Band Notes Aug 14, 2022

Mason’s tentative performance window for prelims is between 7:15 am - 9:15 am Saturday, October 22nd. We are optimistic that they will be performing for the finals on Saturday as well.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE: DUE TO THE EARLY PERFORMANCE TIME ON SATURDAY AND BUSING HOURS RESTRICTIONS, THE BAND WILL TRAVEL TO INDIANAPOLIS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21st BY CHARTER BUS AND STAY OVERNIGHT IN DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS!! WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE CONFUSION AND ASK THAT YOU PLAN ACCORDINGLY AND THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR FLEXIBILITY!

This is a change from what was communicated at the Booster meeting on 8/4/22 and we will be holding a mandatory travel meeting to review all of the details in late September or Early October. The band’s departure time from Mason and hotel accommodations are TBD and will be communicated via email and Band Notes as soon as we get the assignment from the housing bureau. We have been able to rework our budget and are happy to report that no additional fees will be requested from the families to do this!

On Saturday, the band will wake up early, perform and will stay in Indianapolis for both the Finals and the Awards Ceremony. They will then arrive back in Mason around 2am on Saturday night/Sunday morning. This will make for a very long day. Families will have the option to check out their students in Indianapolis at a designated time, if their student prefers not to travel back to Mason with the band. If your student travels home with the band, please plan to pick them up at the High School. This is due to driving curfew restrictions found here and the fact they will be too exhausted to drive safely. It is not recommended that they walk or ride their bike home.

Grand Nationals Tickets will go on sale September 1st. We will share the direct link to purchase those tickets once they go on sale or you can go to the Bands of America’s Website directly on the 1st. https://marching.musicforall.org/schedule/

If you decide to stay overnight for either the Super Regionals or Grand Nationals, we highly recommend you book your hotel stay now. Hotels book up very quickly. The further away your hotel is from downtown Indianapolis the more economical the hotels will most likely be.

For Grand Nationals hotel planning purposes, you can use the tentative schedule below. The band has requested to stay at the JW Marriott, but we are waiting on that to be confirmed. Once our hotel has been confirmed, we will pass that information on to you.

Thurs, 11/10 - Tentative Prelim Performance 6pm

Rehearse at W2W in AM.
Travel to Indy in PM - 6pm Prelim Performance
Return to Mason Thursday evening

Fri, 11/11 - No Performances; Overnight stay

Rehearse at W2W in AM
Travel to Indy in PM - Check into Hotel (TBD)
Watch Semi-Finals announcement at LOS Friday Evening

Sat, 11/12 - Potentially Two Performances; Overnight stay

Semi-Finals - Time TBD - Will find out Friday Night
Finals - Pending results of Semis
Awards conclude around 11:30PM-12AM

Sun 11/13 - No performances; Head home

Breakfast
Check out of hotel
Usually Noon arrival in Mason

UNIFORM UNDERGARMENTS FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS

This year, the Mason Marching Band will be using two sets of formal uniforms: Classic Black and Competition White. You will need to make sure your student has two sets of undergarments:

Black Uniforms - Tight Fitting/Compression style Black top (can be sleeveless or long sleeve) and black compression style shorts or pants.

White Uniforms - VERY IMPORTANT! MUST BE ALL WHITE WITH ALL WHITE UNDERWEAR AND CONTAIN NO PRINT OR LOGOS! All undergarments must be tight fitting and PANTS MUST GO ALL OF THE WAY TO THE ANKLE! We highly recommend a synthetic material vs. cotton as synthetics handle sweat and moisture much better than cotton. CLICK HERE for more information and links to suggested items to buy. You do not have to buy these, these are just examples of what you can buy. You can purchase the undergarments anywhere you wish as long as they meet the requirements. Any uniform related questions should be directed to Micki Gonzalez at uniforms@masonbandboosters.com.

Socks will be provided by the Uniform committee for both sets of uniforms so you do not need to buy socks!

For information on Color Guard uniform undergarments, please see Erica’s weekly update email for more information on what to purchase for this year’s color guard uniforms.

PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR BEAUTIFUL FALL MUMS!

Our annual Mason Band fall Mum sale is underway! This Sale benefits students in all band classes in Grades 6-12 with music purchases, classroom items, guest clinicians to work with our students, and more! Please be sure to share the details with your friends and family! ORDER HERE! Ordering Window closes on 8/31/22, so don’t delay! Mum pick up will be Sat. Sept. 10th at the MMS auditorium entrance - just drive up and we will place them in your car!

Those that purchase items have two options for delivery:

Select a Band Family to deliver to them. Ask your friends and family that you wish to offer this option, to put your student’s name in the “which band family referred you?” question. You will then pick up these orders and deliver to anyone who selects this option.
Delivered DIRECTLY to the address provided on September 10th or 11th for a $15 service charge - Mason, Ohio area only.

We appreciate your support of our band program!

TAG DAY- IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

Do you know someone who would still like to make a donation for Tag Day? It is not too late to donate! Our friends and family campaign runs through the month of August. Here is a sample letter students can use to reach out to family members. Donations can be made HERE.

Our final fundraising numbers by team can be viewed here.

Invitational Tickets (for band families and friends and family who named students in their donation) will be passed out at Tuesday evening practices later this month (more details to follow). For donations that did not include a student name - tickets will be mailed by the end of the month.

CHEER ON YOUR FAVORITE BAND OR GUARD STUDENT WITH SPIRIT WEAR!

Band spirit wear is now available for purchase through Friday Threads. We have added some fun new items such as a Mason Band Customizable Unisex T and Ladies V-neck. You can check out those options and many more at the Friday Threads website found HERE.

The Spirit Committee could use your help! If you are interested in volunteering for Spirit please email us at spirit@masonbandboosters.com

REMEMBER TO BRING IN YOUR COMET CUPBOARD DONATIONS

Please support the Mason Band’s service project as we collect donations for the Comet Cupboard/Comet Closet. Donations will be collected through 8/20 during rehearsal. Top Needs include Pop top cans of chili, pastas, tuna, chicken; pop tarts, fruit snacks, individual oatmeal packets, granola/cereal bars. Please contact vp-studentexperience@masonbandboosters.com with any questions.

WIND SYMPHONY CHICAGO TRIP INFORMATION

The Wind Symphony is already sounding great after a day of sectionals and their first full ensemble rehearsal in preparation for the 2022 Midwest Clinic.

For all the latest information on the Wind Symphony’s trip to Chicago please click here. Additional trip information can be found by clicking on this link. Midwest clinic information can be found here. Please refer to all communication from the directors in regards to the rehearsal schedule for the trip, information on summer assignments, and other important information.

If you have not yet done so, please be sure to order your concert attire here.

Needed for September 10th (Date has been extended)
Tux Jackets Will Be Provided
We have several dresses available that have not been used, students are welcome to try them on and purchase through the school (you will not have to wait) {limited supply see Mr. Protzman if interested}

Upcoming Dates To Remember

Please see Mr. Protzman’s email for complete schedule.

Wind Symphony Brass Sectional

August 24; 2:45-4:15

Wind Symphony Woodwind Sectional (During MB Sectionals)

August 25; 2:45-4:00

Wind Symphony Woodwind Sectional

August 31; 2:45-4:15

First Trip Payment Due

September 16 - $250 (Info on where and how to remit payment coming soon!)

MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION NEXT STEPS

Important Upcoming Dates for Marching Band Registration:

Past Due: 2nd $350 Experience Fee payment of $350 due. Pay HERE

Due Sept 1: 3rd $250 school fee payment due EZ Pay

NEXT UP

$250 School Fee # 3 due September 1st

Student Experience Fee #2 is past due! It can be placed in the drop box located in the music wing if you select not to pay by credit card via the link above. All fees to date (School Fee # & #2, Consumable Fee and Experience Fees #1 & #2) must be paid or it may affect your child’s participation in the program until all fees are current!

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about your school fees contact pfennigd@masonohioschools.com

If you have questions about consumable fees or experience fees please contact treasurer-asst@masonbandboosters.com OR travel@masonbandboosters.com

*If you have a financial concern regarding these fees, please contact Mr. Protzman at protzmane@masonohioschools.com.