Band Notes July 31, 2022

We could not be more thrilled about how successful Tag Day was this year! It was so wonderful to go out into the community and feel the love and support so many have for our marching band. We are very thankful to our neighbors, friends, and family who generously donated to our program. Your donations help us to ensure we are able to continue to provide our students with an exceptional music education and offer incredible experiences to them that will create memories of a lifetime. As of this moment, we have collected $33,206.73 and we are still counting. It is not too late to donate! Our friends and family campaign begins today through the month of August. Here is a sample letter students can use to reach out to family members. Donations can be made HERE. All donations made during the week of 7/31 - 8/ 6 will be added to team totals.

A fundraiser of this magnitude is not possible without the help of many individuals. Special thanks to the parent drivers, setup and support helpers, and our wonderful students who continue to impress us everyday. And to our incredible leaders in this effort, Krissy Hufnagel and Nancy Wagner, you once again organized a flawless, fantastic, and fun fundraiser to benefit our kids. We are incredibly thankful for you both!!

group in front of Mason High School Band trailer

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PIT CREW!!

While the students and the parents who drove and guided them were out working hard to raise funds yesterday, our Pit/Equipment crew was working hard cleaning out last year’s show items, organizing semi trailers, taping the bus circle practice field, building a cabinet in the booster closet, etc. etc. We appreciate all that they do for our programs and would be lost without them. How lucky are we?! Simply the best! With Pride!! Photo courtesy of Jeff Hoelscher, the leader of this awesome group who should be in this photo as well!

Collage of students wearing Band Camp theme's clothes

BAND CAMP NEWS

Last week was a fun and busy week in band camp filled with fun activities and our biggest fundraiser of the year. Despite all the extra fun, the students continue to make great strides in both their music and in the show. This group definitely knows how to both play hard and work hard!

This week begins the longer days of band camp. Please review the schedule below carefully. Camp runs from 9-9pm each day. Students will still need to pack their lunch. Everyone should leave campus from 4-6pm each day for a dinner break. Please note that Tuesday practice will be slightly different to allow the Freshmen to go to their orientation. Tuesday rehearsal will be from 9am to 11:15am and then everyone will return at 6pm and practice until 9pm.

Be sure to bring your jug of water and continue to hydrate before and after band each day. Since students will be outside for extended periods of time, they will need sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and athletic shoes.

Please be sure to review our BAND CAMP GUIDEBOOK 2022 that has tons of detailed information for everything you need to know about camp.

BAND CAMP SCHEDULE

BAND CAMP WEEK 3

Monday, Aug 1

9am-12pm Rehearsal

12:00-12:45 Lunch

12:45-4:00 Rehearsal

Break*

6:00-9:00 Rehearsal

Tuesday, Aug 2

9am-11:15am Rehearsal

Break MHS Freshman Orientation

6:00-9:00 Rehearsal

Wednesday, Aug 3

9am-12pm Rehearsal

12:00-12:45 Lunch

12:45-4:00 Rehearsal

Break*

6:00-9:00 Rehearsal

Thursday, Aug 4

9am-12pm Rehearsal

12:00-12:45 Lunch

12:45-4:00 Rehearsal

Break*

6:00-9:00 Rehearsal

7pm Band Booster Meeting for Parents

Friday, Aug 5

9am-12pm Rehearsal

12:00-12:45 Lunch

12:45-4:00 Rehearsal

Break*

6:00-9:00 Rehearsal

*Students should leave campus for the 4pm-6pm dinner break.

ARRIVAL AND DROP OFF

We will use our typical drop off procedure in which students who drive should park in the Music Lot, and students who are being dropped off should be dropped off in the Bus Circle. Students should then check in with their Section Leader. Please remember the Music Lot traffic travels in one direction (see below). During pick-up, please park in a spot if you can, or pull all the way up past the music entrance so other parents can pick up their student as well. Please be aware of all the students in the lot at dismissal time. For this reason, we ask that you drive slowly and cautiously.

ULTIMATE DRILL BOOK - Optional

Students might remember using the "Ultimate Drill Book" or UDB app last year. The band program received a grant last year for all students to try this tool. Although we do not have funding this year to purchase this subscription for students again, we are now able to allow students and families who liked having this tool to purchase individually for the season. This is not required, and is totally optional only for families/students that would like to continue using this during the season. The cost is $10 plus tax, that covers the entire season. We will continue to share video files at no cost, for students that would prefer that option.

To Purchase UDB for your student:

Go to this link: CLICK HERE
Add the subscription to your cart
Pay the fee ($10.30)
Download the "UDB" app from the App Store on your phone or Ipad (see UDB website for compatible devices)
Once per week, Mr. Hinson will receive an email from UDB with students that have purchased. Students will then receive an email to their school email with the ensemble code that allows them to join the Mason UDB group.

If you'd like to learn more about UDB before purchasing, see this video from the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps about UDB: CLICK HERE

Tutorial for students on how to use UDB: CLICK HERE

UPCOMING BOOSTER MEETING

Parents, please mark your calendars for our upcoming Booster Meeting/Dessert Potluck this Thursday, August 4th at 7pm in the High School Large Commons. The directors will be giving an update on the latest information regarding the season. There will also be Travel and Uniform updates plus so much more. The time was pushed later with the hopes more parents could attend. It will also be a wonderful opportunity to begin getting to know other band parents. We will be having an OPTIONAL dessert pot- luck immediately following the meeting. If you wish to participate, please bring a dessert to share (8-12 servings). We look forward to seeing all of you there!

PRE-ORDER YOUR MASON BAND SPIRIT ITEMS!

You can now go online and purchase Mason Band spirit items here by this Thursday. Spirit will also be selling some items at the Booster meeting this week, so stop by at the Spirit wear booth and purchase your yard signs and magnets before it’s all gone! Spirit will have some jewelry and other items which you don’t want to miss out on as well. Please contact spirit@masonbandboosters.com with any questions.

BAND AIDS AND CHAPERONES NEEDED FOR BAND CAMP

Thank you to our amazing team of Band Aids and Chaperones dedicated to care for our students! If you have been approved to serve our band in this capacity, we could use your help during band camp. To be qualified as a chaperone, you need to have attended chaperone/band aid training and have a completed background check. Band Aids must also have completed their safe schools training and be CPR certified.

We encourage you to jump right in! Volunteer slots for Band Camp are now live. Links can be found below. During Band Camp, one of our seasoned volunteers will be on campus to help. In your first shifts, sign up for the second slot, so an experienced Band Aid or Chaperone can sign up with you.

If you have any questions please contact Rachel Gasparraj at chaperones@masonbandboosters.com or Melissa Woodward at vp-studentexperience@masonbandboosters.com

SIGN UP LINKS FOR WEEK 3

Monday sign up here.

Tuesday sign up here.

Wednesday sign up here.

Thursday sign up here.

Friday sign up here.

MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION NEXT STEPS

Important Upcoming Dates for Marching Band Registration:

Due Tomorrow

2nd $350 experience fee payment of $350 due. Pay HERE

Due Sept 1

3rd $250 school fee payment due EZ Pay

NEXT UP

Student Experience Fee #2 is due tomorrow! 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.

CONSTRUCTION TO IMPACT BAND CAMP FROM JULY 25TH TO AUGUST 8TH

Please be aware that some of you may need to allow extra time to travel to band camp the next couple of weeks. Work is being done to improve the railroad crossing found at the intersection of Tylersville Road and US RT 42. No through traffic will be permitted across the railroad. During the railroad crossing replacements, a detour will be available utilizing Snider Road, Western Row Road, and Mason Montgomery Road.

Road Closures the evening of Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Two road closures may impact student pick up on Tuesday if you live in the southern portion of the school district. Irwin Simpson Road will be closed 7:15 pm - 10:00 pm from Wilkens Blvd to Snider Road. Snider Road will be closed between Irwin-Simpson Road and Squires Gate Drive between 9:00pm to 10:30pm. The closure is for an event at Cottell Park. The detour for the closure will utilize Irwin-Simpson Road, Wilkens Blvd., and Fields-Ertel Road.

SMUG MUG PHOTOS - CHECK THEM OUT!

Our amazing Photo Corps have been at work this week capturing 2022 Band Camp, Social, and Fundraiser images. These photos are available for you to view/download for free from our SmugMug Site here. Check out these recent galleries:

If you need the password, send an email to smugmug@masonbandboosters.com

WIND SYMPHONY CHICAGO TRIP INFORMATION

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 Kick off Camp

August 13; 8:00-12:00 pm

Rehearsal/Sectionals;Full Ensemble (all members)

Woodwind and Brass Playing Checks on Masks and Machines

Movement III: The week of August 1st

Percussion Playing Checks on Masks and Machines

All movements the week of August 1st (you can record in as many files as you would like you do not need to count long rests)

First Trip Payment Due

September 16 - $250

MARCHING BRASS UPDATE

CLICK HERE for a brief update from Mr. Jackson and Mr. Rex. This email contains information you will need for this summer. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.

MARCHING WOODWIND UPDATE

CLICK HERE for Mr. Hinson’s update from June 5th to all marching band woodwinds. This email contains information/reminders you will need for this summer. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions: Hinsonz@masonohioschools.com