October 19, 2025 Band Notes

Upcoming Events

Monday, October 20

• Full Band: 3-6pm; MHS

Tuesday, October 21

• Full Band: 6-9pm; MHS

Wednesday, October 22

• Color Guard: 6-9pm; MHS

Thursday, October 23

• Brass and Woodwinds: 3-6pm; MHS
• Medication Drop-Off: 4-6pm; MHS (sign up in BoosterHub)
• Percussion: 6-9pm; MHS

Friday, October 24

• Full Band: 3-5pm; MHS
• Football Game vs. Sycamore: 6:00pm to approximately 9:30pm (see typical schedule below)
• Note: Any timing updates will be sent through Parent Remind. Details on how to set up parent Remind can be found HERE.

Saturday, October 25

• Miamisburg Invitational (see details below)
  • Mason Performance: 8:45pm

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

Parent To Do Checklist For This Week

1. Come watch Mason compete at the Miamisburg Invitational this Saturday, October 25.
2. Turn in any medications needed for the Miamisburg Invitational this Thursday, October 23 - sign up in BoosterHub.
3. Optional: Order this year’s memory book by October 27.
4. Optional: Order additional tour shirts by October 28.
5. Purchase car raffle tickets, and spread the word about this fundraiser.

NEW INFORMATION

Miamisburg Invitational

This Saturday, we will travel to Miamisburg for their MSBA Invitational.  This event will be very similar to the one we hosted; however, this time Mason will be performing in competition. Please see the information below for both students and parents/spectators.

Students will be wearing COMPETITION uniforms for this event.

Band Lookbook 2025 

Color Guard Lookbook 2025 

Student Schedule (Tentative)

Source:  MSBA Miamisburg Invitational Guidebook 2025

Miamisburg Event Page

https://www.midstatesba.org/miamisburg

Holland Field
1860 Belvo Rd.
Miamisburg, OH 45342

Feed the Band

Saturday’s dinner, 10/25/2025,  will be sponsored by Mason Band Boosters and provided by:

Chick Fil A - 7733 Voice of America Centre Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069

The Menu* will be as follows:

Regular Diets - Chick Fil A Sandwich (no pickle) with choice of assorted sauces, Lays Chips, Apple Sauce, Cookies, Gatorade

Vegetarian/Halal/Vegan/Dairy Free/Onion Free - Southwest Veggie Wrap (No cheese/no onion) with choice of assorted dressing and sauces, Lays Chips, Apple Sauce, Cookies, Gatorade.

Gluten Free/Nut Allergy - Grilled Chicken Nuggets with choice of assorted sauces, Lays Chips, Apple Sauce, Fruit Snacks, Gatorade

Note:  The special diet foods are ONLY for those who have declared a special dietary need as we only have a limited number of those meals.  Everyone else is expected to eat the Regular Diet meal.  Likewise, those that have declared a special diet are expected to eat their special diet offering. Thank you for your cooperation!

*If the above do not meet your dietary preferences or needs, you always have the option of having food dropped off or packing your own dinner!

Any questions can be directed to our Feed the Band Chair, Smita Ankola at smita.ankola@gmail.com.  We thank Smita for volunteering her time and taking on this large task for us this year!!!

Football Game This Friday Night

Friday Night Lights versus Sycamore! 

Uniforms

Students will wear their Competition Uniforms this week. They should bring their uniform undergarments with them to school so they can change into it prior to the game (see schedule below). Instrumentalist Uniform Lookbook 2025 - please read!

Secret Buddy

This is a Secret Buddy day!

Feed the Band

All students will be offered food every FOOTBALL FRIDAY compliments of our sponsors and/or the Mason Band Boosters!

This Friday’s Menu, October 24th, will be sponsored by Mason Band Boosters and provided by:

Jet’s Pizza- 7916 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040

The Menu* will be as follows:

Regular/Nut/Egg Allergy  - Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza with multipack Lays/Frito Chips, Rice Krispies, Fruit Snacks, Gatorade.

Vegetarian/Halal/Onion Free - Cheese Pizza, multipack with Lays/Frito Chips, Rice Krispies, Fruit snacks,  Gatorade.

Vegan/Dairy Allergy- Jet’s Plain Breadsticks with marinara sauce, multipack with Lays/Frito Chips, Rice Krispies, Fruit Snacks,  Gatorade.

Gluten Free - Gluten Free Cheese Pizza and/or Salad, multipack with Lays/Frito Chips, Rice Krispies, Fruit Snacks,  Gatorade.

Note:  The special diet foods are ONLY for those who have declared a special dietary need as we only have a limited number of those meals.  Everyone else is expected to eat the Regular Diet meal.  Likewise, those that have declared a special diet are expected to eat their special diet offering. Thank you for your cooperation!

*If the above do not meet your dietary preferences or needs, you always have the option of having food dropped off or packing your own dinner!

Any questions can be directed to our Feed the Band Chair, Smita Ankola at smita.ankola@gmail.com.  We thank Smita for volunteering her time and taking on this large task for us this year!!!

Tickets

A reminder to our new families, tickets are required for anyone who wishes to enter the stadium to watch the game (and the band’s pregame and half-time performances).  

Information on tickets for all Mason sporting events can be found HERE. (You will need to log into Schoology to view) Tickets can be purchased directly HERE the week of the game.

Mason Bands Football Primer--Key Things to Know

1. Students rehearse right after school and do not have time to leave campus. They should have their regular rehearsal gear and filled water bottle with them to keep hydrated throughout the evening on long Friday game nights. 
2. Students should bring both rehearsal and performance clothes (either summer uniform or what they wear under their uniform) to school on Friday. Directors will communicate in advance what uniform students will wear at the game. This week they will be wearing the Competition uniform.
3. Students are not allowed to leave campus for dinner. The Band Boosters provides dinner for students on Friday nights between rehearsal and game time. You may bring dinner to your student at 5:00 pm if you wish. Each week the dinner plan will be shared in the Sunday Band Notes. 
4. The Band plays in front of the Beacon building before they enter the stands. If you want to see that, stay outside the football stadium at the entrance and then enter after they play the fight song,
5. Parents not working to support the band at the game, have to purchase tickets to enter Beacon Stadium. Please see above for information on how to purchase tickets.
6. Students will stay with the band through halftime performance and then have third quarter off to visit friends, family and the concession stand! Students need to bring money if they want anything at the concession stand. Students cannot leave the stadium during third quarter. They will be bringing their personal water bottles up with them for the game.
7. Students will return to the End Zone for the 4th quarter.
8. Parents pick-up students at the High School after they have changed. Students will need time to put away all instruments and equipment and ensure their uniforms are properly put away.

If you have questions about Friday, feel free to contact Tiffany at  Travel@MasonBandBoosters.com

Typical Friday Night Home Schedule - All Times are Approximate

Spirit Merchandise & Upcoming Activities

Spirit Booth:

• 10/21 after rehearsal
• 10/30 after Booster meeting
• 11/8 at MSBA Championships

Invitational shirts, programs, & buttons are still available to purchase. The program contains all the senior spotlights - wonderful souvenirs for Senior families. 

We also have standard Mason band items such as car magnets, yard signs, & stadium bags as well as some new Regency offerings like pins, stickers, & fan flags!

Save the date! Have your poster ready for drop off - we will decorate the music wing on Sunday 11/9. See next week’s Band Notes for details.

Come see us at one of our next spirit booths or contact Michelle Andre - spirit@masonbandboosters.com if you would like to reserve an item or have questions.

Marching Band 101 for Parents - 10/19 Edition

New to Marching Band and have questions about what your student is doing or learning? Have you watched rehearsal and wondered how it all works? Each week in Marching Band 101 in Band Notes you’ll learn a little something new. 

What Is This HornRank Thing I’ve Heard About?

You might have seen posts or overheard conversations mentioning “HornRank.” HornRank is an online community of marching band enthusiasts. Think of it similar to a Reddit forum dedicated to Marching Band. Participants watch virtually, or occasionally attend, band competitions and converse through forums in real time - similar to what you’d find on a Discord server or Reddit forum during a popular show or sporting event. Some HornRank users really love to “geek out” on the competitions. Some users are dedicated fans (or alumni) of specific schools or programs. Others take a more nuanced and objective view of the participating bands. Some users create their own personalized rankings throughout the band season. It’s important to keep in mind when reading HornRank you are reading the musings and opinions of unvetted users - not of judges or adjudicators present at the competitions. It’s not unlike “reading the comments” on a public Facebook post. So while it can be a fun distraction and can be nice to see the complimentary praise given to our hardworking students and directors, HornRank musings have no bearing on the outcomes of competitions. As with all public forums, if you’re going to dive in, it’s wise to do so with a healthy dose of skepticism and a large grain of salt. 

Website Tip:

As the season goes on you’ll see and hear a lot of acronyms used when discussing competitions. The Mason Bands website contains a helpful Glossary of Acronyms. Check it out! 

Parent Section Ambassadors

Freshmen parents should have received an email introducing your Section Parent Ambassador. They are a great resource for quick questions and an opportunity to meet other parents in your student’s section. If you did not receive an email, please reach out to vp-membership@masonbandboosters.com 

Mason Schools Foundation Silent Auction

The Mason Schools Foundation is holding their annual silent auction now through October 25 9:30pm. 

The silent auction is full of school and community donated experiences and items that will all go back to benefit Mason students and staff across academics, the arts and athletics. One of the special opportunities available is a solo on stage with our Wind Symphony for their performance of Sleigh Ride at the December 10 concert! 

All in the community are able to participate even if they cannot attend (especially the traveling marching band crew).

Click here to view the items available and participate.

REMINDERS

MilkShake Factory Dine & Donate

Don’t miss our next dine and donate opportunity - it will be delicious! Stop by The MilkShake Factory on Kings Mills Rd on Wednesday, October 29, any time from 12-10pm for a yummy treat that also supports the band!

The band will get 25% of the sales during this time on all orders when the fundraiser is mentioned. Here is the full flyer, but it is not required - just mention you are there to support the band!

Regency Tour Shirts - Special Second Chance Order

Our Spirit Committee has worked with Friday Threads to arrange a special second-chance order window for the 2025 Regency Tour Shirts. Whether you missed out on the first order, changed your mind about wanting one, or loved it so much you want more - now is your chance! 

Click here to see the options and order. The order window closes on Tuesday, October 28 at 11:59pm. Shirts will be ready in time for Grand Nats.

For any questions, please reach out to spirit@masonbandboosters.com.

Mmm…Cake

If you attended our last Booster Meeting, you heard about our exciting new fundraising opportunity partnering with Nothing bundt Cakes, targeted for January/February.

We are in need of two enthusiastic individuals to help chair this event. Please contact Jennifer Rodway at fundraising@masonbandboosters.com for more information.

Competitive Winter Guard

We are just one month out from the end of this competitive season... which means that winter guard is just around the corner. 

See here for the CWG Announcement! This document should be a one stop of information as you begin planning for the upcoming audition, but if questions should arise - send them our way! 

Medical Secretary Updates

The Medication Drop off dates have changed slightly for our future events to allow for prep time for our care team. Below is the list of dates/times for drop offs. Please make sure you have an uploaded DMS sheet on file prior to dropping off the medications. Also ONLY bring the amount of medications we need.  Thank you for helping us support your students’ needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sally McDonald by email: medicalsecretary@masonbandboosters.com. 

Remaining Medication Drop Off Dates for Travel:

Miamisburg  Drop Off: 10/23/25 4-6 p.m., please sign up on BoosterHub for a time slot

Grand Nationals Drop Off: 11/10 and 11/12 times tbd at Let’s Play practices

Grand Nats Booster Meeting - Save the Date

Our next General Booster Meeting will be on Thursday, October 30, at 7pm. This is a CRITICAL meeting, as this will be our last parent meeting prior to Grand Nats.

Order Your Memory Book by October 27!

Every year, the Photo Corps puts together a memory book to celebrate the season, covering  band camps, rehearsals, games, competitions, and behind-the-scene moments. This year’s memory book will be a soft cover book with approximately 70 pages. If you order by October 27, you have the option to create your own custom pages to make sure your students have their favorite pictures featured!

Books are $50 if ordered by October 27, 2025. After that, the price increases to $55.

memory book

The 2025 Car Raffle is Here!

This gorgeous 2025 Audi Q3 S line 45 TFSI quattro could be yours! 

Mason Band Boosters is thrilled to once again be partnering with Audi Cincinnati East for our 2025 Car Raffle. A HUGE thank you to them for the donation! We are very excited! 

This fundraiser is a very important one for our organization as it helps provide some much needed funds to help with the expenses of our program as well as allows us to reach outside of our band family and community to help raise funds!

We Need Each And Every Family To Help Reach Our Goal Of Selling 4,000 Tickets And To Give Away This Fabulous Vehicle Or A Cash Prize!  

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

Raffle Period - Raffle runs NOW until November 7th at 5pm OR until 4,000 tickets are sold...whichever comes first!

Drawing - Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at the MSBA AAAAA Championships, hosted at Mason. Need not be present to win!

Prizes - 

• Grand Prize -  2025 Audi Q3 S line 45 TFSI quattro or a cash prize!
• 2nd Place Prize - $1000 cash  
• 3rd Place Prize - $500 Cash

Car Raffle Rules And Regulations - Please Click Here for complete Car Raffle rules and regulations. Must be 18 years of age or older and a Resident of Ohio to purchase or be named on the ticket.

Ticket Prices - 1 ticket-$25 or 5 for $100 (to same individual)

• Note: If purchasing a bundle, all tickets in the bundle must have the same name, address and phone number with them.      

Ticket Purchases - Tickets can be purchased two ways:

1. Online via the 2025 Car Raffle Ticket Order Form
2. In person at home football games and the Mason Invitational

Band Family Sales - We are NOT distributing paper tickets to band families this year, but we are still asking each family to sell (or buy) at least 9 tickets to help make this a successful fundraiser.

• Please share the link and QR code with family and friends. Feel free to share it via social media as well.

Information regarding the Car Raffle can be found on our website Here. 

Questions? - Please direct those to carraffle@masonbandboosters.com.

Secret Buddy Reminder

We are glad so many students chose to participate in Secret Buddy this year!  Here are the remaining dates during band season to bring secret buddy items.  Please make sure everyone takes good care of their buddy! 

• Home Football Game Friday, October 24th  
• MSBA Championship Saturday, November 8th
• BOA Grand Nationals Friday, November 14th  

Any questions, please reach out to vp-studentexperience@masonbandboosters.com

2025 Marching Band Next Steps

Marching Band Registration Next Steps:

• Registration Guide is now live.
• PAST DUE: 
• All payments for the 2025 MB Season are now PAST DUE.

Other Marching Band Documents: 

• 2025 Marching Band Drop Form
• 2025 Marching Band Handbook
• Color Guard Handbook Extension

IMPORTANT: For all payments by check - please include the student’s name and student ID and the fee you are paying on the memo line of the check. Example: “Jane Doe 987654 Band Fee 1”

Members of Our Band Family Need Us

Thank you to those that donated so far. Fuz and the Burton family have greatly appreciated your support. You can still donate to the GoFundMe.