MP BAND WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

From The Desk of Mr. Lee

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT WEEK!!! Lots of great work was accomplished this week. Looking forward to great things from our MPHS Marching Band this season! We now enter the next phase of our summer schedule with our Tuesday "Optional" Rehearsals (see info below). If you are in town, please attend these. These rehearsals help us in a big way to be prepared for Band Camp come July.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS: We are kicking off our annual digital calendar fundraiser for all marching band members to raise money for their fees for the season. Please see the information below and try to participate. If students/families participate, they have an opportunity to raise a substantial amount of money that goes to their student accounts for band fees and supplies. I encourage you to participate in this. It is a super easy way to raise money for your band accounts. It literally involves sharing a link via social media, text messages, etc. to friends and family that will help support you!

SLIGHT SCHEDULE CHANGE: Due to staff availability, we will be cancelling the Tuesday "Optional" Rehearsals scheduled for 16 JUN and 7 JUL.

STAY INFORMED: Please ensure that you are staying informed by reading the entire newsletter on a weekly basis. It is imperative that you stay informed about upcoming events, fundraising opportunities, etc. For marching band members and families, you also need to ensure you are a member of the MPHS Marching Band's BAND app page (see information below to get registered). Due to certain restrictions that are set up on our e-mail system, it is impossible for me to send out weekly e-mails to all the families. When I send out the weekly newsletter our other messages / communications, I will send it through the BAND app page and through ParentSquare. ParentSquare is not super reliable, so it is imperative everyone is a member of the MPHS Marching Band's BAND app page. That is the BEST source for information pertaining to the MPHS Marching Band.

ARENA WORK OPPORTUNITIES: Please read the following from the Event Manager at the Cabarrus Arena concerning work opportunities: "Hello Everyone, I wanted to take a moment to check in with all of our group leaders, share a few program updates, and give you an idea of what the next few months here at the Arena will look like. First, thank you to everyone who has volunteered with us over the past several months. We truly appreciate the time, effort, and support that you and your volunteers have contributed. Our nonprofit volunteer program would not be possible without the incredible groups we partner with, and we are grateful for everything you do. The past few months have been packed with events, and as we move into June and July, we will have a bit of a slowdown that will allow our team time to prepare for the busy season ahead. Most of our upcoming events during these months are smaller meetings, banquets, and weekend events that require minimal staffing support. Based on our current schedule, we anticipate having limited volunteer opportunities available throughout June and July. However, things will pick back up quickly as we head into late August and September. This year, we will host the Cabarrus County Fair from September 11–19, and we are already preparing for what will be one of our busiest times of the year. Our goal is to staff as many fair positions as possible using our part-time staff and volunteer program. While we know it may not be possible to fill every position internally, we plan to utilize all available volunteer resources and expect to have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available for your groups during that time. I wanted to provide this update, so everyone knows what to expect over the next few months. While you may not receive many volunteer opportunities in June or July, please know that we have not forgotten about your group. We look forward to ramping back up at the end of the summer and would greatly appreciate your continued support as we prepare for another busy event season. Thank you again for your partnership, support, and the hard work that you and your volunteers have put into this program. I look forward to continuing to grow the program together and welcoming volunteers back on-site as we head into the end of summer. Thank you,  Kailey Brookshire Event Manager" As soon as we get more information about potential work opportunities, we will push that out to the masses. For the parking/flagger shifts, volunteers may dress according to the weather. They must still wear a plain black or grey shirt, or a shirt representing your non-profit group, along with closed-toe shoes. Hats, shorts, and raincoats are permitted depending on weather conditions. For the banquet serving shifts, volunteers must wear a white long-sleeve button-up shirt and black dress pants. If volunteers do not already have these items or are not willing to obtain them, please ask them not to sign up for those specific shifts. PLEASE NOTE: You must be 16 years old or older. For anyone 16 or 17 there needs to be an adult working with those minors. If anyone under 16 shows up or does not have an adult moving forward, they will be sent home. This is a safety issue. For any questions, reach out to Lisa Coley, 704-674-4011.

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:

• IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
• MARCHING BAND UPDATES
• UPDATES FROM THE CLASSROOM
• NEWS AND EVENTS FROM VARIOUS AREA COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
• BAND PARENT CORNER
• SCHEDULE FOR 5 - 30 JUN 2026

IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY

We are kicking off a unique and VERY simple fundraiser with our program. We are doing an ALL digital “pick the date” calendar fundraiser. The basic idea is that friends/family click on the date(s) that corresponds with the amount they wish to donate.  They click on that date(s) and are directed to the payment screen.  Once they donate, their name populates the date, and it is no longer available.  Please encourage friends and family to select multiple dates or even a full week.  Each member has been assigned their own URL for their calendar. ALL PROCEEDS (OUTSIDE OF FEES OWED TO THE FUNDRAISING COMPANY) GO DIRECTLY TO EACH STUDENT'S ACCOUNT. If your family/student participates, there is an opportunity to earn over $400 for their account, which will cover most of their marching band fee.   Follow the directions below to participate in this super easy fundraiser. INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Open the spreadsheet and locate your name and unique calendar ID (Go HERE)
2. Copy the calendar link and post it to all of your social media pages.  Tag as MANY people as you feel comfortable, so they are sure to see it in their feed. (Friends/family)
3. Above the calendar photo image, copy this message. (In some social media, the link will show above the image, and you will simply copy this message in place of that once the image shows up.)

Please help support Mount Pleasant HS Band. We are raising money for our upcoming trip and for band fees associated with marching band.  Each day corresponds to the amount donated. (Day 5=$5, Day 11 =$11, etc.) The goal is for every member to have the entire calendar filled up.  Once payment is made, your name will be displayed in the date(s) you purchased showing your support. Please consider purchasing multiple dates or even a full week.  Click the image below to access my calendar. Ask your parents and family members to share your post. Facebook is probably the best way. (Most adults use that social media) If you do not have social media, you can email the link to them to post on their social media. Copy the same message above and link and send one email and/or text to as many people as you can. (Family mostly) PARENT INSTRUCTIONS: Parents, follow the instructions above and use this message and post to social media, email, text, etc. Please help (Insert child’s name) raise money for the Mount Pleasant HS Band. We are raising money for our upcoming trip and for band fees associated with marching band.  Each day corresponds to the amount donated. (Day 5=$5, Day 11=$11, etc.) The goal is for every member to have the entire calendar filled up.  Once payment is made, your name will be displayed in the date(s) you purchased showing your support. Please consider purchasing multiple dates or even a full week.   Click the image below to donate toward the calendar. To find a QR Code page to print/share with friends/family, go HERE to find your unique QR code page.

MARCHING BAND UPDATES

2026 Marching Band Handbook

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

Tuesday "Optional" Summer Rehearsals

After our mini-camp, we will have several weeks where we will be hosting "Optional" Tuesday Rehearsals throughout the remainder of June into the middle of July. These "optional" rehearsals are meant to help us continue to build skills, work through music/choreography, etc. in preparation of band camp in late July. If you are on vacation, at a camp, etc., please go do those things, but if you are at home, we would love for you to be here with us for those 4 hours on these Tuesdays. This helps us so much in preparation for band camp.

Tuesday "Optional" Summer Rehearsal Schedule 9 JUNE 23 JUNE 30 JUNE 14 JULY

THE REHEARSALS SCHEDULED FOR 16 JUNE AND 7 JULY ARE NOW CANCELLED DUE TO STAFF AVAILABILITY.

If you are not able to attend, please submit a Absence Leave Request to let us know that you will not be in attendance. This helps to know what to plan for.

Items needed at all rehearsals:

• Attire: White T-Shirts, Athletic Shorts/Pants, and Tennis Shoes
• Hats
• Sunscreen
• Water Bottles
• Musicians: 3 Ring Binders, Pencils
• Instruments/Guard Equipment

For drop-off and pick-up: Please drop students off and pick students up by the band room entrance on the bus lot side of the school.

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).

MPHS Marching Band BAND App Page

To ensure you stay informed with everything going on with the MPHS Marching Band, it is imperative that all members and at least one parent/guardian become a member of the MPHS Marching Band's BAND app page. The is a main source of communication for us. To register, please go HERE.

MPHS Marching Band Fee Payment Schedule

Payment schedule for the band fee owed by MPHS Marching Band Members is as follows:

Thursday, 4 JUN - $200 Tuesday, 7 JUL - $150 Monday, 3 August - $150 or $50 for those that qualify multiple child Discount (Oldest child owe total $500; additional children is $400 per child).

Payments can be made by cash or check (made out to MP Band Boosters, INC.) and can be turned in or payments can be made online HERE. If you opt to pay the fee online, there is a service fee that is incurred for this option.

For more information concerning fees, please read the band handbook (see link above).

Forms

While most of you have done a great job of turning in your online commitment form, there is still a few stragglers. If you have not completed the online commitment form, I need you to do that ASAP because there is pertinent information that is collected on that form that I need now (t-shirts sizes is a big one). Go HERE to complete that. Medical forms and acknowledgement forms that are found at the back of the band handbook are due NLT Monday, 3 AUG.

UPDATES FROM THE CLASSROOM

Have A Great Summer!!!

We hope you have a great summer. Please pick up your instrument and play a little over the summer so you don't come back to school completely out of shape.

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 AND OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

News from East Carolina University

Student for a Day (Monday, September 21st): Intended for juniors & seniors who might be thinking about majoring in music, or who want to keep playing music at the collegiate level. Registration is free. Learn more HERE.

ECU Band Day (Friday, November 6th): Intended for any high school marching band student who’d like to experience a gameday with the ECU Marching Pirates. Registration and ticket price are TBD. Learn more HERE.

News from UNC Charlotte

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.

They will also be hosting a one day clinic on Saturday, 3 JUL at River Bluff High School in Lexington, SC. This clinic is run in conjunction with the drum corps contest that is held there that night (CrownBEAT). This is a great opportunity to work with a great organization and get to see an awesome contest featuring some of the best drum corps in the nation later that evening. To get more information and to register, please go HERE (scroll down the page).

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 5 - 30 JUN 2026

9 JUN 2026: Tuesday "Optional" Rehearsal (ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS); 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM IF YOU ARE IN TOWN, WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU AT THESE TUESDAY REHEARSALS!!!!!

16 JUN 2026: Tuesday "Optional" Rehearsal (ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS); 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM IF YOU ARE IN TOWN, WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU AT THESE TUESDAY REHEARSALS!!!!!

23 JUN 2026: Tuesday "Optional" Rehearsal (ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS); 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM IF YOU ARE IN TOWN, WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU AT THESE TUESDAY REHEARSALS!!!!!

30 JUN 2026: Tuesday "Optional" Rehearsal (ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS); 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM IF YOU ARE IN TOWN, WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU AT THESE TUESDAY REHEARSALS!!!!!