July 14, 2024 Band Notes

I just wanted to take a moment to address the schedule changes for the 2024 Band Camp Season (see the guidebook below under "reminders" for the schedule previous published). First, I’d like to extend my sincere apologies for not being able to provide more advanced notice than the two weeks we gave regarding the changes. We acknowledge the difficulties that changes to the schedule provide to our families, and we endeavor to keep these kinds of changes to a minimum. However, due to the size of our organization, the nature of our activities, and other unforeseen circumstances, at times, there will be changes to the schedule. We have always and will continue to do our best to do our best to provide effective communication through our many channels. Here are a few things to consider.

Rationale

Our organization is the largest on campus with all students participating in essentially the same activity simultaneously. This creates the need to be able to divide and conquer the different elements of performance (music, dance, marching, etc) along with all of our varied sections.
In addition to marching band, several other activities are happening throughout our campuses during the summer. We are absolutely blessed with wonderful facilities, and a plethora of activities that need to use them. These changes will help us avoid some of these conflicts.
The changes in the schedule will allow us to avoid some of the hottest parts of the day. Another option to avoid the heat is to start at 7 AM, the feedback we received indicated that would not be ideal for our families.
As mentioned in the band notes, we are asking that we all do our best with these changes for this camp season, at the end of camp, students and families will have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding this schedule to best help us plan for the future.

Attendance

As mentioned in last week’s band notes, we cover lots of information in these three weeks, and this is an important start to the season. However, if the schedule changes cause conflicts, simply communicate with your section director. Please continue to do this with absences for any reason.

Brass = Mr. Jackson jacksonav@masonohioschools.com
Woodwinds = Mr. Hinson hinsonz@masonohioschools.com
Percussion = Mr. Scharf scharfj@masonohioschools.com
Color Guard = Ms. Compton comptone@masonohioschools.com

If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Musically,

Avious Jackson
Director of Bands

Makayla Condor Fundraiser

Recently, a Mason City Schools social media post featured a story Makayla Condor and a call for help supporting her family. Makayla is a class of 2027 Mason student that played flute in middle school band. She was tragically paralyzed from the shoulders down after a terrible accident at the end of 7th grade. Makayla loved playing the flute and has many friends in the band family who continue to support her recovery journey.

Makayla's family is trying to raise money to get her to Thailand for a spinal implant that has greatly improved the lives of others in her circumstances. Unfortunately the procedure is not yet approved here in the US and is not covered by insurance. Makayla's dream is to be able to return to school and graduate with her class.

Here are links to Makayla's story and the fundraiser if you are interested and able to help support her family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St2GlW4uP-0&t=8s

https://givetaxfree.org/campaigns/makaylas-miracle-journey/

REMINDERS

Band Camp Guidebook 2024

It’s July, and that means Band Camp is soon to be upon us! Be sure to check the BAND CAMP GUIDEBOOK as the “one stop shop” for all the information. The most important aspect is the weekly schedule with times, special events, and theme days!

Most important is to check the schedule for each of the three weeks. For our veteran families, the first two weeks of camp looks a bit different than last year, but we believe it will have a positive impact on the student experience. Working with the “1pm-9pm” format (which we use regularly on Saturdays) with a staggered color guard arrival will allow for several new enhancements during the first two weeks. This includes the ability to have Full Band in the Stadium when available. At the end of camp we will also be looking for both student and parent feedback (via an email survey sent to all families) on the schedule as it helps us plan for future schedules.

Ultimate Drill Book - Optional

Deadline to Order: July 26th

"Ultimate Drill Book" or the UDB app is again available for students and families who would like to purchase individually for the season. This is not required, and is completely optional for families/students that would like to use this during the season. The cost is $10 plus tax, and that covers the entire season. UDB is a phone app that includes all of the information students already receive in their “coordinate sheet” for drill, but allows them to watch and interact with an animation of their position in the drill on video, while the show music plays in the app. We will continue to share video files at no cost, for students that would prefer to use videos and their paper coordinate sheet.

To Purchase UDB for your student:

1) Go to this link: CLICK HERE
2) Add the subscription to your cart
3) Pay the fee ($10.30)
4) Download the "UDB Pro" app from the App Store on your phone or Ipad (see UDB website for compatible devices)
5) Beginning July 24th, Mr. Hinson will receive an email from UDB with students that have purchased. Students will then receive an email from Mr. Hinson 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:
-Video from the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps about UDB: CLICK HERE
-Demo Tutorial for students on how to use UDB: CLICK HERE

Interested In Becoming A Student Rack Captain?

Calling all Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Marching Band members:

The Uniform Crew is now seeking students to serve as Rack Captains! Rack Captains are essential student leaders who assist the Uniform Crew to make sure each marcher is dressed correctly when in uniform and that uniforms are stored properly after every performance. Many Rack Captains also assist the U-Crew by helping with uniform fittings, teaching new marchers proper storage of uniform pieces, and many other tasks regarding marching band uniforms. If interested, please fill out the Rack Captain Application by Midnight on July 21, 2024. Email uniforms@masonbandboosters.com with any questions.

Volunteer Opportunity: RAKE Days

RAKE Days – Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere, Everyday are volunteer activities to help us give back to our community through great organizations like The Comet Cupboard and Sleep In Heavenly. The Comet Cupboards and Comet Closets are in-school food pantries inside of Mason City Schools to help food insecure students with food, personal supplies, spirit wear, clothing and more!

Join MHS Soccer, MHS Band & Color Guard, and MHS Girl Scouts to help build beds for those who live in Warren County and will be receiving their first time bed. During this event, we will be cutting wood, sanding wood, using the drill press, staining the wood, and more. It is a packed day that will result in us building 40 beds that will be delivered later this year.

The build will take place on Saturday, July 20th in the Mason Middle School Parking lot. Please come out and join us to help make a difference in the life of your peers and their families. Here is the sign up genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B45ABAA28A6F94-49971999-2024

Marching Band Woodwind/Brass - Summer Director Updates

Mr. Hinson and Mr. Jackson sent out Mini Camp wrap up emails with information about the required summer Smart Music assignment for Woodwinds and Brass and other important information for the summer leading up to band camp. Links to the emails are below:

Woodwinds - CLICK HERE
Brass - CLICK HERE

Marching Band Registration Next Steps

2024 Registration Guide
Due August 1
- Experience Fee 2
  - Invoice sent on 7/10/24 via email from: quickbooks@notification.intuit.com
Your student must have an ACTIVE physical on file in order to participate throughout the season
- Examination must have been performed within the past 13 months
- Medical Eligibility Form must be completed in its entirety signed and date by the healthcare provider
- Be on the lookout for Final Form email notifications if your student’s physical has expired or will be expiring during Band Camp
Dispensing Medication at School (DMS) forms may be submitted any time throughout the season via masonbands.com >> How To Submit Forms
- All medications that a student will be taking while at Band Camp require a form (OTC and Prescription)
- Must be signed by a parent/guardian
- Must be signed by a healthcare provider
- Only valid for up to one full season
- Marching Band DMS forms are separate from any other DMS forms submitted through Mason City Schools administration or nursing staff
- You may contact medicalsecretary@masonbandboosters.com to schedule a drop-off time or wait upcoming medication drop-off events at the start of Band Camp or prior to overnight travel
Parents/guardians should electronically sign the necessary documents in FINAL FORMS.
- SIX (6) Students have unsigned forms which are REQUIRED to participate.
- NOTE: An electronic signature is NOT required on the SITUATIONAL FORM (Student Withdrawal Form) recently added by Final Forms administration.