January 18, 2026 Band Notes

Congratulations to all of the students who participated in Honor Band this past weekend! Each of the Honor Band groups put on incredible performances showcasing the culmination of their efforts this past week. We are thankful to have been given the opportunity to host OMEA’s District 13 Honor Band for students both from Mason and other surrounding school districts. Special thanks to the music educators who gave the students this wonderful experience. Thanks as well to the parent volunteers who took time out of their weekend to serve lunch to the Middle School and 9th grade participants on Saturday.

Pictures of selected concerts will be in SmugMug later this week.

REMINDERS

Winter Guard Sign-Ups

Registration is live for all Mason Winter Guard teams! There are groups available for students in grades 5-11. Click the appropriate link for more information and to sign up.

Sign-ups for grades 8-11 are due by THIS Wednesday, January 21.
Sign-ups for grade 7 are due by Wednesday, January 28.
Sign-ups for grades 5-6 are due by Wednesday, January 28.

What is Winter Guard?

Learn Cool Skills: Master the art of flag spinning and modern dance.
No Experience Needed: We will teach you everything! Whether you’re a total beginner or a pro at gymnastics and dance, there is a spot for you.
No Auditions: Everyone gets to participate!

For any questions, email Mrs. Sleppy at sleppye@masonohioschools.com.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the magic. Grab a friend and sign up today!

February Booster Meeting - Save the Date

Our next general booster meeting will be on Tuesday, February 24, at 7pm in the MHS Band Room.

Topics will include:

Music for All Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival (CRCBF) on Saturday, March 7
Upcoming Marching Band Season, including the 2025 Commitment Form
Upcoming Board Elections

Prospective Member Meeting - Help Spread the Word!

Please help us spread the word to any prospective students who may be interested in joining Marching Band that there will be a 2026 New Member Meeting on Tuesday, January 27th at 7pm in the MHS Band Room. All rising freshmen, prospective new members, and parents are encouraged to attend.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band 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!). See above for audition info, schedules, commitment form and more!

MHS Winter Percussion Information

Winter Percussion begins later in January! See info document below for the schedule, signup form and all details. All of these dates are also on the band calendar. Signup by January 9th to participate (see below)

2026 WINTER PERCUSSION INFO DOCUMENT

Email Mr. Cato with any questions: mhspercussion@masonohioschools.com

Peer Mentoring Band Program

One of our band seniors, Koby Carson, is starting a peer mentoring program for band students. He will be matching up students who’d like help from an older student who plays their instrument.

CLICK HERE to watch a video with more information

CLICK HERE to sign up as a mentor or to get help from a mentor.

City Barbeque Dine & Donate

Our January Dine & Donate will be at the City Barbecue in West Chester on Wednesday, January 28, from open to close (10:30am-8pm). This flyer must be shown at time of order (either on a phone or printed), or use the code GIVE for online ordering.

The band will receive 20% of sales.

City Barbeque is located at 7706 Voice of America Centre Dr, in West Chester.

Marching Band 2026 - Initial Dates

It's hard to believe we are already looking toward next season! We've had a few inquiries about 2026 Summer Dates for marching band rehearsals. These are now all on the Mason Bands website calendar. We also have our 5 varsity home football games, MSBA Mason Invitational, and MSBA Championships on the calendar as well. Everything else is currently a work in progress!

FYI: INITIAL 2026 MARCHING BAND DATES

For families who like to plan ahead, below are all summer dates for the 2026 Marching Band season. These dates should be avoided when scheduling vacations or other summer activities.

Mini Camp: May 26, 27, 28, 29
Percussion & Color Guard Camp: June 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
Band Camp Week 1: July 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Band Camp Week 2: July 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Band Camp Week 3: Aug 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Home Football Games: Sep 4, 18, 25; Oct 9, 23
MSBA Mason Invitational: Oct 10
MSBA 5A Championships: Nov 7
BOA Grand Nationals: Nov 12-14 (returning Nov 15)

We will be sharing much more information soon, but wanted to get these first dates on your calendars!

2026-2027 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 THIS WEDNESDAY, January 21st, so now is the time to start preparing at home and with your lessons teacher. Paper copies of all music are in the organizer in the front of the band room. The band directors are happy to look over your audition videos, offer advice about which audition to do, or answer any questions you have!

Competitive Winter Guard Information

Hair & Makeup Trial 1-3pm @MMS Band Room
- Arrive with your show hair completed. We will be working on the makeup look as a group.
- Pack all hair and makeup products AND a mirror, even though you're showing up with show hair complete. We may request a change to your look.
- Door A-2 will be open from 12:40pm-1:15pm.
CWG Season Lookbook: We are one month away from our first competition! See the CWG Season Lookbook for information on hair, makeup, and undergarments. Please have all items purchased by TODAY Sunday, January 18th.
- Safety Rule for CWG Season: Glasses should not be worn during rehearsal run throughs or performances. Our choreography includes high level body under tosses and fast equipment exchanges, which create a high risk of glasses being hit, broken, or causing injury. Please use contacts or secure alternatives to help keep everyone safe. If you have any questions or need help coming up with a solution, let us know! We are happy to work with you.
Fees: PaySchools is live! Review the CWG Fees Overview for important deadlines and information on your two ways to pay.
- Fee 1 PAST DUE: $400.00 | via PaySchools or check
- Fee 2 PAST DUE: $600.00 | via PaySchools or check
- Fee 3 Due Feb 15, 2026: $600.00 | via PaySchools or check
Previous Forms:
- CWG Handbook
- CWG Absence Agreement Form
- CWG Conduct Agreement Form
- Final Forms Info Doc (two corresponding forms)
- WGI Performer Release Form (Minor)
- WGI Performer Release Form (18+)
- CWG Consumables Document
Season Calendar: CWG Season Calendar

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 three basketball games as part of their grade for the Spring Semester.

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!