August 9, 2008

Dear Cougars:

What a fantastic start to the 2008 band season! Band camp was a great success and the turn-out to the BBQ/Premiere Show was great. The students in the band demonstrate initiative, responsibility, work ethic, and good character. If this is an indication of how the band season will be – we should be in for a treat! Thank you to the parents that have volunteered countless hours helping with the daily operations of band camp as well as helping clean up the concessions area this summer. Please be sure to visit the concessions stand at our first football game on August 29. The concessions stand has been cleaned out and refitted with new equipment, shelving, and was newly painted. The stand looks better than the first day it opened in 1990!

REHEARSALS NEXT WEEK…
We will have rehearsal next Monday (8/11) from 5pm-8pm and Wednesday (8/13) from 5pm-8pm. Students should continue dressing comfortably and bringing water to rehearsal. Please eat dinner before practice. When school starts, our normal rehearsal will be Tuesday/Thursday from 5:15-8:15pm.

WHERE DO I GO FOR BAND INFORMATION?
The latest band information can be found at our website: www.uhsband.com. You can link to our Charms Site from the band website. You can access student financial reports as well as view the calendar. If you have forgotten your charm’s password, please e-mail Mr. Obado (philip.obado@ocps.net)

TWO FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
We have two fundraising opportunities currently running.
(1) PROGRAM ADS: Students receive 80% of the profit. Program ads range from $25-$100 per ad.  http://www.uhsband.com/2008-2009/Program Ad Form.pdf
(2) CHEESECAKE SALES: Students receive 35% of all profits. Forms are available from the band room. The orders/money are due no later than Tuesday, September 9. Cheesecake pick-up will be Wednesday, October 1st.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
While there is a financial commitment to participating in the band program, we know that there are some individual situations that may make this difficult. Students should not drop band because of the financial commitments. The directors work hard to ensure everybody´s participation regardless of financial situation. There is a place for all students who want to be in the band program. Fundraising is available. Please contact a director about financial concerns.

Reminder: $50 was due on June 6 to band camp to cover band camp expenses. The first marching band deposit ($100) is due on Friday, August 15th and a guard deposit ($50) was due by August 9th. You can check all due dates at: http://uhsband.com/2008-2009/Assessment 08-09.pdf. Remember that you can fundraise all of your financial commitments.

As usual, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Sincerely,