MP BAND WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

From The Desk of Mr. Lee

LOTS GOING ON!!!! We have a ton happening over the next two weeks. Please be attentive to the newsletter for all details. HEAD'S UP......we will have a band booster representative here during lunches on Monday and Tuesday to take up money from folks who would like to pay for band banquet tickets with cash or checks (make checks payable to Mount Pleasant Band Boosters, Inc.). DEADLINE TO ORDER TICKETS FOR THE BAND BANQUET IS WEDNESDAY, 29 APR 2026.

BAND AWARDS BANQUET: Our End of the Year Band Banquet will be held on Friday, 8 MAY 26 at the Cabarrus Arena. All members of any of our programs (band, colorguard/winterguard, etc.) and their families are invited to this great event. To reserve your tickets, please go to https://pci.jotform.com/form/250816418933057

Costs for this event is:

• $15 per person Children
• Under the Age of 5: FREE

If you make a purchase via credit cards/debit cards online: You will be able to make your payment through the Jotform that you must complete to reserve your tickets. There is a 4% service fee is added to your total (automatically figured into your total). To Pay Via Cash or Check: Please fill out the Jotform (Link Above) to reserve your tickets. There is NO added fee to pay via these methods. Students will need to bring cash or checks to complete the purchase of these tickets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. Checks need to be made payable to Mount Pleasant Band Boosters, Inc. PLEASE COMPLETE THE JOTFORM (LINK ABOVE AND QR CODE BELOW).

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Band account statements have gone out (through e-mail). This statement will show how much credit your child has in there account and how much is still owed for various fees. Please check your spam e-mail if you have not seen it yet.

ARENA WORK OPPORTUNITIES: There are lots of opportunities for folks to work a shift at Cabarrus Arena to help build funds in your student's account to help pay for band fees, etc. Current days available are:

• Saturday, 18 APR
• Sunday, 19 APR
• Friday, 24 APR
• Saturday, 25 APR
• Sunday, 26 APR

Go HERE to see more information concerning these opportunities.

PLEASE NOTE: For anyone that signs up to work at the Cabarrus Arena, please review this slide deck to answer any questions you may have. If your question is not answered, please reach out to Lisa Coley at 704-674-4011. Failure to show up for shifts can result in getting your name flagged and our organization flagged for no-shows. This could result in less shifts available to us. Thank you for your understanding.

In this week's edition:

• MARCHING BAND UPDATES
• UPDATES FROM THE CLASSROOM
• NEWS AND EVENTS FROM VARIOUS AREA COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
• BAND PARENT CORNER
• SCHEDULE FOR 24 APR - 8 MAY 2026

MARCHING BAND UPDATES

General information Meeting

We had a GREAT turnout for meeting that was held on Thursday, 9 APR. If you came out to this meeting, THANK YOU!!!! If you were not able to attend this meeting, no worries. We will be hosting another meeting on Thursday, 7 MAY at 6:15 PM (right after our Rookie Camp) to catch the folks that weren't able to attend our the brand new folks to the program!!! If you were not able to attend he first meeting, make an attempt to be at the next one so that you are informed.

Commitment Forms

For all students planning to march in the MP Marching Band this coming season, commitment forms are due NLT Friday, 15 MAY 26 so we can begin to tighten up our design of the fall production. To complete this please go HERE.

2026 Marching Band Handbook

To review all rules, procedures, schedule, etc. for this upcoming marching band season, please see the Band Handbook.

Colorguard Rehearsals

With the conclusion of colorguard auditions, we will begin to have colorguard rehearsals so that Alex Holt (guard instructor/designer) can get a lot done with these students prior to him leaving out for the summer for his summer tour with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. This schedule was shared with students after auditions. Please plan to attend these rehearsals so we can get a lot of work done before the summer arrives.

Rookie Camp

This will be our first event where we will have all veteran and new members of the 2026 marching band in for rehearsal. This will take place on 4 - 7 MAY 2026. This is a great way to "kick-off" our season and get our newest members in to begin working on skills they will need to be successful. This camp will run 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM each afternoon. Let's make this a great event to build excitement for our upcoming season.

Marching Band Schedule

Schedule of events (camps, rehearsals, performances, etc.) can be found in the marching band handbook, on the MP Marching Band BAND app page, and on the band's website. Keep in mind that while we try to do our best to give a solid product so you can make the necessary plans, changes may come due to a variety of reasons. We will communicate those as soon as we know of any adjustments that need to be made.

In the event of absences for rehearsals, etc. (please read the handbook on the policy on this), absences can be requested through the Absence Leave Request form (NLT 48 hours prior to a planned absence). Emergency absences (under the 48 hour mark for emergency circumstances such as sickness, etc.) need to be submitted to me through an e-mail (keith.lee@cabarrus.k12.nc.us).

UPDATES FROM THE CLASSROOM

Spring Concert

The MPHS Wind Ensemble will be hosting their Spring Concert on Sunday, 3 MAY 2026. This event will also feature the Mount Pleasant Middle School 8th Grade Band. This event will begin at 2:30 PM. All students are required to report at 1:30 PM. Dress for this event will be:

• Males: Collared Shirts (Polos or "Button Ups"), Dress Slacks/Khakis
• Females: Dresses or Skirt/Dress Pants with Nice Top

In preparation for this concert, we will be having After School Dress Rehearsals on the following days/times:

• April 27th (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
• April 28th (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
• April 29th (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
• April 30th (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM)

The Spring Concert and theAfter School Dress Rehearsals are all REQUIRED and GRADED EVENTS. Please refer to the Band Handbook passed out at the beginning of the 2nd Semester for all details.

Graduation Activities

As we enter the 4th Quarter, we also have to prepare for Graduation Activities. All the listed events below are REQUIRED and GRADED EVENTS for all 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade Students (see Band Handbook for more details)

• Senior Awards Day: Friday, 1 MAY; This event will be held during the school day. Details to come....
• After-School Dress Rehearsals: Monday, 11 MAY, Tuesday, 12 MAY, and Wednesday, 13 MAY; 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• Graduation: Thursday, 21 MAY; Times and Details to come

Assignments for 4th Quarter

Assignments for the 4th Quarter have begun to be input in SmartMusic for completion. Ensure you get these assignments done.

Assignments PAST DUE:

• Major Scales: D, G, C, F, B-Flat, E-Flat, A-Flat, D-Flat
• Sightreading #1
• Sightreading #2
• 2 Octave F Chromatic Scale (#251)
• Sightreading #3
• Sightreading #4

Absolute last day these can be turned in for credit is Monday, 11 MAY 2026. If not turned in by then, these will stay as "zeroes" in the gradebook.

SmartMusic (MakeMusic Cloud Accounts)

To create SmartMusic accounts (if you have not done so), do the following:

• Go HERE to register
• The class code should automatically populate, but if it does not, it is UC7CCJ-V4WYE
• Hit “Find Your Class.” The class Mount Pleasant HS Band 2025-2026 should populate. Hit “Join this Class.”
• Please put in an e-mail address that you utilize often to establish your account.
• Check your e-mail for a confirmation e-mail. Please confirm your account.

To Login to SmartMusic: Go to HERE

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM VARIOUS AREA COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES

News From Meredith College

Meredith College is an all female school in Raleigh, NC. They are hosting series of "Be a Music Major/Minor For a Day" events. To view information, please go HERE.

News from UNC Charlotte

Drum and Spin Camps: UNC Charlotte will host one day clinics for any percussionists (25 APR 2026) or colorguard member (2 MAY 2026). To get more information on these clinics, please go HERE.

Summer Music Camp (June 17th - 20th, 2026): students will work with faculty and guests in full band, chamber music, and composition (Tyler S. Grant, guest composer). See information below from Dr. Taylor: "I'm excited to announce registration for the Charlotte Summer Music Camp is now open! This year we will host Composer-in-Residence Tyler Grant. In the full band portion of the camp, students will workshop unpublished music with Mr. Grant to learn about the compositional process and refine compositions soon to be published. The full band will culminate with a professional recording session of Mr. Grant's music. Additionally, students will participate in chamber ensembles and masterclasses coached by UNC Charlotte Faculty and Charlotte Symphony Musicians. Students will get valuable experience performing in small groups and receive crucial individual instruction, and perform in a chamber concert on Saturday, June 20th. Finally, scholarships are available by audition. Students should submit a single video link of their District Band Audition Solo, Ab Concert Scale, and Chromatic Scale to be considered for Scholarship. Register here by January 18th to be considered for a scholarship! Registration fee of $30, final payment of $120 due by May 1.

Find all of our events stay up to date with registrations here and follow CLTBands on Instagram.

Finally, for any student interested in band or music at UNC Charlotte - encourage them to reach out! Check out the attached postcard for more information and visit our website for information about admissions and auditions. We highly encourage interested students to apply by November 1."

News From Western Carolina University

We are excited to announce that registration for the 2026 Summer Symposium is officially open! The Pride of the Mountains Summer Symposium is designed to serve both students and band directors, offering multiple instructional tracks that support musical growth, leadership development, and professional learning within the marching arts.  Student Tracks We are pleased to offer a wide range of student-focused instructional tracks, including:

• Drum Major
• Wind
• Front Ensemble & Rhythm Section
• Battery Percussion
• Color Guard

The 2026 Summer Symposium will take place July 5–9, 2026. Students will enjoy a full week of high-quality instruction, engaging activities, and meaningful mentorship. Participants will study with renowned clinicians from across the country, work closely with assigned WCU student leaders, and gain valuable skills in leadership and musicianship they can take back to their home programs. Guest Artist-in-Residence We are thrilled to welcome Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps as our 2026 Artist-in-Residence. Students will have the opportunity to observe a rehearsal, experience Crown’s Summer 2026 production, and participate in an exclusive clinic with this world-class ensemble. Eligibility Rising high school freshmen and rising college freshmen are also eligible to attend. The registration link can be found HERE. We would love to have you and your students join us for a rewarding and inspiring week. If you have any questions, please contact us at potminfo@email.wcu.edu.

Marching Band Clinic Through Silent Command

The folks who run Silent Command will be in North Carolina on Saturday, 25 JUL to do a 1 day clinic at Hough High School. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the greatest clinicians in the country. I HIGHLY encourage folks who are interested in attending this to go check this out. Will be a great day. To learn more and register for this clinic, go HERE.

Leadership / Drum Major Camp with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps

The world championship finalist, Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps will be hosting a leadership/drum major camp in conjunction with their spring training on 5 - 7 JUN 2026 at Gardner Webb University. This is a great opportunity to work with world class instructors and performers to hone your skills. If you are interested in attending this fantastic camp, please go HERE for more information.

BAND PARENT CORNER

Band parents make it possible for us to do what we do. We appreciate you so much!!!

The Band Dads Podcast

New season with new episodes are here!!! The latest episode of The Band Dads podcast is now available. Please go HERE to listen.

SCHEDULE FOR 24 APR - 8 MAY 2026

27 APR 26: After School Dress Rehearsal for Spring Concert (ALL WIND ENSEMBLE MEMBERS REQUIRED TO BE THERE); 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

27 APR 26: Colorguard Rehearsal; 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

28 APR 26: After School Dress Rehearsal for Spring Concert (ALL WIND ENSEMBLE MEMBERS REQUIRED TO BE THERE); 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

29 APR 26: After School Dress Rehearsal for Spring Concert (ALL WIND ENSEMBLE MEMBERS REQUIRED TO BE THERE); 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

29 APR 26: Colorguard Rehearsal; 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

30 APR 26: After School Dress Rehearsal for Spring Concert (ALL WIND ENSEMBLE MEMBERS REQUIRED TO BE THERE); 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

3 MAY 26: Spring Concert (featuring 8th Grade Band and MPHS Wind Ensemble); 2:30 PM (Report Time 1:30 PM)

4 MAY 2026: "Rookie Camp" for All Potential Marching Band Members; 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

5 MAY 2026: "Rookie Camp" for All Potential Marching Band Members; 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

5 MAY 2026: Spring Concert (featuring MPMS 6th and 7th Grade Bands); 7:00 PM

6 MAY 2026: "Rookie Camp" for All Potential Marching Band Members; 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

7 MAY 2026: "Rookie Camp" for All Potential Marching Band Members; 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

7 MAY 2026: Marching Band General Information Meeting (for all members and parents/guardians who missed meeting in April); 6:15 PM

8 MAY 2026: Band Banquet @ Cabarrus Arena; 6:00 PM