MP BAND WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 13 FEBRUARY 2026

VISIT OUR WEBPAGE FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING OUR PROGRAMS AND OUR BOOSTER ORGANIZATION
MOUNT PLEASANT BANDS' WEBSITE

From The Desk of Mr. Lee

THANK YOU!!! Appreciate your work this week. With us having missed so much school, it was nice to have a normal week to get work done. We have a LOT to do but I feel good about where we are at, especially with the missed time.

GOOD LUCK to our MP Winterguard as they travel tomorrow for their first contest of the season. They will do great. Looking forward to wonderful things to come from these folks!

MATTRESS SALE UPDATE: Yesterday, we held our student meetings during class to kick off the promotion of our mattress sale with them. All students have received coupons that they can give out to potential customers. Please help us by promoting this event to family, friends, co-workers, fellow church members, etc. Give them a coupon. If you need more coupons, I have plenty to give to folks. You can also us the digital copies I have attached to this newsletter and to the other correspondences I have sent. Also, please share the event link (http://www.facebook.com/share/17WigE2nFA/) on your social media pages to help start getting the word out now about this important event. See the information below for more details

In this week's edition:

  • ANNUAL MATTRESS SALE FUNDRAISER
  • WINTERGUARD UPDATES
  • UPDATES FROM THE CLASSROOM
  • NEWS AND EVENTS FROM VARIOUS AREA COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
  • BAND PARENT CORNER
  • SCHEDULE FOR 13 FEB - 1 MAR 2026

ANNUAL MATTRESS SALE FUNDRAISER

Crazy how time is just flying by.  Seems like we just started the school year.  Hard to believe that we are well into our 2nd Semester.  Lots of great things are happening in both the middle school and high school band rooms and we are so pleased with the progress that all the students have made thus far.  We are extremely excited to see what the future holds for these young performers.   As you all know, running a band program can be a very expensive venture.  Lots of money is spent on a yearly basis to keep the program running.  Thousands of dollars are spent to purchase new instruments/equipment, new music, instrument repairs, etc.  Even though we are able to get some funding from the county and our schools to help in this, the fact of the matter is they are only able to cover a fraction of what we truly need to run a successful program.   In a continued effort to ensure we, as a program, are financially sound, we try to do a few “heavy hitting” fundraisers during the year.  During the fall, we were very successful in raising money through hosting the Cabarrus County Marching Band Preview Show in September and through our donation fundraiser we ran in November.  I am grateful to you all for helping to make those campaigns fruitful.  This semester, we will host one more “heavy hitting” fundraiser.  On March 1st, 2026, we will host our annual mattress fundraiser.  For those who are new to the band program or new to this fundraiser, it may sound crazy that we do this, but believe it or not, this can help us to raise lots of money with minimal effort, if done right.  This sale will be hosted at Mount Pleasant High School in the Commons.  The company we work with to help run this fundraiser does all the heavy lifting.  They move all items, they have a team here to assist in the sale of their products, and they tear down after the event.  There will be a variety of products made available for purchase (mattresses, bedding, pillows, etc.).  The company we work with provides delivery of products, financing, etc. (just like you would get if you were to go to a store).  The difference here is that we, the Mount Pleasant Band program, benefits from the proceeds of all purchases made.     The main thing that we need your help in is by spreading the word about this important sale.  Do you know anyone (family, friends, etc.) that may be in the market for a new mattress this year?  If so, direct them to our sale.  I promise, they will have access to the same great products that a mattress store would have at a cheaper price while still being able to support a very important cause.     As an added incentive, all students who help us to bring in customers will receive a credit that goes into their personal student accounts we have created for each child within the MP Band Boosters.   Any customer that comes in from a student’s referral and makes a purchase, that purchase is credited to the student and the student will gain a financial reward for that purchase.  The money that is held in these accounts can be used to help students pay for a variety of band related expenses such as band fees (marching band, winterguard, etc.), band trips, band supplies (mouthpieces, reeds, repairs to student owned instruments, etc.).    In order to prepare for this event, pushing out information to potential customers is important.  Here are ways you can help us to maximize our profit during this event:  

  1. Each student will be receiving 10 flyers. Please help us by handing these flyers out to friends, family, etc. that might be willing to come and help support us during this sale. At the bottom of each flyer, there is a place for the students to mark their name down. If a customer comes in with this flyer and makes a purchase, the student will be rewarded for that purchase with a monetary credit that will show up in their band accounts. This flyer also serves as a coupon for potential customers. More coupons can be made available if students ask.
  2. Please help us to spread the word via Facebook. On each flyer, there is a link that friends and family can go to for more information. That link is http://www.facebook.com/share/17WigE2nFA/ . Please get on Facebook and share this link with all your family and friends. Have them also share out the information. The more this event is shared out, the more fruitful this event will be.
  3. DAY OF THE SALE:  As previously mentioned, the sale will be on Sunday, March 1st, 2026 at Mount Pleasant High School and will take place 11 AM – 6 PM.  Customers are invited to drop in between those times.  The company will be here to talk customers through their purchase, go over delivery, set-up, and removal of old mattresses.  They will also have financing options available.  For the students and parents of the band program, we will invite folks here to help promote the sale, but as previously mentioned, the company does the heavy lifting.  

  Programs that do this fundraiser right (by pushing the information) make lots of money for minimal work.  It is not unheard of for programs to make $12,000 in a 7-hour period.  That would be a huge feat for us and would help our program so very much.  Please help support this fundraising campaign.     As always, we greatly appreciate your support.  Thank you for all you do!  We look forward to a great fundraising event!!!!

WINTERGUARD UPDATES

WINTERGUARD REHEARSALS / SCHEDULE

Thank you for your flexibility over the past couple weeks as we have dealt with trying to make up rehearsal time and find rehearsal space. I know that is a pain, but you handled it well. Pending any other weather issues, curveballs, etc., we should now be back on a regular routine now.

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).

Winterguard Fee Payments

Per the Winterguard Handbook, thel ast payment of winterguard fees was due 1 FEB. If you have not made this payment (or the previous two payments) please do so ASAP.

To make payments online, please go HERE.

CWEA Contest @ Northwestern High School (Saturday, 14 FEB 26)

Our first contest is finally here. This conetst will be at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, SC. To purchase tickets, find the schedule of the full show, etc., go HERE.

Our schedule for the day will be as follows:

  • Report/Rehearsal: 7:45 AM
  • Lunch/Dress/Pack/Load: 10:30 AM
  • Final Checks/Meeting: 12:30 PM
  • Board Bus: 12:40 PM
  • Leave MPHS: 12:50 PM
  • Arrive to Northwestern HS: NLT 2:30 PM
  • Unload Props/Floor at Staging Area: 2:45 PM
  • Holding: 3:58 PM
  • Body Warm-Up: 4:03 PM
  • Equipment Warm-Up: 4:13 PM
  • Ready: 4:26 PM
  • Perform: 4:34 PM
  • Equipment Back to Truck: 4:45 PM
  • Pack/Load/Change/Snack: 4:50 PM
  • Back to Gym for Remainder of Contest: 5:30 PM
  • Awards: 6:45 PM
  • Board Bus: 7:15 PM (approx.)
  • Leave Northwestern HS: 7:30 PM (approx.)
  • Arrive to MPHS: 8:45 PM (approx.)
  • Unpack/Clean: 8:50 PM (approx.)
  • Dismissal: 9:00 PM (approx.)

We will need parents/guardians to assist with moving of equipment. Plan to meet us at the equipment holding area.

CWEA Contest @ Mooresville High School (Saturday, 21 FEB 26)

Our second contest of the season will be at Mooresville High School. To purchase tickets, find the schedule of the full show, etc., go HERE.

Our schedule for the day will be as follows (tentative):

  • Report/Rehearsal: 7:30 AM
  • Dress/Pack/Load: 9:15 AM
  • Final Checks/Meeting: 10:45 AM
  • Board Bus: 10:55 AM
  • Leave for Mooresville HS: NLT 11:00 AM; Grab and Go Lunch for the Bus Ride
  • Arrive to Mooreseville HS: NLT 11:45 AM
  • Unload Props/Floor at Staging Area: 11:55 AM
  • Holding/Movement Warm-up: 1:55 PM
  • Leave to Equipment Warm-up: 2:03 PM
  • Equipment Warm-up: 2:04 PM
  • Leave Equipment Warm-up: 2:12 PM
  • Ready: 2:16 PM
  • Perform: 2:20 PM
  • Equipment Back to Truck: 2:30 PM
  • Pack/Load: 2:35 PM
  • Back to Gym for Remainder of Contest: 2:50 PM
  • Assist with Aurora Winterguard: TBD
  • Awards: 4:30 PM
  • Board Bus: 5:00 PM (approx.)
  • Leave Mooresville HS: 5:05 PM (approx.)
  • Arrive to MPHS: 5:50 PM (approx.)
  • Unpack/Change/Clean: 5:55 PM (approx.)
  • Dismissal: 6:15 PM (approx.)

We will need parents/guardians to assist with moving of equipment. Plan to meet us at the equipment holding area.

UPDATES FROM THE CLASSROOM

Class Assignments

The following assignments are now PAST DUE:

  • Heartland March (measure 1 - 23) - due Sunday, 25 JAN
  • Sightreading Exercise #1 - due Sunday, 25 JAN
  • Sightreading Exercise #2 - due Sunday, 25 JAN
  • Heartland March (measure 23 - 35) - due Sunday, 1 FEB
  • Sightreading Exercise #3 - due Sunday, 1 FEB
  • Sightreading Exercise #4 - due Sunday, 1 FEB
  • Heartland March (measure 35 - 53) - due Sunday, 8 FEB
  • Sightreading Exercise #5 - due Sunday, 8 FEB
  • Sightreading Exercise #6 - due Sunday, 8 FEB

Assignments due Sunday, 22 FEB:

  • Heartland March (measure 53 - END)
  • Sightreading Exercise #7
  • Sightreading Exercise #8

While all exercises assigned have a particular due date given, students can take up to Monday, 2 MAR to get them in. I DO NOT RECOMMEND WAITING THIS LONG TO DO THESE THINGS. If students wait until then to do all of their assigned playing assessments, it is their gamble. If the system goes into an update that causes the system to go down for awhile and this forces students to miss the Monday, 2 MAR mark, the assignments will be scored as zeroes. THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO FLEXIBILITY GIVEN FOR THINGS TO BE TURNED IN PAST THE MONDAY, 2 MARCH DEADLINE.

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

Be a Musical Niner Day: UNCC will be hosting their next Be a Musical Niner Day on Monday, February 16 for those interested in or curious about studying music in college at UNCC or if you would like to learn a little more about their program. Students can register for this free event HERE. P.S. - That is slotted to be a Teacher Workday for Cabarrus County Schools

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.

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 13 FEB - 1 MAR 2026

13 FEB 26: Spin Club; CANCELLED

14 FEB 26: Winterguard Contest @ Northwestern High School; See Information Above

16 FEB 26: Winterguard Rehearsal; 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

18 FEB 26: Winterguard Rehearsal; 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

19 FEB 26: Winterguard Rehearsal; 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

20 FEB 26: Spin Club; 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

21 FEB 26: Winterguard Contest @ Mooreseville High School; See Information Above

23 FEB 26: Winterguard Rehearsal; 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

25 FEB 26: Percussion Rehearsal; 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

25 FEB 26: Winterguard Rehearsal; 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

26 FEB 26: Winterguard Rehearsal; 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

27 FEB 26: Spin Club; 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

28 FEB 26: Winterguard Saturday Camp; 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

28 FEB 26 - Friends of the Library Performance; More Details to Come

1 MAR 26: Annual Mattress Sale; 11 AM - 6 PM