Greetings Band Parents and Mac Band Supporters,
Our first Band Camp away from McMinnville was a resounding success on all accounts. The staff at Nestucca High School was absolutely wonderful and generously let us have use of everything we could ask for. In fact, the lead custodian would even come in early to help cook and brought us flowers from his own garden.
Thanks to all the parent volunteers who made the trip and helped keep things running smoothly. Between preparing meals and attempting to get a good night’s sleep. we found some time to talk and get to know each other better. You are the best!
To make camp easier on everyone, students were assigned a variety of tasks ranging from helping with meals, to cleaning locker rooms and picking up trash. This was in addition to their 3 rehearsals a day. And on Thursday afternoon, as a service project, they helped the custodians with chasing spiders, cleaning windows, pulling weeds, and washing chairs and left the school in great shape.
From my perspective, having a camp away from home is definitely something we should put on the calendar every year if we can. The band is much farther ahead in both their music and marching skills and the experience has brought everyone closer together.
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Fair Share and March-a-thon
With all the Band Camp activities I completely forgot to remind everyone about a week ago that it was time for another Fair Share payment. Those who are on schedule should have had $200 paid by August 2nd.
If you prefer to have your kids do a bit of fundraising to help with their Fair Share fee, the annual band March-a-thon is coming up on August 24th. Now is a great time to print off a copy of the March-a-thon Form and get them started collecting pledges.
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Board Work Session
Since it’s still August, we’re holding off on having a meeting of all band parents until next month. However, the Board will be getting together on Tuesday evening for a Work Session. As a new Board we want to spend some time getting our roles defined and feet under us. We’ll meet up at the band room at 7:00 p.m. and scout out a place to gather. You are of course welcome to join us if you choose.
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A Bit More Housekeeping
All students who made it to camp have turned in their Field Trip Permission Forms. All other students will still need to turn them in before the first competition along with the ‘Contract’ Form.
Most students were fitted with Dinkles at camp. For those who weren’t and for those who weren’t able to make it to camp, we’ll finish up the fittings at this week’s rehearsals along with measuring the students for uniforms.
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World Championships
Congratulations to Sarah Lynch, our Front Ensemble instructor who has been performing with the Mandarins out of Sacramento this summer. The Mandarins finished 10th at the Drum Corps International World Championships.
Congratulations also to Nick Pennick, our percussion instructor who has been part a of the Blue Knights who are based in Denver. They finished in 7th place at the DCI World Championships.
We are lucky to have them both as part of the Mac Band team!
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Marching Band Rehearsal – Tuesday, August 13th, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Meet at the band room.
Board Work Session – Tuesday, August 13th, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Meet at the band room
Marching Band Rehearsal – Thursday, August 15th, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Meet at the band room.
Marching Band Rehearsal – Saturday, August 17th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Meet at the band room.
See you soon,
Brian Bailey
McMinnville Band Parent Organization