— Friends of Bobcat Band
Join FOBB.
The Friends of Bobcat Band is the parent-led organization that makes the entire program possible. No experience required only the willingness to show up for our students.
— What is FOBB?
The Parents Who Keep It Running.
The Friends of Bobcat Band (FOBB) is the volunteer backbone of the Knoxville Central band program. Every home game, competition, parade, and concert you’ve ever attended as a band family was made possible by FOBB volunteers, parents, guardians, grandparents, and community members who gave their time so that students could take the field.
FOBB funds go directly to students: new uniforms, instrument repairs and replacements, competition entry fees, charter buses, and the annual senior scholarships awarded to graduating band members. None of that happens without support.
— What FOBB Funds
- Marching uniforms
- Instrument purchases & repairs
- Competition entry fees & transportation
- Show design, flags & props
- Senior scholarships for graduating members
- End-of-year banquet & awards
- Director professional development
— Ways to Help
Volunteer Opportunities.
There is a spot for every parent in FOBB. Whether you can give one Friday night a semester or show up for every event, your time makes a direct difference for our students.
Concessions Volunteers
When: Home football game nights (fall season) typically 5:00–10:00 pm
Concessions is the band’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s also one of the most fun nights to volunteer. You’ll work alongside other band families to run the stand, serve customers, and keep things moving on game night. It’s high energy, social, and done by 10 pm.
Ways to help:
- Stand crew: take orders, run the register, and serve food and drinks during the game
- Prep and setup: arrive early to stock shelves, set up the stand, and get everything ready before kickoff
- Cleanup crew: help close down the stand, clean up, and count inventory at the end of the night
No food service experience needed. Training is provided on-site. Sign up for one game or all of them every shift helps.
Hospitality Volunteers
When: Game days, competition days, and special events throughout the year
Hospitality volunteers make sure our students and staff are fed, hydrated, and taken care of on the days that matter most. If you love showing up for people and making sure every detail is covered, this is your crew.
Ways to help:
- Meal setup and serving: help set up and serve pre-game or pre-competition meals for the band
- Banquet support: help set up, serve, and clean up at the end-of-year band banquet
- Donations sourcing: reach out to local businesses or individuals to donate food, drinks, or supplies (great for parents who prefer behind-the-scenes work)
Most hospitality volunteer shifts are a few hours on event days. Many families make it a tradition to volunteer together.
Pit Crew Volunteers
When: Marching competitions and football games (fall season) typically Fridays & Saturdays
Pit Crew is one of the most hands-on ways to support the band. You’ll help load, transport, and set up the band’s large pit instruments and props, the stationary equipment at the front of the performance field, at every marching competition and football game. It’s physical, it’s teamwork, and you’ll get a front-row seat to every performance.
Ways to help:
- Load and unload crew: help move equipment on and off the truck at school and at the competition venue
- Setup and teardown: position and arrange pit equipment on the field before the performance, then strike it immediately after
- Licensed drivers: if you have a valid license and are comfortable driving a rental truck or pulling a trailer, we especially need you
Comfortable shoes and a willingness to hustle are the only requirements. Pit Crew is a tight-knit group and a great way to travel with the band.
Sponsorship Volunteers
When: Flexible; most outreach happens between June and July, with follow-up year-round
Sponsorship volunteers help the band build relationships with local businesses and community members who want to support the program. If you have connections in the Knoxville business community or you’re simply comfortable having a friendly conversation, you can make a real difference here.
Ways to help:
Lead generation: suggest potential sponsors from your network for the Sponsorship Chair to follow up with (no sales experience required, just a warm introduction)
Business outreach: reach out to local businesses you know personally to introduce our sponsorship program
Feed the Band: connect businesses or individuals with our meal sponsorship program, which funds pre-game and pre-competition meals for students
Sponsor recognition: help prepare thank-you materials, update sponsor listings on the website, and make sure our donors feel appreciated
Sign Up to Volunteer.
Use our SignUpGenius page to claim your volunteer shift. All game night, concession, and competition spots are listed there. New shifts are posted each week during the season.
Questions about volunteering? Email knoxcentralband@gmail.com or speak with any FOBB officer at the next monthly meeting.