ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS

• The opposing team for the game on Friday, Sept 24 has given notice that they will not be coming. The admin is currently seeking a new opponent. HOWEVER, the band will still perform for parents, family and friends at 7:00PM! The show will still go on!   An updated schedule for  a possible parent performance this Friday at 7pm can be accessed here.  
• Take a moment to read the September Directors Report here!
• Help is needed for the band at future games!  Visit this Sign-Up Genius to lend a hand!

• Snap Raise Fundraiser update:
• We have raised $16,120 as of Wednesday morning, Sept 22!
  • 94% of donations have come from email invites
  • 0.5% have come from text invites
  • 4% have come from social media invites
    • You can text a link to friends and family who don’t check their emails! Find the link in your student SnapRaise account page
• We currently have 73% of students participating in this fundraiser
  • Last year, we raised over $18,000 through Snap Raise with a 78% participation rate. Based on data from Snap Raise, had we hit 80% participation last year, the profit would have exceeded $20k!
• We need to boost our participation!
  • We need your help in two ways:
    • 1) add emails to your email list in Snap Raise – the goal is 20 emails each
    • 2) share out the campaign on social media and through texts – you can do this inside the Snap Raise website – if you do it from the website, it will link back to the student’s account!
• Thank you for your help and support with this great fundraiser campaign!
• UofL BAND DAY – Saturday, November 13
  • All band students are invited and highly encouraged to attend the UofL Marching Band Day on Saturday, November 13. Students will have the opportunity to perform on the field at the University of Louisville stadium for a halftime performance during a home football game. This is a great time and opportunity for our students. 
  • Sign ups for this event will be available October 4 and will be due by October 14.
  • Parents will also be able to order tickets at a discounted price for this game at the time of registration for each student. 
  • OCHS has traditionally had the largest showing of students at this event each year! 
• ALL returning and freshman male students MUST be fitted for tuxedos.  If you missed fitting night, contact [email protected] to schedule a fitting.  Tux shirts and concert gowns will be distributed THIS WEEK.  ALL payments need to be received ASAP and may be turned in at Thursday rehearsal or the box in the band room – Tux shirts $17, Gowns $55 (“OCHS Band Boosters”).  No items will be distributed to students unless payment has been received. Please contact [email protected] for any payment related questions or to adjust payments. 
• 2022 Orlando Band Trip: 
  • Payment for 2022 Orlando trip was due last Friday.  Please email [email protected] if you missed this payment or if your student forgot to turn it in.
  • The next payment is due on October 8th.
  • See the trip section below for details!
• U of L All-State Workshop: This trip is just around the corner – it is on September 29th.  See details in the section below.
• The online band spirit wear store is open!  Use this link to order additional band shirts, hats etc.  

• Band Letter Jackets and Additional Spirit Wear
  • Letterman Jackets and  Band Spirit Wear can be ordered now. Due to timing constraints, there will only be one fitting date for the Letterman Jackets. The fitting will be Thursday, September 23rd  immediately following practice. We will try for having the fittings in the band room but might need to be flexible. Please wear a mask during the fitting.  Please bring your completed order form with the full payment amount for the jackets and /or spirit wear. The checks should be made to OCHS Band Boosters.  (If you are not sure of jacket sizing, leave blank and we will complete the size at the fitting.) Should you need to make payment arrangements or if you have questions regarding the merchandise, please contact Erika Watt [email protected] with BAND INFO in the Subject Line or Text/Call 502-294-5624. This is an elective purchase and isn’t required.  A portion of the proceeds for these sales will be donated back to the band.
  • Order Forms will be posted on the OCHS BAND Website or you may use the links below.
    • Oldham County Band Apparel Order Form
    • Band Letter Jacket Order Form
• October 13 “Halloween Concert”
  • Our first band concert will be Wednesday, October 13 at Oldham County Middle School. Students must be in place in the gym by 5:30pm to be ready to rehearse with the 8th grade students from EOMS and OCMS. This Halloween Themed concert is always a fun event that allows our upcoming middle school students to get to know the high school students. All students will be permitted to dress up for this concert. Costumes must be appropriate and allow for the ability to perform on the instrument. The concert will begin at 7:00pm 
• SEEKING MARCHING UNIFORM COMMITTEE MEMBERS!  No experience necessary. Areas of need include: washing/care of marching uniforms, hemming of pants, helping students dress in uniform before ball games, pluming of shako hats (before/after games), helping with uniform fittings in the spring.  If you are interested in helping in one or more of the following or have any additional questions, please contact us at [email protected].   Thank you in advance for all our volunteers!
• We are in the process of compiling a band directory.  Please opt in to include your student and family information here in order to help everyone be in touch as needed!  Complete the google form usingthis link.
• We have openings for Committee Coordinators.  See the listing below and email [email protected] if interested. 
• Thursday after school practices are from 4-6 pm through October.

FAMILY & FRIENDS PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE- SEPTEMBER 24th

NOTE: There is no home game so we will have a Parent/Family Performance at 7pm at the stadium and we will use this schedule Click for Link 
You’re on your own for food today; you can have something brought to you, Subway, etc.  BE ON TIME for the run-through, whatever you do!

• 5:30pm Warm up and Run-Through Show at “original” band practice field (behind school)
• 6:15pm Dress in Marching Band Uniform – Wear your band t-shirt, athletic shorts, BLACK CREW LENGTH SOCKS under the uniform
• 6:45pm Line up in block in front of school 6:50pm March to stadium
• 7:00pm Move to field for show performance
• 7:25pm End of performance Band line up in block (4 lines) on track and return to band room
• 7:35pm Change out of uniforms – Hang correctly and place in garment bags properly

Half Time Songs: Malaguena, (drum cadence), September, Mr. Blue Sky

We will add these tunes for the concert set: Crazy Little Thing, Chameleon in addition to September (listed above) We will finish with Sweet Caroline and Hey Baby.   Be sure to bring music in your flip folder!!! 

U OF L ALL-STATE WORKSHOP: 

This trip is just around the corner – it is on September 29th!  

• Students who are participating will need to fill out a “Youth Protection Program – Release Form” and have a parent sign and bring to this event. Forms available from Mr. Centers. This is a new UofL policy. Students who do not return the form will not be permitted to participate. Forms will be due by Monday, Sep 27.
• An updated tentative schedule is available here
• The schedule has been adjusted to reflect the new workshop times
• Students will need to bring money for dinner
• We will need two parent volunteers/chaperones to assist with this trip on Sept. 29. Sign-up here to chaperone this event!
• NOTE: the all-state workshop dates/times are subject to change due to COVID protocols on campus at U of L. Currently, U of L is asking everyone on campus to mask when indoors. 
• Students who signed up need to bring; instrument (percussion bring sticks/mallets), music, 2 pencils, notepad (something to take notes), folding music stand

 FUNDRAISING REMINDERS:

• It’s not too late to order gift cards through Scrip to earn money for the band!  Here is some information:  Website: ShopwithScrip.com
• Our Enrollment Code: D7944F4229834
• Amazon Smile:  In your Amazon account, set your charity as as the “Oldham County High School Band Boosters”
• Kroger Community Rewards:  Oldham County High School Band or code QJ874 

BAND LEVELS:

We had our first “Level Up Day” recently.  Take a moment to read about this and to ask your student what their level is.  Students are encouraged to take the initiative and set up times to continue leveling up throughout the year!

• The Band Levels Program is a skills based learning program that takes students through the most basic skills to more advanced levels in a systematic and logical manner. Students progress through the levels at their own pace and tracks their progress through all four years of high school
• Students are graded on their levels progress (Level 1 through Level 10). 
• Students have many options for “leveling up”: students can schedule a time with Mr. Centers in the morning before school, during LEAD time, after school, and during “level up days” in class. Students may also “level up” with approved private teachers and section coaches. 
• Online submissions for LEVELS is now available. Students who have completed Level 1 may submit levels items online through Google Classroom using the Google Form found in Assignments. Students can still sign up for times with Mr. Centers before school, after school, or during LEAD. Students may also still “Level Up” with section coaches/lesson teachers.

BAND PHOTO REQUEST:

• Say cheese!!! Did you capture any great pics of the band in action?  Please upload them to this location!  It is a tradition to have a slideshow at our end of year celebration – pictures and videos saved here are the perfect way to be sure all band members and events are celebrated!
  • https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gU5T3jEEF6GhCGaynmrXVNwrs2I7qQY9?usp=sharing 

REMIND Text for OCHS Band 

Remind Texts will be used to notify parents of the OCHS Band of any special announcements or reminders 

This is an optional communication that you can choose to join to be notified of special announcements and reminders 

INSTRUCTIONS TO SIGN UP FOR REMIND TEXTS 

OPTION 1:  If you have a smartphone, get push notifications. 

On your iPhone or Android phone, 

● Open your web browser and go to the following link: rmd.at/ocband22 ● Follow the instructions to sign up for Remind. 

● You’ll be prompted to download the mobile app. rmd.at/ocband22 

● Join OCBAND** (use the appropriate numbers here for your student’s graduation year) 

You will need to sign up for the “class” that represents your student’s graduation year

•  SENIORS: OCBAND22 
•  JUNIORS: OCBAND23 
•  SOPHOMORES: OCBAND24 
•  FRESHMAN: OCBAND25 

● Full Name First and Last Name, Phone Number or Email Address 

EX: (555) 555-5555 

OPTION 2: 

If you don’t have a smartphone, in order to receive text notifications: 

● Text the message @ocband** (use the appropriate graduation year numbers here) to the number 81010. 

● If you’re having trouble with 81010, try texting @ocband** (see note above) to (502) 603-6027.

“NEW TO BAND” PARENT INFORMATION:

“NEW TO BAND” Band Parent Meeting Follow Up:  Information about what goes on during the band year and how the boosters help make the band happen was shared at a recent meeting.  If you were unable to attend or would like another look, the  New to Band Parent Meeting Information  can be found at this link.  

BAND TRIP 2022

Below is a link to the documents handed out during the Band Trip Meeting along with an additional sheet that has information for Parents/Families that want to book the trip without the Bus Transportation ($400 less). 

The next payment is due Friday, October 8th.

Band Trip Info from Taylor Tours:  Below is a link that will allow you to purchase the Group Travel Protection Plan for your trip. Rates are based on overall trip cost and not age. You will need to enter your full trip cost for accurate coverage. You will need to make your purchase prior to final trip payment in order to qualify for the pre-existing medical condition waiver. Please view the group marketing for rates and schedule of coverages then click the link to purchase. You can purchase one plan at a time. For questions on the plan, coverage or procedures, please contact the Group Desk at Travel Insured 844‑440‑8113.

OLDHAM COUNTY COMMUNITY BAND

Are you or your student musician interested in joining the Oldham County Community Band?  

Students who rehearse and perform with this ensemble can claim Beta or NHS community service hours…as a bonus, they’ll have a horn on their face for at least two additional hours a week, reading and performing music they won’t see in their school ensemble rehearsals!  What a deal…

The OCCB has plenty of room for students on any woodwind, brass or percussion instrument, but those who play double reeds, clarinet, horn, flute or percussion would be huge in balancing the group and opening up even more repertoire possibilities.

 Any kid you consider an “advanced” middle schooler (grade 2-3 capable; good readers) will be able to hang on; most high schoolers fit in right away.  There is no audition or membership fee involved for students. 

The group generally performs grade 3-4 concert literature, marches, popular music medleys and show tunes.  The plan for post-COVID includes performances in late October/early November, Christmas, mid-winter (February/early March) and spring.  Check out the informational flier here!

BAND COMMUNICATION

We communicate band news through various channels and additional channels (Google Classroom, Remind) will be added as the school year begins.  Please feel free to pass this information to other new parents who may not be receiving communication yet.

• Emails: Each Sunday evening, an email is sent with details of the week’s band activities, as well as a preview of upcoming events.  This is our main source of communication.  If it’s a busy week, or there is new information since Sunday, a Wednesday email will be sent out as well.  You may request to be placed on the email list by emailing your students Name, Grade and Instrument to [email protected].  
• Facebook: The Band Boosters group maintains a private Facebook group called Oldham County HS Band Boosters!  You can request to join through Facebook and we’ll add you.  This is a good place to get quick answers to your questions, as many people will see your post fairly quickly. 
• Contact Information:  For Band Booster questions and business, please use the band booster email [email protected].

SAVE THE DATES – Important Dates—Summer & Fall 2021

(Football Games are in their own section below.)

• After School Rehearsals: Every Thursday; August 12—end of marching season
• Thurs. Sept 23, Letterman Jacket Fittings immediately following practice.   Due to timing constraints, there will only be one fitting date for the Letterman Jackets. 
• Wed., Sept 29: UofL All-State Workshop (optional, no fee)
• Fri. Oct 8, Band Trip Payment Due
• Mon. Oct 11, Band Booster Meeting
• Wed., Oct 13: Halloween Concert with OCMS & EOMS at OCMS
• Fall Break October 18-22
• Sat., Nov. 13: UofL Marching Band Day (optional – $20 fee)
• Sat., Nov. 20: All-State First Round Auditions (All-District Auditions) @ OCHS
• Sat., Dec. 11: All-State Final Round Auditions @ John Hardin HS, Elizabethtown
• Sat. Dec. 11: All-State Jazz Band Auditions @ John Hardin HS, Elizabethtown
• Fri.-Sat., Jan. 7-8: All-District Band Weekend
• Tue., Jan. 25: KMEA Conference Preview Performance (Symphonic Band 1)
• Wed.-Sat., Feb. 2-5: KMEA All-State Ensembles and State Conference
• Fri., Feb. 4: KMEA Conference Performance at KICC (Louisville) (Symphonic Band 1)
• Sat. March 5: KMEA Solo and Ensemble Assessment at NOHS
• Tues., March 8: KMEA Assessment Preview Concert at OCHS
• Wed.-Fri., March 16-18: KMEA Large Ensemble Assessment (exact date/time will be set by KMEA)
• April 2-8: OCHS Florida Band Trip (optional)
• Week of April 18: Recital Night (Date TBD)
• Week of April 25: Chamber Ensemble Concert (Date TBD)
• Week of May 16: GALA Concert (Date TBD)

HOME FOOTBALL DATES FALL 2021 (required performances)

• September 24th Family & Friends Performance!   Woodford County is no longer able to play.   See details in the section above or at this link.
• October 8th v. Eastern (7:00 start) Marching Band Home Game, 8th Grade Night
• October 22nd  v. GRC (we will not play this game-fall break)
• October 29th v. Bullitt East (Senior night) Marching Band Home Game, Senior Night 

VOLUNTEER & SHADOWING OPPORTUNITIES

The OCHS Band Boosters is needing volunteers for open positions for the coming year.  Board positions are elected positions called out in the By laws and include the officer positions and the class reps.  Committee Positions are non-elected positions.

After surveying those currently serving, the following positions are open for next year:

• Board (all positions except Treasurer are up for elections but the following do not have someone rerunning).
• Committee Coordinators
• All District Co-chair to work with previous year’s coordinator.
• Alumni Coordinator

In addition, all committee positions are always open to shadowing or additional help.  The committees below have Senior parent this year and would be great to have someone shadowing next year that could take over the following year:

• Sponsorships
• Mums Sale Coordinator
• Directory
• Instrument Rental
• Band Website Support
• T-shirts

Please email [email protected] if you are interested in filling any of the roles listed above or if you are interested in shadowing any committee.  If you would like more details on each position’s role, please feel free to email [email protected] or contact the current coordinator. 

BAND BOOSTER LEADERSHIP

Board Members for 2021-2022

• President – Chad Adams
• Vice President – Brandon Gossett
• Secretary – Melissa Gossett
• Treasurer – Lisa Zahradnicek
• Treasurer-Elect – Angela Schmidt
• Senior Member-at-Large: Katie Fuller
• Junior Member-at-Large: Stephanie Skeens
• Sophomore Member-at-Large: Natalie Dorris
• Freshman Members-at-Large: Mary Tatum

Access the Band Booster Board and Committee Leaders Contact List for additional names and contact emails using this Band Booster Board and Committee Leaders Contact List link.