Hello band families. We made it through the first week together. I love being back with the students and making music again. Welcome back! Lots to cover this week – read on for the details!
This Week
Monday – 7:00a Marching Band Rehearsal – We finished pregame on Friday, so we will review that, but then we will begin working on the revised opener drill. Several students worked after school to pass off the pregame music. THANK YOU for your work! It did not go unnoticed.
Tuesday – we will have our first evening rehearsal of the season. This will begin at 6:00p on the turf field as we continue to learn the revised opener drill. The hornline and Color Guard will be dismissed at 8p while the percussion stays and works until 9p.
Wednesday morning Marching Band pictures. This will be in uniform. Everyone needs their black LONG socks. Shoes have arrived and are in the front of the band room with the student’s name on the box. Please arrive a little early so you can be in uniform and then proceed to the Aux gym for pictures. Every person will take an individual picture. We take a full group picture and then section pictures and “buddy pictures” if so desired. There is no obligation to purchase (unless taking a buddy pic). I have not received order forms yet. I’ll let you know as soon as I do.
Thursday – London meeting in the cafeteria at 7:00p. This is for ALL London travelers as well as parents and anyone still on the fence about joining the trip. Time is just about up to join. You need to decide in the next week if you are going. Let Dr. Thomas or Mr. Hupe know if you wish to join as there are a few items we need from you immediately.
MEGA Car Wash – Saturday from 9a-4p.
We need EVERY student (and parent) helping secure pledges and donations. You have an exciting opportunity ahead, and every pledge you collect helps make it possible! When asking for support, remember that people want to see you succeed and be part of your journey. Share your enthusiasm for the trip and let them know how much it means to you and your group. Even small pledges add up quickly, and every contribution brings you closer to your goal. Be confident, be polite, and don’t be afraid to ask—many people will be inspired by your hard work and dedication. You’ve got this!
Be sure to RSVP to the Facebook event for the MEGA Car Wash, invite your friends and share the event to drive awareness!
Forms and Payments
Food Allergy or restrictions? – In the packet of paperwork sent home for student and parent consideration was a form that needed to be filled out if your student has any sort of special dietary needs. We only have one student that filled out the form, so I wanted to double check. If you need us to know about a special dietary consideration for your student, please fill out the linked form NOW. We want to care for every student appropriately. 🙂
If you have not turned in your Forms Packet, please do so on Monday. It is imperative that we get the forms back so we can update our Cut Time online database, as well as process the fees and instrument rentals.
BAW Membership Online Payment Link – We found out Friday that the QR code link to pay for the family BAW Membership fee was not working. Click the title link above that will take you to the correct page. This is part of the new Cut Time system that we are still figuring out.
Concert Band
Freshman Concert Band – Well done for the first week. The students have been very respectful and are establishing great rehearsal routines. I am very excited about our potential together.
Students wanting to audition for KMEA District and All state Bands – See this note from KMEA regarding the audition excerpts. If you have downloaded previously, PLEASE download again as there might have been some small changes. Please let your private teachers know as well.
KMEA has posted corrections for the 2025-2026 KMEA All-State audition music for Winds & Percussion. https://ksmea.org/hsband/excerpts/
These corrections were based on concerns expressed by directors, professors, and private teachers since the May 1st posting. These corrected materials will be used for the Instrumental Live Auditions in January. Auditioners will be expected to perform the excerpts “exactly as posted on August 15, 2025” even if there still might be an error that was not detected and still remains at this posting.
Fountain City Youth Brass Band Academy – don’t forget to take a look at this wonderful possibility if you are a brass or percussionist – of ANY grade level. This is a FREE event. https://fcbb.net/community-education/expo/