Tonight we dined. We laughed. We hobnobbed. We rubbed elbows. We made a little money. It was fun!One thing we started doing with my band program a few years ago was setting up "Dine Out Nights." We have an extremely supportive community and local restaurants have always stepped forward to provide places for our events. Here's how we got going:1. A band parent inquired with local proprietors about hosting a "Dine Out Night." 2. She then contacts a few places and gets available dates. These are usually slow nights where we can help boost business. Restaurants will then usually donate a percentage of the night's sales back to the band. 3. We set a date that is open and away from concerts, rehearsals, and parent meetings. 4. We make fliers available to our band students and talk up the events in my classes. 5. Families get together for dinner and time together out of the rehearsal room and away from my instruction. 6. We celebrate the community formed through the band program and share stories. 7. We go home full. Some tips for the busy band director when establishing his/her own version of "Dine Out Nights:"* Go to the event! Don't skip it. People expect to see you there and when they don't they think less of you. There were a couple I didn't attend and the next day was pretty awkward for me. I'm just sayin'... * Try to bring your family. Your students and their parents want to meet your wife and see your kids. I have even brought my own mom and dad. It allows your program to see a different and more personal side of you. * If you mingle, try to get to the whole room. If not, don't be surprised if folks come say hello to you. The conversations with students and their families are always memorable. I enjoy getting to know these wonderful people that have committed no small amount of time to music education. In addition to knowing my clientele better, the conversations will sometimes yield volunteers for the program that would have otherwise never stepped forward. I have drivers, cooks, chaperones, and photographers that have helped out each marching and concert season because of these great events. Everyone wins.Also, we make a few bucks for the band. Not thousands, but enough where after two or three events, I have some discretionary money to replace a horn or bring in a clinician that wouldn't have been possible before.Tonight we had a great two-for-one night! Dinner was at the Shack (great burgers!) and dessert was across the parking lot at Baskin-Robbins. The shack donated 20% of the total checks attached to the flier back to the band and Baskin-Robbins donated 31% of the sales after 6 PM to the band. It was really great to see so many families out! What a great reason to give the kitchen the night off!Happy music making!