December 17, 2023 Band Notes

Marching Band Schedule
- HS Final Exam Schedule- 1/2 day. School Ends at 11:05am.
- Lunch 11:05-12:00. Bring your own or have food dropped off. The school cafeteria will not be open.
- Full Marching Band Rehearsal 12pm-3pm; HS (Please note the time change!)
Applications For The “Me Second” Scholarship Due
Rose Parade Medication Drop Off Opportunity #1 (sign-up below)

Wednesday, December 20

Mason City Schools Winter Break Begins

Thursday, December 21

Full Marching Band Rehearsal 1pm-5pm; HS
Rose Parade Medication Drop Off Opportunity #2 (sign-up below)
SoFi Stadium Waiver Due (Please see below for details)

Friday, December 22

Competitive Winter Guard Holiday Camp 1-9pm; MHS GYM

Rehearsal 1-4:30pm
On Campus Break 4:30-5:30pm
Rehearsal 5:30-9pm

Saturday, December 23

Competitive Winter Guard Holiday Camp 11am-3pm; MMS Arena

Wednesday, December 27- Tuesday, January 2

Marching Band Rose Parade Trip (Please see slides below for complete details and schedule)

Must be at school by 5:45 am on Wednesday!

Wednesday, January 3

Classes Resume

Thursday, January 4

Jazz Band Auditions 2:45-5:00pm; MHS Woodwind Room (details below)

Friday, January 5

Competitive Winter Guard Rehearsal 6:15-9:15pm; MECC Gym

Saturday, January 6

Competitive Winter Guard Rehearsal 2-9pm @MMS Arena

Rehearsal 2-4:30pm
Dinner On Campus (BYO) 4:30-5:30pm
Rehearsal 5:30-9pm

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

Parent To Do Checklist For This Week

Rose Parade Trip Critical Action Items (details below/slides):
- PAST DUE-Fill in and submit the Rose Parade EMA tonight if you have not already done so.
- Fill out Rose Parade Travel Waiver if student not flying with the band.- Due Tonight
- Fill out SoFi Waiver-Due December 21st (details below)
- Sign up to drop off medication if needed.
- Rose Parade Travelers-Obtain ID if you are 18 years of age or older.
- Update health insurance information in final forms. (see meeting slides)
- We recommend that you put emergency information into your student’s phone that can be accessed even if their phone is locked. Check with your phone carrier to learn how to do this.
- Parents/guardians, please adjust the sleep settings on your phone so you can hear your phone ring in the event we need to contact you during the Rose Parade trip.
Purchase Rose Parade Pins for students to trade with bands, if desired. (Details below)
Freshmen through Juniors are eligible to apply for marching band scholarship. (Please see below for details.) Deadline to apply is this Tuesday, December 19th.
If interested in helping or bringing cookies for the Awards Ceremony, please sign up below.
Another volunteer opportunity to feed honor band students. (Sign up below if you are able to help.)

NEW INFORMATION

SoFi Stadium Waiver-DUE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21ST

We have just learned that all students traveling to California will need to have a waiver filled out and submitted in order to participate in the New Year’s Day Gala at SoFi stadium. The waiver will need to be completed no later than Thursday, December 21st in order for your student to attend the event. Thank you for your continued support in making sure we have all required documents for the trip completed.

If your student is under 18, both the top and bottom must be filled out and both the student and a paren/guardian must sign.

For students 18 or over, only the top portion will need to be filled out and signed by the student.

Please complete the SoFi Waiver and Upload Here.

Rose Parade Trip Details

Today

CRITICAL REMINDER: If you did not already complete the Rose Parade Emergency Medication Authorization, please do so today! Everyone must have this form completed and must carry it on their person during the parade. The directors and u-crew will distribute them to students on parade morning, so we need everyone's form to be uploaded now.

Link to form HERE
- Please fill out the EMA to the best of your ability. It is not critical if you do not know your student's blood type or that they have received a Tetanus shot in the past. This information is only requested so that in the case of an emergency a care team would know how best to treat your student. If you do not know your student's blood type, simply write unknown on the line.
Complete & Upload HERE

By December 21st

Complete SoFi Stadium Waiver (details above)

Night Before Preparations- Tuesday, December 26th

Make sure you have everything packed and ready to go for the trip. Secure the luggage tags to your suitcase and carry on bag. We advise you plan to go to sleep early this night so as to make getting up a bit easier in the morning.

Student Packing List (Please be sure to adhere to the 40lb combined weight limit of both your suitcase and carry on item.):

Added December 21st- Black practice cape
NEW: We suggest students pack a snack to eat on the plane on our departure day, Dec 27th. It will be a long travel day before we arrive at Santa Monica Pier so students may find it helpful to have the snack. (no fluids allowed until we go through security after which students can fill their empty water bottles). Also a drink will be provided during the flight.
Performance Clothes (including WHITE underlayers! Guard undergarments, tights, shoes, makeup and supplies for competition hair)
Rehearsal Gear & Sneakers
Instrument / Flag Bag (and reeds / supplies needed)
Casual Clothes for 6 Days (plus rehearsal-don’t forget socks and underwear)
- *look over the itinerary and think about what you will be comfortable in based on activities.
- Check weather prior to leaving trip to make sure you pack appropriately.
Toiletries (DEODORANT, toothbrush/paste, brush, shampoo / conditioner, soap / body wash, etc)
- ***Liquids,aerosols and gels packed in carry-ons MUST follow FAA’s 3-1-1 Rule: Less than 3.4 oz per container in 1 QUART sized zippered bag - 1 bag per passenger*** See TSA Website for complete info
Phone & Portable Charger and Cords, Travel Pillow (if desired), Entertainment for the plane / bus (Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags per the TSA).
PJ’s / Hotel Comfy Clothes
Band Jacket / Mason Band Hoodie / Spirit Wear
Water Bottle to use at Hotel & Bring Along each Day
Tour Shirt for SoFi Stadium Photo
Spending money (can be debit/credit/gift cards) for souvenirs - all meals provided on the trip.
If over 18, license or state ID

Parents:

Please make sure you have the following important items in addition to your basic day to day needs during the trip:

Any pre-purchased tickets to locations you will be visiting during the trip.
- Ticket Only Package tickets were sent via Fed Ex.
- Those with full/land only tickets, will work just like the band. All tickets, etc. will be given to you each day as we progress through the itinerary. You will not receive anything in advance. As for the airport, it will be really easy. You will head to the Southwest counter where a BRT rep will be present to help if needed. You will have already been checked in and have a boarding number. All you need to do is present your ID, check your bags and print your boarding pass. You will then simply head through security and proceed to the gate. Once you arrive in Long Beach, you will meet your BRT tour director at baggage claim, who will direct your to your motor coach to be transported to the hotel. That person will be with you the rest of the trip and can answer any question you have!
- Please contact mike@bobrogerstravel.com or bstamps@bobrogerstravel.com with any questions.
Documentation of all reservations if you planned your own adventure; hotel, car rental, parking passes etc.
State ID or license
Spending money, credit card/debit card
Insurance card
Cell Phone/Charger (Make sure you have the sleep settings adjusted so we can contact you if necessary.)
If you have not done so already, please sign up for Remind. This is how all communication will be given to parents throughout the trip.
- Remind Set Up Instructions

Departure Information-Wednesday, December 27th

Before you leave your home make sure to eat breakfast. It will not be provided. If you are flying to California before your student, make sure you make arrangements to get them to school. Cars can remain in the band parking lot during the trip.

5:00 am-The directors will arrive and the High School will be open
5:45 am- All students/Fans on Charter need to arrive at MHS with luggage
6:30 am- Coaches depart the High School

Arrival Back To Mason-Tuesday, January 2nd

Charter 1 arrives at CVG 5:37pm
Charter 2 arrives at CVG 6:37pm
All student will arrive back at the High School by 8:15pm

Please make sure you have made arrangements for your student to get from the High School to their home.

Additional Important Information

If you have any questions regarding the trip, please contact parade@masonbandboosters.com.

How To Watch The Bands In The Rose Parade Online

For our band families who may not be able to make it to Pasadena, KTLA offers coverage of the Rose Parade (commercial-free!). And don't worry if you're not local... KTLA can be viewed via the following options:

Online: https://ktla.com/news/rose-parade/2024-rose-parade-band-cam/
KTLA+ App: Available for Apple iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV

KTLA also has encore presentations of the Parade that re-run at 10 am, 12:30 pm, 3 pm, and 7:30 pm PST, for those who are unable to tune in live at 8 am PST.

Specifically for our bands, KTLA also offers the “Honda Band Cam” via Facebook Live. There, viewers can watch the Parade without the host commentary, and with the bands at full volume (Thanks, Honda!). You can find the Band Cam feed at

https://www.facebook.com/ktla5 once the parade starts.

Volunteers Needed To Feed Honor Band Participants

We are in need of a few volunteers to help feed Middle School and 9th grade students who are participating in honor band. We will be serving a simple meal of pizza, snacks, and a drink.

DETAILS

Date: Saturday, January 13th
Location: MMS Large Commons and MHS Small Commons
Time: Volunteers needed from 11:30-1:30 pm at both locations (bigger group at MMS)

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up HERE. Please contact Kim Bishop at secretary@masonbandboosters.com with any questions.

2024 Pep Band Information

We are excited to get our Pep Band season started! Pep band is a great way to play some fun music with your friends, while supporting our school and community.

CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE, BAND LISTS, AND MORE INFO!

This year, each member of Concert Winds, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony will again be responsible for two basketball games as part of their grade for the Spring Semester. Some years this is a three game requirement, but due to the busy Rose Parade year, we have restructured to do the same amount of games with each student only needing to attend two games to respect your busy schedule. For all students in Concert White, Silver and Green pep band is not required but students are welcome and encouraged to attend if they want to visit with their friends and perform to support our school and community!

REMINDERS

Rose Parade Trip-Student Land Only Travel Waivers

For students that have their own flying arrangements for the Rose Parade trip, you will need to make arrangements for your student to join the band in California and sign out at the conclusion of the trip. The options are outlined below:

Two opportunities to sign in your students:

Wednesday, 12/27/2023 - 1:00pm - Santa Monica Pier (Specific location will be provided by Remind.)
Wednesday, 12/27/2023 - 9:00pm - Embassy Suites Anaheim South

Two opportunities to sign out your student:

Monday, 1/1/2023 - 8:30 pm - SoFi Stadium (student must bring luggage)
Tuesday, 1/2/2024 - 6:15am - Embassy Suites Anaheim South

Any other arrangements must be approved by Mr Jackson!!

REQUIRED STEPS TO OBTAIN A TRAVEL WAIVER:

MUST COMPLETE Travel Waiver Form HERE by TONIGHT.
STUDENT AND ADULT MUST JOIN Rose Parade Travel Waiver Remind Group (For those dropping off or picking up students in CA 12/27 and 1/2/24 ONLY): Text @23RPTW to 81010

The 'Me Second' Scholarship Application in memory of Jacob Langbein

Jake was a low brass member of the class of 2017. Jake always showed unwavering compassion, empathy and kindness to others and always wanted to help make others smile and feel welcomed. He didn't take opportunities, such as marching band, for granted. He was a silent laborer who would do whatever was needed to help the band, it's members, and staff and was happier if others didn't know all he'd done as he didn't like to be singled out for helping, it's just who he was. We would like to award a student who exhibits these same qualities in life with a $500 scholarship towards marching band fees for the upcoming season.

This year, thanks to Cincy Sammy's givetober, we will be awarding 2 scholarships, 1 low brass member and 1 marching band/guard member from any section

Students can fill out the application found HERE if they would like to be considered for the scholarship. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

2024 Rose Parade Pins

The students submitted 11 different designs to be considered for our 2024 Rose Parade Design. The winning design is pictured.

The tradition is that at the end of the Rose Parade, the bands mingle and exchange pins! There are a total of 20 Bands marching, but only 13 from outside California (including Mason). Keep in mind that we won't get to meet all the bands. The ones we cross paths with will depend upon where we are in the line up. Often each student will buy several pins so that they have them for themselves and have some to exchange with other bands. These make great keepsakes and small gifts, too.

Please place your order ASAP. Pins are available to order on the following JotForm for $2 each:

https://form.jotform.com/Masonbands/marching-band-rose-parade-pins

***Every student will receive ONE free pin

The pins will be distributed when we get to California. Contact Gina at spirit@masonbandboosters.com if you have questions.

Marching Band Awards Night January 16th-Volunteers Requested

Please join us January 16th at 6:30pm for this year’s marching band awards night. This will be a fun evening to celebrate each band member's achievements throughout the marching band season and to reminisce on all of the amazing moments we have all shared together. You won’t want to miss it! The event will take place in the High School Auditorium.

Volunteers Needed: We are in need of volunteers to help with setting up, serving cookies, and cleaning up before and after our awards ceremony. We would also appreciate donations of cookies and water. More information and sign-ups can be found via the links below. Donations can be dropped off prior to the start of the program from 4:15pm - 6:15pm in the large commons. Please contact Kim Bishop at secretary@masonbandboosters.com with any questions. Thanks in advance for helping us have a fun night!

2024-2025 Concert Band Audition Information

CLICK HERE

Please see the information in the link above about concert band auditions for next school year. Audition Videos are due on January 22, so now is the time to start preparing at home and with your lessons teacher. The band directors are happy to look over your audition videos, offer advice about which audition to do, or answer any questions you have!

Jazz Band Signup/Audition Information

CLICK HERE

The link above has all the information about Jazz Band for this year! Jazz band begins in January after break. Mason High School has two jazz bands: Jazz I and Jazz II. For woodwind and brass students, an audition is required for Jazz I, but not for Jazz II (fill out the commitment form and you’re all set!). For all students interested in playing a rhythm section instrument, an audition is required. See above for audition info, schedules, commitment form and more!

Jazz 1 Auditions will take place January 4, 2024 from 2:45-5pm.

Mason Bands Gift Giving Guide

As with any skill or hobby, there are always new things to learn, tools to acquire, and experiences to provide inspiration. Keeping students motivated is vital for continued interest and success. Birthdays, Holidays, and all sorts of occasions celebrated by our families can be a great opportunity to give the gift of music. Please see the Mason Bands Gift Giving Guide for some great gift ideas for your band student!

Spirit Merchandise - Last Minute Gift Items

Looking for additional gift ideas this holiday season?

You can still purchase band merchandise by ordering it through the following JotForm: https://form.jotform.com/Masonbands/mason-band-product-order-form

Enchanted Promises and Rose Bowl Merchandise is now available at DISCOUNTED PRICES. You can get fanny packs and luggage tags for the Rose Parade Trip at 50% off regular prices. Some stickers and keychains are marked at 75% off.

Check back later this week for Enchanted Promises and Rose Parade ORNAMENTS, too.

Late Pano and Section Photo Orders

Even our most seasoned families weren’t able to keep up with all the forms and deadlines this year! If you missed the form for ordering pano, section, and senior photos, you can put in a late order if you act fast. Late group photo orders are due by Monday, 12/18/2023. Once you submit your form, look for an email with your total and a payment link to Nancy Riley Photography. You need to complete payment to place your order. Late orders will be available for pick up January 16, 2023 at the Awards Ceremony.

Questions? Email photo@masonbandboosters.com

Rose Parade Medication Drop-Off

If your student will need medication for the Rose Parade trip(OTC or Rx) that has not already been turned in, please sign up for your preferred drop off date/time using one of the links below. The drop off will be in the staff dining room of the High School. Please enter through the back doors that enter into the band wing.

Please read the Medication Policy 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. You will find all the latest information about how we manage medication on MasonBands.com here.

Remember to upload DMS forms here prior to the drop-off event. Must be signed by both the medication provider and parent.

We also strongly encourage you to fill out DMS forms for Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Benadryl if your student has ever taken those medications in the past. We will not be able to dispense those medications to your student unless the proper forms have been filled out and signed. Please note that students may not carry any medications themselves, including common over the counter medications, unless they are emergency medications and the appropriate forms have been submitted.

For questions or to schedule an alternate drop off appointment, email Lisa Oldham - medicalsecretary@masonbandboosters.com or Mike McCallister - registration@masonbandboosters.com