Hello everyone! Now that we have our initial couple of days under our belts, it’s time to really get the school year started. This week – paperwork, info on the best fundraiser ever, and mariache band camp! Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to review these important kickoff updates!
Forms & Fees Packets
If you have not already done so, please return your Forms & Fees packet this week. Concert Band parents, I will hand these packets out to Concert Band students on Monday.
Each packet includes:
- Field trip forms needed for the school year
- Full-year band calendar
- A link to the West Pride Band Handbook
- Cut Time setup and communication guide
- Transportation form
- Fee collection envelope (covering Marching Band fees, Concert Band fees, shoes, gloves, etc.)
Please note that these forms and payments are processed by dedicated parent volunteers. Because there is a high volume to organize, processing takes a couple of weeks. You will see payments reflected in Cut Time shortly. As a reminder, Cut Time allows you to conveniently pay band fees online via credit or debit card. Simply follow the links in the system to navigate to Events (to sign up for volunteer opportunities) and Financials (to view and make payments).
Cut Time Action Items
There are two key digital forms in Cut Time that require your attention:
- Band Handbook Form: Every student and parent must review the Band Handbook and digitally sign the handbook agreement form in Cut Time.
- Dietary Restrictions Form: We feed our Marching Band students many times throughout the season (with occasional meals for Concert Band also). We want to ensure every student is cared for, so please complete this form if your student has any special dietary needs or restrictions. (If your student has no dietary restrictions, no action is needed.)
Mega Car Wash Fundraiser
The Mega Car Wash is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we want every student to participate! Please review the car wash materials inside your Forms & Fees packet.
Students can earn money directly toward upcoming travel, including the possible/probable London trip in a couple of years or this year’s New Orleans trip for OE. Concert Band students will learn more about this in class on Monday and Tuesday. Each student can easily earn between $200 and $600 with just a little effort!
Please share it on your personal social media pages to help spread the word—we will be sharing it on ours as well!
Corporate Sponsorship
We have an active Corporate Sponsorship initiative within our booster club, Band-Aides West. You can learn more about it on our website HERE. If you own a business or know someone who does, we would love to partner with them to support our young musicians! Please check our website and reach out to Dr. Thomas for more details.
Mariachi Opportunity
Our community is rich in Hispanic culture. We have discussed starting a Mariachi group at SM West for several years. We are excited that on Saturday, September 26, there will be a student-focused Mariachi Festival in Kansas City. If students are interested in attending, we will secure a bus to downtown KC so we can explore this opportunity together. Please use this form to indicate your interest. If enough students express interest, we will share complete details and collect official commitments to attend.
Water Donations
If possible, could your family donate a case of bottled water to the band program? If so, please send it with your student to drop off in the band room at any rehearsal. We will use these throughout the marching season and at upcoming events. Thank you for your support!
Concert Band
- Monday Preparation: On Monday, please bring your instruments to class. We will assign lockers, distribute sheet music, and review Forms & Fees packets (including details on the Mega Car Wash). Please check Canvas regularly for assignment dates, as students will have several written and playing tests this semester.
- Freshman Roadies Needed: Are you interested in being a Freshman Roadie? We would love to have parents and students join our team to help move equipment for home football games and competitions! Students can also bring their instruments to play with the marching band in the stands. We will discuss this further in class.
Marching Band
- Monday Rehearsal (7:00 AM): Rehearsal begins at 7:00 AM in the band room, focusing entirely on music. If you need replacement sheet music for pregame or show music, this is the day to get it.
- Tuesday Night Rehearsal (6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Drumline until 9:00 PM): This is our first official Tuesday evening rehearsal of the season, and attendance is required for all marching band and guard members. We will begin promptly at 6:00 PM on the practice field.
- What to Bring: Drill charts or coordinate sheets (if you need new ones, ask on Monday).
- Gear & Uniforms: We now have lanyards available for anyone who did not receive one at band camp. If you still need to be fitted for a uniform, we will take care of you Tuesday evening. Marching shoes have arrived and are available in the ensemble room!
Thank you for your support, and let’s have a great week!
’Sko Vikes!