October 25, 2016 Campus Messenger - Band Updates

Hello Band Parents and Students-

Happy short week of school!  Below is some important information for the coming weeks.

1. Home Playoff Game this Friday, 10/28 - Members of the marching band should plan to attend for pep band performance, although we will not wear uniforms or perform the field show.  Report time is the usual 5:30 to be ready at 5:45. Instead of getting dressed at that time, we will rehearse some new pep band charts so that we have more music to play in the stands.  Given the short notice, we understand that some students may have other obligations on Friday; if you have a conflict, we ask that you email the teachers and contact your section leader no later than Wednesday evening.

2. Instrument Rental Contracts - This year, rental fees for school instruments are being done through the district's FeePay system ( https://mcpasd.feepay.com).  Families of students who are using a school instrument for the 2016-17 year, including jazz or marching band, should log on the fee pay system to take care of the rental charges.   Click here for instructions.  The district-consistent fee this year is $50 for any instrument that students are allowed to take home or $25 for a second instrument to use at school or home only, including percussion.  This money goes directly to repairing the instruments that students use, so please log on and complete the form; note that FeePay automatically and anonymously adjusts charges for families who receive free/reduced lunch.  

3. Pep Band 2016-17 - The changes to marching band this year have also brought exciting changes to pep band.  We'll be playing more new and classic tunes, including some non-traditional marching band songs.  Unlike last year. when students were assigned to rotating bands, students sign up in the band room for games when they are available.  Marching band students should plan to attend as many as possible, while non-marching band students sign up for at least 4 games over the season.  Schedules were handed out in class and are also available by  clicking here.

4. Marching Band Wrap-Up - Thanks to all marching band parents and students for a great first competitive season.  We were really pleased with the students' hard work and positive attidue along with what the band was able to achieve.  We've received lots of good feedback from a number of sources, but please feel free to send us your thoughts and ideas for the future.  Here are recordings from the  Sauk Prairie Invite and the  last football game.

Mike Ver Voort & Doug Brown

--   Michael Ver Voort

Music Teacher  Middleton High School  (608) 829-9680  mvervoort@mcpasd.k12.wi.us