stuff. But if you are worried about it, how about ask him if he wants you to stay next time?

 

[Counterfit]

We all remember prep rallies.. On the horror. I think for a prep rally you should be ok. Thats basically just a warm up for him. Does he feel bad that you didn't stick around.

I'm so VERY VERY glad that my high school had neither a homecoming nor pep rallies.

Hell, the only time the band was involved with any of the sports teams was if they made it to the championship (which happened pretty damn often with our hockey team. They won 26 years straight.).