OTHS Bands Newsletter
Week of September 8th, 2026
- 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.
026-2027 OTHS Concert Band Fitting Dates and Important Information
Attention All Concert Band Students and Parents: Please read the following important information pertaining to the upcoming OTHS Concert Band Fittings.
WHAT: All Concert Band Students need to attend their designated band’s fitting date to be fitted for a Tuxedo or Dress
WHY: The First concert of the year is October 30th at 7 pm
WHERE: Milburn Band Room
WHEN: Concert Uniform Fittings are scheduled according to respective bands on the following dates and times:
Wind Ensemble Tuesday, September 1st Last Name:A-F 6-6:30pmG-O 6:30-7pmP-Z 7-7:30 pm Symphonic Winds Tuesday, September 8th Last Name:A-F 6-6:30pmG-O 6:30-7pmP-Z 7-7:30 pm Symphonic Band Tuesday, September 15th Last Name:A-F 6-6:30pmG-O 6:30-7pmP-Z 7-7:30 pm Milburn Band Tuesday, September 22nd Last Name:A-F 6-6:30pmG-O 6:30-7pmP-Z 7-7:30 pm All students who could not attend on their scheduled night Tuesday, September 29th 5-6 pm IMPORTANT INFORMATION (Please Read):
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR UNIFORM FITTING
To help expedite the fitting process..
- Please, ALL students should arrive wearing athletic clothing (be ready to start trying on your uniform)
- Students being fitted for tuxedos should wear athletic shorts, tennis shoes and a t-shirt
- Students being fitted for a dress should wear athletic shorts, tennis shoes tank top/t-shirt
- Bulky clothing such as sweatshirts, sweatpants, sweaters, jackets should be removed prior to entering fitting area
- Items in pockets need to be taken out prior to entering fitting area
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR FITTING:
- Students should come with an idea of their approximate sizes (dress or pants and jacket).
- For students only in Concert Band (students not in Marching Band/Color Guard) there will be a $100 fee (Payable via Cash, Venmo, Student Funds or Check (Payable to O’Fallon Panther Band Boosters))
- For students wearing a tuxedo a tie will need to be purchased. Ties are available at each fitting. The cost is $5 (Payable via Cash, Venmo, Student Funds or Check (Payable to O’Fallon Panther Band Boosters))
LET’S PLAN AHEAD: The following items need to be accomplished prior to your first concert. Please Purchase NOW!
- Students wearing a tuxedo must purchase a long sleeve black dress shirt. Cost is ~ $25. Please use this link to order online: Amazon.com: J.VER Men’s Dress Shirts Solid Long Sleeve Stretch Wrinkle-Free Formal Shirt Business Casual Button Down Shirts Black Small
- Students wearing a tuxedo will need to wear Long black socks
- Students wearing a concert dress (no athletic shoes, no marching shoes, no boots are allowed) only black ballet flats (no heels allowed)
If a student is unable to attend their respective band’s scheduled fitting date/time, please contact a Concert Uniform Lead ASAP so we can make arrangements.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Concert Uniform Leads: Ida Flores – (618) 979-5062, idqf@msn.com or Sophie Carter – (314) 485-9706, snoof25@hotmail.com
Parent Meeting Locations, Dates and Time
2026 – All Meetings are at 6:30 PM in the MPR unless otherwise noted.
- Sept. 9th
- Oct. 14th
- Nov. 4th
- Dec. 2nd
*Stay tuned for more information on upcoming meetings!
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
- Sept. 9th – Parent Booster Meeting – 6:30p.m.
- Sept. 12th – MEMC – Metro East Marching Band Classic (ALL DAY)
- Sept. 19th – Edwardsville Tiger Ambush Marching Band Competition (Times TBD)
- Sept. 26th – Homecoming
Director’s Notes
Moving forward the newsletter will post on Mondays each week on the OTHSbands website. https://othsband.com/
Website Member Hub – top righthand corner
Log-in information:
Username: bandmember
Password: 25OTHSband26
The math question will change every time.
WEEK OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH
I hope everyone has enjoyed the three-day weekend. Let’s get ready for an exciting week!
Below is the schedule for the next 2 weeks!
*We will be using class time for marching band. Smiley MB students should be ready to go outside for class all days this week.
Tuesday, September 8 – in Class – Concert Band Music/Good 4 U/Music checks
Concert Band Fittings – Symphonic Winds – 6pm-8pm – Milburn band room
Executive Booster Board Meeting – 6:30pm
Wednesday, September 9 – in Class – Good 4 U/Marching Band Music-Parade Tune/Milburn Concert band will be rehearsing separately
Illinois Music Honor Society Meeting 7:40am or 3:05pm – 10 minute meeting
Marching band rehearsal – 5:30-8:30pm – Navy Rehearsal attire; public rehearsal viewing at 7:30pm
Band Booster Meeting – 6:30pm- MPR
MEMC Key Worker Meeting 7:30pm
Thursday, September 10 – in Class – Good 4 U/Marching Band Music-Parade Tune/Milburn Concert band will be rehearsing separately
Marching band rehearsal 5:30pm-8pm
Friday, September 11 – in Class – Good 4 U/Marching Band Music- Parade Tune/Milburn Concert band will be rehearsing separately
OTHS ineligibility report comes out and goes into affect on Sunday, September 12. Students on the list will not perform at the Edwardsville Competition
Last call for ILMEA Auditions (final checks on Monday, September 14
Marching Band Rehearsal 5-9pm- Revolution Uniform Rehearsal – Students will need to arrive at 5pm with all their items for their costume. Dr. G will talk through hair styles with the uniform on Thursday at band rehearsal.
**This rehearsal will not be open for viewing. Only parents setting up for MEMC will be in the stadium, along with marching band support parents (chaperones/transpo). We will be having 3 judges at our rehearsal, so we need to be extra focused.
Saturday, September 12 MEMC
2026 MEMC STUDENT SCHEDULE
*Students need to have good attendance this week to be eligible for MEMC performances.
Friday Rehearsal & Metro East Marching Classic – 100 points for grade each
Friday, September 11th – Mandatory rehearsal– 6-9pm – Rehearsal Attire
MEMC Schedule – Saturday, September 12, 2026
*Students should bring a sack lunch/snacks for after rehearsal. Concession stand will be available, so bring $.
**Uniform attire will be decided the week of MEMC.
9:00am – Marching Panther Leadership &Drumline arrive to prepare for playing the National Anthem – rehearsal attire.
9:10am – Play through in North Gym
9:20am – National Anthem at the stadium
9:30am – First Band
11:00am – Members should arrive and pick up uniforms and start changing to prepare for Middle School student arrival.
11:45am – Middle School students can be dropped off at the front entrance of the Smiley Campus with their instrument. They will meet up with their section in the Dome. *Students who participate will receive a wristband if they wish to stay for the event. This will be handed out at this time.
12:00pm – Upon arrival our middle school students will have a 10-minute meet and greet in the Dome. Please be kind and friendly!. During this time, arrange them in order with our members – every other member.
12:10pm – Make Concert Arcs
12:15am – Run A2 and Good 4 U – We will teach set and horns up
12:30pm – We will run Good 4 U – twice.
12:45pm – Marching Panthers will run the show music – Winds and Battery
1:00pm – Entire Band – HS and Middle School – will start to move to the stadium in multiple line concert arcs.
1:15pm – Joint Performance (afterwards, the middle school students will move to the track)
1:20pm – Marching Panther Performance – everyone will move together toward the Dome. Drumline will stay and play on the drum majors for the awards.
1:30pm – Awards – drum majors stay and assist with awards; drumline will depart after the awards begin.
1:30pm – Middle School students will be escorted to the front of the school by our seniors and leadership. These students will need a wristband to come back in for the contest.
BREAK – Marching Panthers may stay at MEMC to support the bands or may go off campus. Just remember that parking is a premium. Marching Panther members may be at the event or if you want to work on school work or relax you may be in the cafeteria. Walking the halls of the school or being in any other area will not be allowed for security purposes.
6:30pm – OTHS Marching Panthers need to arrive back to prepare for the second performance. We will wear our SHOW uniform at this performance. Both of these performances will be evaluated by our MEMC judging panel, but no scores are made public.
6:45pm – Begin changing to the Show uniform
7:00pm – Meet in the dome for visual warm-up
7:20pm – Music warm-up
7:45pm – Start to move to stadium
8:00pm – Performance – we will then go to Side 2 endzone during awards (8:00pm). We will stand at stand by in a professional way during awards. We will have you all put your uniforms back away and then come back to clean up. If students do not come back to assist, your grade will be docked. This is a team effort!!
2026 MEMC Section Clean-up and Tear Down Assignment
Drum Majors and Coordinators Pick up trash in Stadium Bathrooms, double check MPR is cleaned up after all uniforms are put away.
All Saxes & Baritones Pick up trash in the main bleachers
Trumpets & Clarinets/Bass Clarinets- Pick up trash at the away team bleachers & concession areas
Tubas, Flutes – Organizing and Cleaning Field and Track (Yard markers, Tables, Trash, etc…)
Mellophones – Walk around Perimeter of Stadium and pick up trash
Percussion – Take all percussion equipment back to the Band Room – and make sure all percussion is put away and band room is arranged neatly. We stage the band room and small band room.
Color Guard – Take all Guard Equipment back to Guard Room – make sure that the Cafeteria/South Gym/Dome/North Gym are picked up and all trash is put away.
WEEK OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
Monday, September 14
*There will be a sub for SW concert band students
Official London Acceptance Ceremony at the Milburn Auditorium – 1:30pm
*I am still coordinating this event with OTHS and local media.
Rough schedule for the day:
Students during advisory classes will pull their school uniform
11:30am – All Smiley students are released from classes – students in 4B, 5A, and 5B lunch need to bring a sack lunch
Students will change into school uniform.
12:00pm- All Milburn students are released from classes to change into uniform. These uniforms will be brought over to Milburn in advance
12:15pm – Smiley students will board busses in uniform to Milburn
12:35pm- Arrival at Smiley
12:50pm – Quick rehearsal in Milburn Auditorium
1:10pm – Marching band is staged in cafeteria until call time for ceremony
1:15pm – Doors open for public (this will need to be arranged with the OTHS)
1:30pm – Ceremony begins –
From the London Parade
We will be visiting you on Monday 14th September at 1.30pm to
formally present ‘The O’Fallon Township High School Marching Panthers’ with the invitation to participate in ‘London Parade 2028’.
London’s New Year celebrations have been dubbed ‘the greatest event in the greatest city in the world’. In the Parade you will be performing to a street audience of over half a million people, with up to 350 million all around the world watching you on television. Should you participate in the Festival Concert Series you will be performing to packed houses in some of London’s most prestigious music venues.
The presentation of the formal invitation to participate is designed to be a fun event, to give us the opportunity to meet you, for you to find out all about our event, and most importantly about the tremendous programme of activities that await you in London. Attending from the London Parade will be Bob Bone, Duncan Sandys, Senior Directors of International Participation William Northen and Jonathan Whaley, along with Senior Consultant for the Americas – Dean Oblonsky
Smiley students will be bussed back to Smiley at the end of the day (before the end of school). We will also take the Milburn student uniforms back.
Marching Band Rehearsal 5:30-7:30pm – athletic gear
Tuesday – September 15 –
In Class – Concert Band Music-
SB Concert Band Fittings 6-8pm – Milburn Band Room
Wednesday, September 16
In Class – Pregame Music/Marching Band Music/Concert Band Music
Marching Band Rehearsal 5:30-8:30pm – Rehearsal Attire
Thursday, September 17
In Class – Pregame Music/Marching Band Music/Concert Band Music
Marching Band Rehearsal 5:30-8:00pm – Athletic Attire
Friday, September 18
In Class – Pregame Music/Marching Band Music
Football Game – School Uniform (weather permitting)
4:30pm – Leadership Call Time
5:00pm – Membership Call Time
5:30pm – Rehearsal begins
6:45pm – Pregame
7:00pm – Kick Off
Saturday, September 19
*I have not been officially sent a schedule, but was able to find the schedule on Illinois Marching and adapted as best as I could
https://ilmarching.com/festivals/1313
*FYI this schedule is based upon last year’s schedule
Edwardsville Tiger Ambush Schedule – Saturday, September 19, 2026
Edwardsville High School
6161 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Admission – Admission to the Tiger Ambush Classic is as follows: $10.00 – Adults $5.00 – Children age 5-12 Free for children 5 and under Admissions will accept cash and credit card.
8:40am Arrive at OTHS to prepare for rehearsal
9:00 am – Rehearsal – Wear section shirts (or similar color)
12:00 pm Rehearsal ends – we will load trucks at this time
1:00 pm Lunch/Dinner break – Students will leave campus.
Students need to get plenty of water on the break and a full meal. Students need to bring back a water bottle with them and a snack. Reminder – we do not eat in full uniform with the performance jacket.
4:45pm – Arrive back to campus to change into uniform. Arrive in attire for under the uniform. Please bring your garment bags for the jacket. Students may keep their personal belongings in the school.
5:40pm – Load Buses – busses are assigned by instrument
6:00 pm – Depart for Edwardsville
6:45 pm – Arrive Edwardsville
6:45 pm – 7:00 pm – Unload Blue – directions will be given for students to begin visual warm-up and review choreo
7:20 pm – Visual Warm up – tennis courts
7:55pm – Warm up area A/B – TBD
8:25 pm – Leave warm up
8:37 pm – Ready at the gate
8:45 pm – Performance – after we will take all front ensemble equipment, podiums back to the busses and trucks. Everyone else that is not involved in that transfer will stay to watch the rest of the contest. We will be respectful toward all other bands.
9:15 pm – Awards –
9:45 pm – Load Blue
10:30 pm – Depart for OTHS
NOTE: For all marching band rehearsals – members should arrive on campus 10 minutes early. Leadership should arrive 20 minutes early.
*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
Upcoming Dates for Fall 2026
Non Marching Band Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 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
We’re 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 – Fill out this form to participate: https://halpinmusic.com/serv…/oths-instrument-repair-plan/
Student Accounts
Regular Information:
1. Trapshooting credits will be in CutTime in the next 10 days. We received the check, and all screenshots of hours worked are being verified against the ATA spreadsheet to make sure students are credited correctly.
2. For families on payment plans, please continue to review due dates in CutTime. If your financial situation has changed, please feel free to reach out to me to modify your plan.
3. The next London trip payment is due September 15. If you’d like credits from CutTime to be used, please log into your student’s CutTime account, decide how much you want used, and email me at pantherbandstudentacct@gmail.
com by SEPTEMBER 10.If you have any questions, please contact me at pantherbandstudentacct@
gmail.com .
Payment Options:
1. Gold drop box in the band room — label envelope with student’s name
2. Venmo: @ofallonbandtreasurer (last 4 digits: 1152)
3. Mail: Katie Stump, 704 E. 3rd St., O’Fallon, IL 62269
Cash payments: Call or text me (Katie) at 618-402-9914 to arrange a hand-off.
If you have any questions, please contact me at pantherbandstudentacct@gmail.com.
Payment Options:
1. Gold drop box in the band room — label envelope with student’s name
2. Venmo: @ofallonbandtreasurer (last 4 digits: 1152)
3. Mail: Katie Stump, 704 E. 3rd St., O’Fallon, IL 62269
Cash payments: Call or text me (Katie) at 618-402-9914 to arrange a hand-off.
Boutique
Stay tuned for more information!
New Fundraising OppORTUNITIES
Perfect Pastries Fundraiser
Perfect Pastries Pick Up
*Orders arrive frozen so please pick up your items as early as possible.*
Wednesday 9/9 starting at 4:00 pm. Smiley Main Entrance. All orders must be picked up by the end of rehearsalPlease contact Casie Monto- (317) 610-9863 call/text with questions.
Next Fundraising Opportunity October 1-15th Charleston Wrap. Stay tuned for further information.
Questions? E-mail: casiemonto@yahoo.com
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):
- Sep 15: Benny’s 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
It’s 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
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 tip….Buying supplies for a project at Home Depot or Lowes? Buy an eGift at the checkout….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 .
Physical Gift Card Orders Are Due:
15th of Every Month
*****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 student’s 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 student’s 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 – 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
**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 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.
🎶 Join Our Band Booster Parent Facebook Group!
Band Booster Parents, we’d love for you to join our Band Booster Facebook Group — it’s 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, we’re unable to approve requests without completed answers — they’ll be automatically declined.
We’re excited to have you involved and connected — it truly takes a village, and this group helps us stay strong and organized.
Thank you for your support!
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 haven’t 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
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