Week of September 21st, 2026

OTHS Bands Newsletter

Week of September 21st, 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):
  • https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mGUlXWy3ihuRiu8jNLSQE1UzLpCld9vOxzVemsHWfGw/edit?usp=sharin

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.

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pzf-WhVn_YQA6HkEMuX7gD86zlxd9_I8/view?usp=sharing

2026-2027 OTHS Concert Band Fitting Dates and Important Information – PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIMES

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 30^th at 7 pm

WHERE: Milburn Band Room

WHEN: Concert Uniform Fittings are scheduled according to respective bands on the following dates and times:

Milburn Band/Make-Ups	Tuesday, September 22nd	Last Name:A-L 6-7:30p.m.
Milburn Band/Make-Ups	Tuesday, September 29th	Last Name:M-Z 5-6:30p.m.

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:

1. Students should come with an idea of their approximate sizes (dress or pants and jacket).
2. 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))
3. 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!

1. 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
2. Students wearing a tuxedo will need to wear Long black socks
3. 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.

• Oct. 14th
• Nov. 4th
• Dec. 2nd

*Stay tuned for more information on upcoming meetings!

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Upcoming Events/Important Dates

• Sept. 26th – Homecoming/Alumni Band Night
• Oct. 3rd – Marching Band Rehearsal – 9a.m.-1p.m.
• Oct. 9th – Football Game – Senior Night
• Oct.10th – Fort Zumwalt – River City Showcase Marching Band Competition
• Oct. 17th – Illinois State Marching Band Competition
• Oct. 23-24 – St. Louis Bands of America Marching Band Competition

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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

Congratulations to the Marching Panthers for outstanding performances at the OTHS Football Game and at the Tiger Ambush Classic.  This group has done a wonderful job in rehearsal, and all of the hard work is paying off.

Thank you to ALL of our Support parents who are with us every “step” of the way.  We couldn’t do it without you!  So thankful for the O’Fallon Band community and all you do for these kids.

*Reminders and Notes:

*ILMEA Auditions are Due Monday, September 28^th – Directions found in Skyward Message

IMPORTANT

**There are moments that students in the marching band are not respectful to each other and OTHS.  At this point, students not following protocol will be suspended from the ensemble for a time that seems appropriate for the misbehavior.  I have been trying to keep all classroom management in-house, but there have been a few occurrences where students are not on my watch completely, such as transitioning from practice back into the school building, bus rides, and out in the public view.  Thank you everyone for your support as we use “band” to ensure student success for the future.

*Everyone must complete the concert band fittings.  We cannot arrange any additional fitting times.

*All activity fees and marching band fees should be paid up.  These lists will be checked on Monday, September 21st.  

THIS WEEK!

Week of September 21 – Homecoming Week!

Monday:  In class – Concert Band/Part 4 – Rehearsal change due to Homecoming Festivities – 3:15-5:30pm

Tuesday:   In class – Parade Tune/Concert Band

Concert Band Fitting Milburn Band – 6-7:30pm Milburn band room – Last Name A-L

Wednesday:  In class – Parade Tune/Concert Band

Homecoming Parade – We will wear the school uniforms and shakos (weather permitting).  Students need to bring everything for the school uniform & hair up.

*Please eat an early dinner before arriving.

Call time will be 4:30pm – parade begins at 5:45pm

Marching Band rehearsal after the parade – students will change out (rehearsal attire will not be checked) grab a snack and go directly to the stadium.  Students are welcome to bring food to eat in between the parade and rehearsal.  We will finish rehearsal at 9:00pm.

Thursday:  In class – Pregame Music/MB Music/Concert Band

Marching Band Rehearsal – 5:30pm-8PM

Friday:  Half Day – Pep assembly!  All Marching Band members will participate along with Concert Band members that wish to perform.  Seniors will perform and also can sit with their class.  They will return at the end of the pep assembly to perform the school song.  The band room will be shut down until the call times.

ALUMNI BAND – Happy Homecoming!

Leadership Arrival – 4:30pm – change quick to be able to lead alumni tours

5:00pm Arrival – membership

Please see Alumni Post – (this should be in the last newsletter).

The week of September 28th

Monday – ILMEA Audition Video Due by 5:00pm – Directions sent out in Skyward

Class – Concert Band

Marching Band 5:30pm-7:30pm

Tuesday – Class – Concert Band

Uniform Fitting Make Ups – Milburn – 5-6:30pm, Last name:  M-Z

Wednesday – Class – Marching Band

Marching Band 5:30pm-8:30pm

Thursday – Class – Concert Band

Music Honor Society Meeting 7:40am/3:05pm

Marching Band 5:30pm-8:00pm

Friday – Class – Concert Band

Saturday – Oct. 3rd

Marching Band Rehearsal 9am-1pm

*7:00am – Leadership perform at the John Wilt 5K

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
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

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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/

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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. 

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Boutique

Stay tuned for more information!

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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.

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.*****

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Important Links and Reminders

Link to the Visual Calendar

Click here to view

Link for FamilyID

Reminders

link to the visual calendar

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

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSef084SX4sq5BpNf1k14bdaaypLiia8_YxfXNV6k1F18IUTfg/viewform?usp=header

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

Amazon Wish List Items

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Communication Sources

CutTime

Website Link

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

Website Link

Member Hub
Password: 25OTHSband26

Choose Current Families for: FamilyID Link / Student Music / Etc.

Band App

Get the 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.

Facebook

🎶 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.

Click here to request to join

Thank you for your support!

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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.

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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 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e278fMkE76s2TwD64sGwU9TC3wO0zFYnQgC_pNi6rdk/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jr45jk2g9x2n

Jazz Auditions

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10SG2sTNhFbvowdnwimp6aJ_cZtvzFIoWrDu5gGHJ1vs/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jr45jk2g9x2n

Composition Contest

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t1iuJdchnKfdMhLj3c5sCAbTwNKQn6grOyLGRvWm1Dc/edit?tab=t.0

FMES – students interested in music education

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a8b48df32601edf3b51de66/t/5b4e6abb03ce641364bebe95/1531865787798/2019+FMES+Instructions.pdf