April 30, 2023 Band Notes

Upcoming Events  

Sunday, April 30

• 2023 Color Guard & Leadership Announcements!

Monday, May 1

• Winter Percussion 5:30-8:30 pm; HS
• Marching Band School Fee #2 Due EZPay (Please see below for details)
• Marching Band Consumable Fee Due (Please see below for details)
  • Instrumentalists
  • Color Guard 
• Marching Band Uniform Sizing during band classes for High School instrumentalists. In Class Uniform Sizing Schedule. More details below.

Tuesday, May 2

• Marching Band Uniform Sizing during band classes for High School instrumentalists. In Class Uniform Sizing Schedule. More details below.

Wednesday, May 3

• Marching Band Uniform Sizing during band classes for 8th Grade instrumentalists. In Class Uniform Sizing Schedule. More details below.

Thursday, May 4

• Marching Band Uniform Sizing during band classes for 8th Grade instrumentalists. In Class Uniform Sizing Schedule. More details below.

Friday, May 5

• Final Forms Paperwork Due (Please see below for details/instructions.)
• 2023 Marching Band Drum Major and Leadership Team results announced!

Saturday May 6

• Color Guard Inventory Day 12-2pm; MHS Band Room
• Bring your assigned practice flag. If you are able, bring black electrical tape and scissors as well (it will make your taping job easier!).

Future planned events can be found on the updated band calendar: Mason Band Calendar

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIFORM CREW-UNIFORM FITTINGS

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help with the uniform fittings at school this week. We have the help we need. The uniform crew is in the process of reaching out to those that offered help. If you have not heard from the Uniform Crew about a specific time we need you and you had planned to volunteer, please send us an email to uniforms@masonbandboosters.com. 

Students- Remember to wear clothes that are easy to try on your bibs/overalls and vests/jackets over, please! High School fittings will be Monday and Tuesday. Eighth grade fittings will be Wednesday and Thursday. 

In Class Uniform Sizing Schedule

Do you have extra band uniform gear in your closet that no longer fits or are you a graduating Senior who wants to clean out your closet? We are taking donations of Green Band Polos, Black Summer Uniform Shorts, and Marching Shoes (black and white) in good condition to use as backups. There will be a bin near the lost and found by the band room for you to place your donations in.

MEDICATION FOR MINI CAMP

All medication and DMS forms from the 2022/23 school year are considered valid until the end of Mini Camp on June 2, 2023. This means all medication previously turned in and still remaining with the band as well as approved OTC medication will be available for your student during Mini Camp. All medication from 2022-23 must be picked up by the end of Mini Camp or it will be discarded. 

For new families or for new needs, if you need to drop off medication for Mini Camp, please sign up for a time in Charms. 

• Med Drop-off will be on Tuesday May 30th at 12:30 pm
• Direct link to sign up in Charms here 

Please also carefully read the Medication Policy and review all of the information about how we manage medication on MasonBands.com in advance. You will need to prepare your student’s medication with a completed med insert card placed in a ziploc bag with their medication following the instructions in our Medication Check-in Guide. Remember to upload all DMS forms here prior to bringing medication to check in. 

If you have any questions or need to make an alternate drop off appointment, email medicalsecretary@masonbandboosters.com

SUMMER MARCHING BAND TENTATIVE DATES

The tentative summer dates are already published on the calendar here on the Mason Bands calendar: CLICK HERE 

For students planning to participate in marching band, avoid vacations on the following dates: 

• May 28 - Graduation; Non Senior Wind Symphony Students to Perform (Please read communications from Mr. Protzman for more details.)
• May 29 - Memorial Day Parade (Current Freshman-Seniors ONLY)
• May 30 - June 2 - Mini Band Camp 
• June 20-23 - Percussion/Guard Camp (Percussion and Guard students ONLY) 
• July 17th - Start of Band Camp (Please see band calendar for complete schedule/days and times.)

MARCHING BAND LEADERSHIP

Drum Majors, Section Leaders, and Squad Leaders 

Announcements for the 2023 season will be released Friday, May 5th. If chosen for leadership, please save the following dates:

• Monday, May 8 - Leadership Team Meeting 1, 2:45-4:00, Band Room
• Monday, May 15 - Leadership Team Meeting 2, 2:45-4:00, Band Room
• Thursday, May 18 - Leadership Team Meeting 3, 2:45-4:00, Band Room
• Monday, May 22 - Leadership Team Meeting 4, 2:45-4:00, Band Room
• TENTATIVE Monday, July 17th 8am-Noon - Leadership Team Field Trip to Miami University

Color Guard Leaders

Color Guard leadership was announced via an email this morning. If chosen for color guard leadership, please save the above dates. Additional dates for Color Guard Leadership will be released soon.

SOCIAL MEDIA SENIOR SHOUT OUTS

Attention Seniors!! It's that time of year again...graduation is right around the corner. We would love for you to create a senior shoutout slide so our band family can celebrate you! We're going to start posting these soon, and we want to cheer on ALL of our amazing seniors! Please click here for instructions. 

YOUR NEW 2023-2024 BOOSTER BOARD/THANK YOU!

Thanks to everyone who attended our booster meeting this past Thursday night.  If you were unable to attend the meeting you can find the slides containing the meeting discussion points in the following links.

• Rose Parade Update
• Registration guide review

We are happy to announce the individuals who were elected to our Band Booster Executive Committee during the meeting. The individuals elected are as follows:

• Howard Pinsky: President
• Angie Anthos: Treasurer
• Kim Bishop: Recording Secretary
• Bridget Siedlecki: VP of Membership
• Rebecca Synan: VP of Fundraising
• Carrie Upchurch: VP of Marketing
• Shannon Wielinga:  VP of Travel
• Melissa Woodward: VP of Student Experience

The entire board looks forward to serving you this year!

FLOWER SALE – PLANNING FOR PICKUP

Many of you have inquired about pick-up times for flowers.  We are still awaiting a final delivery time from the grower.   We anticipate pick-up will be late morning/early afternoon on May 13th.  Pickup will take place in the grassy space between the building and the bus circle.   We will share final times as soon as possible.   We will also need a handful of volunteers to support pick-up.  Please sign up here in Charms if you are able to help sort, distribute, or deliver orders for us.   

PARENTS - WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN OUR PIT CREW!

Interested in learning more about the Marching Band Pit Crew? If so, please go to the  Pit Crew Information  page to learn more about how this group of volunteers helps our band.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR CHAPERONE AND BAND AID TEAM?

Interested in learning more about how to join our Chaperone and Band Aid Team? If so, please go to the Chaperone & Band Aid Information page. There you will find the comprehensive steps required in order to join in the important role of caring for our students and details on what each role entails.

First Steps

• Both Returning Chaperones & Band Aids as well as new volunteers who are interested should complete the form below.
  • Chaperone & Band Aid Interest Form
• Chaperone & Band Aid Training   
  • Wednesday May 17th at 7pm in the Mason High School Harvard Room.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

May is Mental Health awareness month!  Mason Band is proud to be partnering with the Jake Langbein memorial fund to continue to promote mental health awareness and training for students and staff!  For information on how you can help, go to https://www.masonbands.com/support-mason-band/jacob-langbein-memorial/

Please be sure and spread the word to alumni friends and family! Thank you to the Langbein family for your continued efforts to positively impact the students and staff in our program.

STAFF CHANGES

We are excited to announce that Avious Jackson will be the new Director of Bands for Mason Bands! Mr. Jackson will manage the 6-12 band program, conduct the Wind Symphony, and assist Mr. Sleppy as he continues to lead the marching band.

Mr. Protzman was recently appointed the director of bands for Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Mason Bands wishes him well as he begins this new opportunity!

Look for more announcements soon about staffing next year!

SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday May 24, 2023 6-7pm - We will be holding a Send off Open House to wish both Mr. Protzman and Mr. Woodie the best of luck in their future endeavors!  This will be held in the MHS Large Commons and light refreshments will be served.  All families and students are invited to attend and wish them well!

TRIP FOR 2 RAFFLE - BUY TIX NOW!

Don’t miss out on a chance to win a trip for 2 to the Rose Parade! The Mason Band Boosters is partnering with Bob Rogers Travel to offer a chance to win a Trip for 2 to the 2024 Rose Parade. Tickets are 1 for $25 or 5 for $100. Buy Your Tickets HERE and please share with your friends & family! 

The raffle winner can redeem their travel vouchers for either the Friends & Family trip or the Student trip. The winner will receive refunds for payments made toward existing registrations. If preferred, the raffle winner can elect a cash prize. See full rules for all the details. Please note participants must reside in the state of Ohio. 

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support students in financial need with their Marching Band and Rose Parade fees.

HELP SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Financial Assistance Fund

This upcoming marching band season we have more than double the families with verified need for Financial Assistance. The boosters have been working hard behind the scenes to raise funds to make sure every student who wants to participate this season is able to do so despite any financial constraints they may have. We know many of our families want to help.  One way to do so is by making a donation to the Financial Assistance Fund. 

This fund has been created specifically to support families with financial hardship by assisting with their participation and travel expenses in Mason Band. We are proud to have such a generous community to support our students in Mason Band. Mason Band Boosters is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and donations are tax deductible.  Additional information on the Financial Assistance Fund can be found  HERE. 

Business Sponsors

Are you looking to make an even greater impact on our students in need of financial assistance or know a business who would like to help? If so, then please consider becoming a business sponsor. Details on how to become a sponsor and the benefits of doing so can be found HERE.

Questions

Please contact:

• Financial Assistance Fund: Lisa Oldham parade@masonbandboosters.com
• Sponsorship: Scott Cook sponsorship@masonbandboosters.com

Thank you for your generous support!

NEW: INSTRUMENT CLASSIFIEDS PAGE

We are launching an Instrument Classifieds page on the band website for friends, families, and alumni of the Mason Band to list used instruments for sale. Do you have a used instrument in good condition collecting dust in the closet? Has your student graduated or “retired” early from the band program leaving you with a student instrument, outdoor rehearsal instrument for marching band, or a step-up instrument that is no longer being used? With continued supply chain issues and increased costs for the Rose Parade, now might be a great time to look at selling or donating that instrument! We have many middle school students and rising freshmen looking to purchase a used instrument. Please contact Mr. Rex if you are interested in posting an instrument for sale on our Instrument Classifieds page on the Mason Bands website or donating your instrument to the school for students in need.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI COMMUNITY BAND

Attention all graduating seniors, alumni, and parents! The University of Cincinnati Community Band is looking for new members to join this summer. The band is conducted by Mr. Johnnie Green, Mr. Aaron Rex, and Mr. Greg Mills, and is a relaxed community band that gets together once a week on Wednesdays between Memorial Day and Band Camp. Rehearsals start Wednesdays in May, but the schedule is very flexible for summer travel. You can see a full list of dates HERE and register through the interest form by clicking HERE. Please contact Mr. Rex with any questions!

MARCHING BAND CONSUMABLES

The Consumables Forms for marching band are now ready to be completed.  There is a form for Band and Color Guard.  Please complete the corresponding form for your student.  

2023 Band Consumables Form -Students will be sized for uniforms and shoes in May.

2023 Color Guard Consumables Form

Please complete this form and submit payment as instructed by May 1, 2023.

We have received a couple of questions on which items to order.  Required items are indicated in the form as such. Most of the questions seem to be around summer uniform.  

See below for clarification:

NOTE:  IF YOU ARE A RETURNING MARCHER, PLEASE TRY ON ALL ITEMS TO ENSURE THEY STILL FIT!

Summer Uniform Requirements - Band:

Green Band Polo (Consumables Order)- These are the same ones worn in prior years and by MMS students for concerts.  If you already have one in good condition and it fits, you do not need to order one.

Black Uniform Shorts (Consumables Order)- Everyone needs to have the same uniform shorts for the Summer uniform to ensure consistency in appearance.  If you already have these from last year, you do not need to order.

Black Athletic Shoes (Purchase on own) - These can be shoes you already own, but must be mostly black or dark color.  These are different than the required marching shoes that will be worn with the Classic Band Uniform.

Black Belt (Purchase on own) - To be worn with the shorts.  You will purchase this on your own or use one you already have.

Short Black Socks (Purchase on own) - Can be ankle or no-shows, but must be black.

Uniform Jacket (Consumables Order) - These are the same jackets worn in previous years.   The plan is to give all students Rose Parade patches to sew on their existing uniform jacket.  There will be separate, OPTIONAL jacket for sale specifically branded for Rose Parade that friends and family will be able to purchase well.  Be on the lookout for further details on Rose Parade Spirit Wear!

Summer Uniform Requirements - Guard:

NEW “M” DRESS/Outfit (Consumables Order) - These are a new updated version of the “M” dress that will be required for EVERYONE this year and should be ordered with consumables.  You will be fitted for our “M” Dress in the coming weeks.

White Chasse Cheer Shoes (Consumables Order) - These are required uniform shoes to complement the “M” dress and should be ordered with consumables.  Please use your normal athletic shoes size when ordering as these are listed as running true to size.

Mason Color Guard Tank (Required - Order through Friday Threads) - Most everyone should already have these tanks, but if you need a new one, you can order here:

Mason Color Guard Store - Friday Threads

All other items in the store are optional for purchase.

If you have any other questions on consumables, please email travel@masonbandboosters.com.

MARCHING BAND NEXT STEPS- REGISTRATION GUIDE

Marching Band Registration Guide

This guide is a comprehensive guide on all of the remaining steps required for both Marching Band and the Rose Parade Trip. 

2023 MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION GUIDE

 ****PLEASE NOTE**** Students must be in good standing with steps 1-7 in order to participate in Mini Band Camp. To be in good standing, all forms and fees must be complete through step 7 or you need to make alternative arrangements with a director.

Next Up- (Please refer to Registration Guide for detailed instructions on how to complete the steps below.)

• This Monday, May 1
  • Mason City Schools payment #2 due EZPay
  • Consumable Fees due 
    • Instrumentalists
    • Color Guard 
• May 5th
  • Update Final Forms Paperwork
    • Complete MCS 2023-24 Health & Medical forms in Final Forms
    • Review/Sign Marching Band Field Trip Permission, Tag Day Agreement, and Marching Band Handbook Agreement in Final Forms
• May 12th 
  • Dispensing Medication at School (DMS) forms due in order for us to dispense medication to your student during Mini Band Camp. This includes over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Benadryl. Please review our Medication Policy carefully and refer to our website for Information, Forms, & How to Guides
  • Get Registered in Charms & for Student Care 
    • Verify/Update Student & Family Data via Charms Registration (Instructions in Registration Guide)
    • Fill out Health & Well-Being Google Form
    • Fill out Student Care Plan if needed and Upload Electronically
• May 19th
  • Pre-Participation Physicals are due and must remain current throughout the season. Please refer to our website for more information about how to check the status of your student’s physical and download/upload in Final Forms here. 
  • If your student had a physical in the last year, you can have their physician complete the physical form based on their previous appointment. The physical is considered 'current' 13 months after their exam date to allow time for scheduling appointments and completing forms each year. If you need to get one done quickly, there are several options nearby including Kroger Little Clinic offering them for $29 with same day appointments available.

Please contact medicalsecretary@masonbandboosters.com with any questions regarding medications or physicals.  If you have any questions regarding fees, please email Mr. Sleppy at sleppyj@masonohioschools.com. 

2023 Marching Band Fee Schedule