OTHS Bands Newsletter
Week of July 20th, 2026
The Night Before Band Camp
Itโs the Night Before Band camp and all through O-Town
Flags and instruments have all been found
Marching Panthers are sleeping, their bags are all packed
Just a reminder, did you pack your water jug and a snack?
Anticipation is peaking as the sun rises soon
Itโs almost time to take the field and fill the room
The night is still, but not for long
Soon the field fills with the echo of songs
Tomorrow the flags will twirl and the drums will beat
Wear comfortable shoes and socks to avoid blisters on your feet
Parents are ready to cheer their kids on
Everyone will dream of the songs all season long
One step at a time the show will appear
We all are ready because this is going to be a Great year!
You will sweat and stumble while following your dot
Did I drink enough water because wow it is hot!
Despite all the panic, we grin ear to ear
Because band camp means our season is here
Here is to band campโs blazing days
To charts and reps and practice haze
We are OTHS, bold and true
Forever Marching Panthers Through and Though
- TRAP SHOOTING!!!
- For those working July 23 or 24thโฆ if you are available to attend a specialized training since these days are different than normal please go to the Sparta complex 7/21 at 9am (meet at the bleachers). If you cannot attend the training please meet Jody at the white tent by the bleachers on the west side at 6:30am on July 23rd for a quick training. For those working these days that attend the training one the 21st report to the tent both days for assignments.
- We will send out a FAQ soon
- Parent Pick up information link for those wanting to pick their students up after certain events out of town for marching season (link to the direct google form found within this document or later in the newsletter):
- LONDON TRIP INFO: for those that could not attend the Friends and Family meeting here is a link to the PDF for the information shared at the meeting.
Parent Meeting Locations, Dates and Time
2026 โ All Meetings are at 6:30 PM in the MPR unless otherwise noted.
- July – No Meeting
- Aug 11 Booster Board Meeting 6:30pm Cafeteria
- Aug 14 โ Blue/Gold Football Game
- Aug 19 Parent Booster Meeting 6:30pm MPR
- Aug 21 โ Football Game
*Stay tuned for more information on upcoming meetings!
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
- July 20-24; July 27-31 โ Band camp
- July 20 โ Band Camp Dinner Donation #1 7:15-8am Front of Smiley โ Trumpets, Mellos, Baritones, Contras, Guard & Drum Majors (sign ups in CutTime)
- July 27 โ Band Camp Dinner Donations #2 7:15-8am Front of Smiley โ Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones & percussion (sign ups in CutTime)
- July 23&24 โ Experienced Trap Shooting scorers and loaders
- July 25 โ 27; July 29 โ Aug 8 โ Trap shooting Grand Nationals (sign ups open in CutTime)
- July 29 โ Band Together Parents Social 530-7pm; all walk down to watch end of band camp rehearsal. Look for more details soon.
- July 31 โ Parent/Community Preview 7pm
- Aug 29 โ Mattress Fundraiser (watch for more info soon)
CONCESSIONS UPDATE:
1. Band camp: Concessions will be serving a $5 lunch both on Tues. 7/21 and Mon. 7/27 of band camp. Cash or card accepted. Lunch will include peanut butter and jelly Uncrushable, bag of chips, a 20oz bottle of red, white, or blue Gatorade, a snack bag of carrots, and a .5 oz sausage stick. We will put the bags together on Monday mornings or Sunday afternoons depending on volunteer availability. Contact Christie at 618-698-5323 if you have questions, financial concerns, or would be interested in volunteering. All help is welcomed and appreciated!
2. New this year for our community event on July 31, Concessions will be offering a variety of food trucks! Iced Coffee, dirty sodas, kettle corn, barbecue, Filipino food, and more! Trucks will be in place at 5 PM so come early to get a good spot in line for the gate and have supper at the same time! If you have a food truck and would like to participate, contact Christie at 618-698-5323 to be put in touch with our food truck coordinator
Director’s Notes
Moving forward the newsletter will post on Mondays each week on the OTHSbands website. https://othsband.com/
Website Member Hub โ top righthand corner
Log-in information:
Username: bandmember
Password: 25OTHSband26
The math question will change every time
We are excited to OFFICIALLY Start our Competitive Show Season!
Reminder about parking and drop-off. This will vary from day to day due to construction at the school. We are following directives on this, so thank you for your patience.
For Monday – Tennis court lots – student parking
Drop-off of Weber Rd into the bus lot and out
Students will need devices on Monday for UDB, drill learning. Students will be assigned a performance spot for band camp. Some students will be sharing spots, and some spots may change during camp and the year. We will discuss how the spots work with all students when we release the UDB codes for the year. All performance spots are flexible throughout the season (similar to how a varsity team would work).
If there are any changes in medical needs/status, please email the updates to OTHSband@oths.us. If a student is not feeling well and sits out for more than 30 minutes, it will be best for us to send them home. If you see a different number calling you, it could be from a chaperone or a director – Thank you for picking up!
Wind players – please make sure that your instrument is in working condition for tomorrow.
All musicians – make sure you have your music in a binder and a pencil.
*Please refer to all band camp reminders.
Tuesday, July 21st – The Battalion Drum Corps will be staying and rehearsing at OTHS on Tuesday.
There will be time for students to observe their rehearsal before they depart for the drum corps show.
*Please refer to the difference in the Tuesday start and ending times.
*The Band App will continue to be our fastest way to update Band Camp info.
ABSCENCES: If you need to report an absence from band camp, please email OTHSband@oths.us
SMILEY CAMPUS BAND CAMP DATES, Times, and information
NORMAL BAND CAMP SCHEDULE:
Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24
Monday, July 27 through Friday, July 31
**Tuesday, July 21st – due to the Drum Corps Show – this will be the revised schedule so students can attend.
7am-11am (lunch on campus) – 12:00pm-4:00pm; 5pm-7pm – Dinner is provided at 4pm
NORMAL BAND CAMP TIMES:
8am-noon, Lunch – on your own – 1:30-5pm, Dinner, 6-8:00pm
*EXTRA LUNCH AVAILABLE – Tuesday, 7/21 and Monday 7/27
We have our band staff with us, but also several parent chaperones who will be monitoring the weather and ALL students care. We will be communicating through the BAND APP on any necessary changes that need to be made to keep our students and adults safe. Please ensure you have the BAND APP and have your notifications turned on.
HEAT SCHEDULE: – we will revert to this schedule if needed to avoid heat. We will notify you through the Band App of this change.
Our Heat schedule would be 7am-11am, 2pm-5pm, dinner, 6-8:30pm. Use your section Facebook groups or your Band Together Leads for carpooling needs. Please have your students start drinking water and getting some exercise (warm up video is on the BAND App) so the increased movement is not a shock to their system. Any changes in medical needs or medicine please let us know (email OTHSband@oths.us). We want to keep everyone healthy.
โข Things to Note:
Winds/Percussion – please practice your music for Part I before arriving to camp. Winds need to have Part I memorized and have practiced Part 2.
Colorguard – any choreography that was taught in our summer months, please make sure it is practiced.
*Please check that you have working equipment and you have ALL your music in a binder (musicians)
Items students will need: โข Instrument/Colorguard Equipment โข Music – in folder/binder with page protectors โข Pencil โข Athletic clothes to wear – or dress up day clothes โข Athletic shoes/good socks – maybe bring an extra pair โข Hat โข Sunscreen โข WATER BOTTLE!!!!! โข snacks โข Backpack to put all this in!
Students will be using an app called UDB for drill learning. For students that do not have access to a device, we will provide paper copies of instructions. I will send out a message in the Band app when UDB is available for viewing. As we start learning drill, each student is assigned to a spot and a few students will share spots. No performance spot is fully decided upon until the end of August. For the entire success of the band, students need to ready to learn new spots and adjust. As a staff, we are there to assist with any changes that are needed.
SENIORS – at this time – please double check that you have 5 academic classes on your schedule. We adhere to academic eligibility.
Also, this upcoming week we will be double-checking that all students are enrolled in the correct classes for the fall. If students are in Wind Ensemble and/or Leadership, they need to be in lessons.
OTHS Bands Newsletter
Week of July 20, 2026
The Night Before Band Camp
Itโs the Night Before Band camp and all through O-Town
Flags and instruments have all been found
Marching Panthers are sleeping, their bags are all packed
Just a reminder, did you pack your water jug and a snack?
Anticipation is peaking as the sun rises soon
Itโs almost time to take the field and fill the room
The night is still, but not for long
Soon the field fills with the echo of songs
Tomorrow the flags will twirl and the drums will beat
Wear comfortable shoes and socks to avoid blisters on your feet
Parents are ready to cheer their kids on
Everyone will dream of the songs all season long
One step at a time the show will appear
We all are ready because this is going to be a Great year!
You will sweat and stumble while following your dot
Did I drink enough water because wow it is hot!
Despite all the panic, we grin ear to ear
Because band camp means our season is here
Here is to band campโs blazing days
To charts and reps and practice haze
We are OTHS, bold and true
Forever Marching Panthers Through and Though
- TRAP SHOOTING!!!
- For those working July 23 or 24thโฆ if you are available to attend a specialized training since these days are different than normal please go to the Sparta complex 7/21 at 9am (meet at the bleachers). If you cannot attend the training please meet Jody at the white tent by the bleachers on the west side at 6:30am on July 23rd for a quick training. For those working these days that attend the training one the 21st report to the tent both days for assignments.
- Please make sure you get signed up so we can report numbers to the organizers as they begin to plan where to assign folks to work.
- We will send out a FAQ soon
- Parent Pick up information link for those wanting to pick their students up after certain events out of town for marching season (link to the direct google form found within this document or later in the newsletter):
- LONDON TRIP INFO: for those that could not attend the Friends and Family meeting here is a link to the PDF for the information shared at the meeting.
Band Camp Dinner Information:
- Volunteers are still needed:ย Volunteers are not limited to their student’s section. Parents are welcome to volunteer for either week of band camp to help with meal service and kitchen duties. Please sign up in CutTime!
- Donation Drop-Off Reminder:ย Families from theย Drum Majors,ย Trumpets, Mellophones, Baritones, Contras, Color Guardย sections may drop off their assigned donations Monday morning, 7/20/26 beginning at 7:15 a.m. outside the school’s front entrance.ย Just look for volunteers in yellow band shirts!
- Alternative meal options will be available at a separate serving table for students with dietary restrictions.
Updated Tentative Menu (Subject to change)
Week 1
Monday, July 20 โ Domino’s Pizza
- Sides: Applesauce, fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Tuesday, July 21 โ Tacos/Nachos
- Sides: Fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Wednesday, July 22 โ Chicken Teriyaki
- Sides: White rice (Donated byย Sake Sushi Bar & Grill!), broccoli, fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Thursday, July 23 โ Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli (Donated by Noodles & Company!)
- Sides: Fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Friday, July 24 โ Hamburgers
- Sides: Tater tots, carrots, cucumbers, dessert, fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Week 2
Monday, July 27 โ Pancakes & Breakfast Casserole
- Sides: Sausage patties, strawberries, bananas, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Tuesday, July 28 โ Chicken Tenders
- Sides: Baked potatoes and rolls (Donated byย Texas Roadhouse!), corn, dessert, fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Wednesday, July 29 โ Penne with Meat Sauce
- Sides: Green beans, fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Thursday, July 30 โ Hot Dogs & Brats
- Sides: Macaroni & cheese (Donated byย Sugarfire!), carrots, cucumbers, fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
Friday, July 31 โ Chick-fil-A Sandwiches
- Sides: Fruit, salad bar, chips, and cookies
A special thank you to Dave at Midstate Produce and 1st Street Lounge for contributing produce throughout Band Camp. We also sincerely appreciate the food donations from Sake Sushi Bar & Grill, Noodles & Company, Texas Roadhouse, and Sugarfire. Finally, thank you to Domino’s Pizza and Chick-fil-A for partnering with us by offering discounted pricing on our Band Camp meals.
We are grateful for the support of these outstanding local businesses. Their partnership helps us provide quality meals for our students throughout Band Camp, and we truly appreciate their investment in our program.
Upcoming Dates for Fall 2026
Non Marching Band Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 14 & August 21 | ILMEA Jazz Audition Clinic |
| August 19 | Booster Meeting |
| August 28 | Yard Sale Set Up |
| August 29 | Yard Sale |
| August 29 | Mattress Sale |
| September 9 | General Membership Meeting |
| September 12 | MEMC |
| October 30 | Band Concert – Featuring Carol Brittin Chambers |
| November 6 | Craft Fair |
| November 7 | Craft Fair/ILMEA Jazz |
| November 8 | Craft Fair |
| November 21 | ILMEA District Festival |
| December 4,5,6 | Madrigals |
| December 9 | Christmas in O’Fallon |
| December 11 | Band Dance |
Halpin Music
Weโre excited to continue our partnership with Halpin Music, who will periodically bring their instrument repair truck right to our school this year.
This is a great opportunity for our band students to get their instruments repaired without ever leaving campus!
Students โ Fill out this form to participate: https://halpinmusic.com/servโฆ/oths-instrument-repair-plan/
Student Accounts
Regular Information:
1. All payments received will be in CutTime by Wednesday. Please reach out at that time if you notice a discrepancy or have questions.
2. All costs are entered into CutTime, and the next payment due date is June 15
($375). Please check CutTime for your student’s balance, as any credits from this
past year rolled over.
If you have any questions, please contact me at pantherbandstudentacct@gmail.com.
Payment Options:
1. Gold drop box in the band room โ label envelope with studentโs name
2. Venmo: @ofallonbandtreasurer (last 4 digits: 1152)
3. Mail: Katie Stump, 704 E. 3rd St., OโFallon, IL 62269
Cash payments: Call or text me (Katie) at 618-402-9914 to arrange a hand-off.
Boutique
Watch for information on upcoming Boutique Stores
New Fundraising OppORTUNITIES
General Fundraising
Dine to Donate
Mark your calendars now for the Band Fundraiser Dine to Donate Nights (a percent of the total sales will go back to the band. More info will be provided as it gets closer to each event):
- Aug 18: Sake
- Aug 25: Texas Roadhouse
- Sep 15: Bennyโs Pizza
Continued Fundraising
Soda Cans
We collect them! They must be tied in garbage bags and dropped off in the back of smiley near the dumpsters.
Goodshop
Similar to amazonsmile but you can pick your stores to use. Follow the link to sign-up!
Does your company match gifts?
Does your company/business do match gifts? We currently have a family enrolled in a gift matching program through CarMax where if you donate time or money CarMax will match the monetary gift or hours given. So, CarMax pays $15 an hour for every hour that they volunteer up to $5000 a year for matching donations, if we donate an amount of money CarMax will match that also up to a certain amount. Check with your company and see what they offer. Every little bit helps!
Raise Right Gift Card Program
For any questions you can contact Stephanie Pierce at 618-406-7960 or email at marchingpanthersraiseright@gmail.com
RaiseRight Gift Card Program ;
EARN FUNDS THAT GO DIRECTLY BACK TO YOUR STUDENT
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sign-up for Marching Panther Earnings >> Click Here
Enrollment Code DBAAECD217989
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Questions? Email Stephanie Pierce @ marchingpanthersraiseright@gmail.com
Itโs As Easy As >>>>>
> Purchasing Gift Cards for your daily/regular purchases and earning from 1-20% back
> Family Members can sign-up also to add to your students account earnings
Watch these videos to learn more: The #1 Online Fundraiser | RaiseRight6 Everyday Ways to Earn with Gift Cards | RaiseRight
Physical Gift Card Orders Are Due:
15th of Every Month
TIP #1 – Order Gifts Card throughout the month to take full advantage of bonuses.
There is no limit to your number of orders you place in a month.
TIP #2 – Download the RaiseRight App to buy eGift cards in real time as you make purchases. {Going out to eat? Wait until you get your ticket and buy the eGift card to cover the meal PLUS tipโฆ.Buying supplies for a project at Home Depot or Lowes? Buy an eGift at the checkoutโฆ.Military Family shopping at Old Navy? Request the discount AND buy an eGift card to cover the cost of your purchase – big savings!)
TIP #3 – Questions on how you can make the most of your earnings? Call the Raise Right Coordinator, Stephanie Pierce 618-406-7960 or email me at marchingpanthersraiseright@gmail.com .
*****Did you know that you can earn 5% at restaurants nearby using your RaiseRight app? You do not have to have an e-card, just select โNew! Discoverโ in the lower right hand corner of the RaiseRight app page. Select โFind a restaurantโ and simply link a credit or debit card, no convenience fees apply! Your student earns 5% off the purchase, and purchases can be made throughout the United States, not just locally. See each restaurant individually to see what days they participate.*****
If ordering physical gift cards, please do not use Milburn campus this summer, only Smiley.
*****We highly encourage you not to purchase physical gift cards, but instead purchase E-cards. There is an $11.00 shipping charge to ship physical gift cards, and that is evenly split between RaiseRight participants who order that month. This greatly reduces or even negates your studentโs profit for cards that you ordered.*****
Important Links and Reminders
Link to the Visual Calendar
Link for FamilyID
Reminders
Medical Records
Parents please add updates to your studentโs medical records for permission to give over the counter medication’s if needed during a rehearsal or competition.
*Nurse (Physicals) Bandphysicals@oths.us
Student Pick-Up Event Form
Student Pick-Up Event Form
This link can be used for any event which has parent pick-up
Pictures
Log into SmugMug to access band photos
Password (case-sensitive): Tarp
Spiritwear
O-Band Store โ spirit wear not offered in our boutique
Varsity Spirit Wear Items
PIN=BAND (case sensitive) Unable to access your My Varsity account? CLICK HERE to RESET your password using your existing email.
Miscellaneous
Communication Sources
CutTime
Amanda Partl is our POC for this program.
You can email her at: ampartl2010@gmail.com
Band Website
Member Hub
Password: 25OTHSband26
Choose Current Families for: FamilyID Link / Student Music / Etc.
Band App
Used to communicate quick messages.
Absences
**All absences need to be emailed to Dr. G at OTHSBand@oths.us from a parent/guardian email address with absence in the subject line.
This is a temporary solution. Stay tuned for further information.
Band Booster Parents, Weโd love for you to join our Band Booster Facebook Group โ itโs a great space to:
- Get up-to-date information on events and rehearsals
- Ask questions and connect with other band parents
- Stay in the loop on volunteer opportunities and updates
Important Reminder:
When requesting to join, please make sure to answer all the security questions. For the safety and privacy of our students and families, weโre unable to approve requests without completed answers โ theyโll be automatically declined.
Weโre excited to have you involved and connected โ it truly takes a village, and this group helps us stay strong and organized.
Thank you for your support! Enjoy your summer โ itโs almost Marching Band Season.
Band Together Leads
Incoming and current families of ALL bands: listed below are your Band Together Leads. They are a great source of information, and you should connect with them for all your band questions. Also, if you havenโt joined our Parent Booster Facebook page, you can access that HERE. We ask that you please answer the security questions to gain access.
Flutes & Piccolos
Tori Gill
thewobblybird@gmail.com
(303)720-3825
Kelly Albers
nursekelly12@yahoo.com
(618) 972-7895
OTHS Flutes and Piccolo Band Together
Clarinets
Tiffany Rea
tiffrea2006@hotmail.com
(270) 881-8376
Band Together – OTHS Clarinet Parents
Saxophones
Tiffini Montoya
montoyatclb@gmail.com
(707) 207-1152
Low Reeds – Double Reeds
Sarah Beaver
beava1313@gmail.com
(618) 698-8293
Band Together – OTHS Low Reeds/Oboe/Bassoon Parents
Trumpets
Brandie Lehramn
blehrman@gmail.com
(618) 407-8555
Band Together – OTHS Trumpet Parents
Amanda Partl
Ampartl2010@gmail.com
(618) 709-6787
Mellophones/Horns
Kristin Flor
Kristinflor5@gmail.com
(785) 580-3750
OTHS band Mellophone/French Horn Section
Low Brass & Contras
Pamela Wear
pam.wear@hotmail.com
(478) 972-9467
Eva Osborne
eva.osborne@gmail.com
(618) 979-2474
Color Guard
Amanda Mansel
amanselcsm@gmail.com
(843) 324-1399
Taryn Huse
Guardmom29@gmail.com
(720)737-5560
Band Together – OTHS Colorguard Parents
Percussion (Front Ensemble & Drumline)
Amy Pekala
amy.pekala@gmail.com
(618) 581-5077
Michelle Riddle
riddled75@gmail.com
(618) 806-8189
Band Together – OTHS Battery & Front Ensemble & Percussion
Band Together Coordinator
Sarah Beaver
beava1313@gmail.com
(618) 698-8293
Upcoming Volunteer Events
*Watch for Cut Time donation list/volunteer opportunities.
Additional Volunteers Needed
Parents with Medical Background
Notes from our Medical Team:
If you have basic CPR training, any medical certification such as nurse, AED training, EMT, medic, physician, etc and want to be on the medical team, please contact Karen Holzum at karen-nurse@hotmail.com.
Please list your name, number and medical background certification. She needs to start scheduling her medical team for our first competition of the year on September 13.
ILMEA Audition Information
Band /Wind Orchestra Auditions
Jazz Auditions
Composition Contest
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t1iuJdchnKfdMhLj3c5sCAbTwNKQn6grOyLGRvWm1Dc/edit?tab=t.0
FMES – students interested in music education