Week of June 28th, 2026

OTHS Bands Newsletter

Week of June 28, 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=sharing

• 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

Parent Meeting Locations, Dates and Time

2025/2026 – All Meetings are at 6:30 PM in the MPR unless otherwise noted.

• July – No Meeting

*Stay tuned for more information on upcoming meetings!

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Upcoming Events/Important Dates

• Friday July 3 – O’Fallon Parade and rehearsal
• Saturday July 4 – St. Louis America parade – watch for updated information this week.

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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

Thank you to everyone for being flexible as we navigated the weather for the Red Bud parade. The event was cancelled due to IHSA heat restrictions. We appreciate all of the staff and support parents who were available for the day and helped out. We are looking forward to our upcoming parade opportunities on July 3rd and 4th.

PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR THIS WEEK:

**Be prepared to work hard and be great!  We are emphasizing self discipline for excellence!

Items to Note:

1. Bring all the necessary items – instrument, extra supplies (reeds, valve oil)
2. Wear athletic attire.
3. Bring hat, sunscreen in case we go outside.
4. Bring a large water jug, filled with water – please label with your name
5. Bring your music in a binder with page protectors  – for winds you will need the warm-up packet and parade tune.  Percussion and guard notes will be sent out.

O’Fallon Parade

July 3 – We are excited to announce that O’Fallon will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States on Friday, July 3rd. The day will begin with a patriotic themed parade at 9:00 a.m., leading into O’Fallon Community Park, followed by a full day of festivities. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at the Family Sports Park

Students will meet at school by 7am. Students need to arrive in Navy rehearsal attire, black socks, and band shoes. Depending on weather, we will wear the navy rehearsal shirt and the school bibs. Colorguard will be in the school uniform. 

We will have a light rehearsal and then walk down to the start of the parade downtown. 

After we are done with the parade, the students will remain at school for practice and notes for the competitive parade in STL the next day. Students will be dismissed at 11am. Leadership will remain to set up management for July 4th.

*We will be highlighting a few of our percussionists and flute players as “Colonial” musicians after the parade by the Log Cabin the park starting at 10:30am for 45 minutes.

July 4 – America’s Parade – STL 

America’s Birthday Parade
Saturday 4 July 2026

11:45am-12:00pm: Students report
Students need to arrive in practice gear with:
● Instrument/equipment
● Filled water bottle that has their name on it
● Epi-pens/inhalers if applicable
● Tall black socks
● Marching shoes
● Garment bag (those have not come in yet for our new freshmen)
● Hair properly up/secured according to Dr. G’s guidelines

12:00-1:00pm: Uniform Checkout & Final Inspections
Students will:
● Check out uniforms
● Get shakos off Big Blue
● Dress for parade
● Receive final inspection from section leadership
● Use the restroom before putting uniforms on

Leadership needs to verify:
● Uniform
● Hair
● Shoes
● Socks
● Instrument/equipment
● Labeled water bottle
1:00-1:15pm: Load Buses
● Load buses in number order
● Take Attendance
2:15-2:30pm: Arrive STL at Parade Security Check-In
*If permitted by parade staff, we want to park/unload as close to 14th Street as possible
to be as close to the Soldier’s Memorial as possible.

2:30-2:45pm-Bus Unloading & Transit to Warm-Up Area
● Unload instruments & equipment
● Move to designated warm-up area
2:45-3:20pm-Warm-Up
● Music warm-up
● Water break
● Final restroom opportunity (need to scope restroom locations once we arrive)
● Final uniform adjustments if needed
● Plumes & shako gems will be applied if being worn
3:20pm-Begin Moving to Soldier’s Memorial
ALL students must be completely parade ready by this point
3:30pm-Build Photo Formation
● Students will move into position on the Soldier’s Memorial steps
● Ideal set-up would be concert arc rows, with half of Color Guard rifles and flags
on each outer side of the band, drum majors in the middle of the first row
● I will adjust this depending on which steps, hidden faces etc so students will need
to pay close attention
3:40pm-Band in Position
Students will need to remain in position on the steps for the ceremony.
No talking, moving around etc.
3:45-4:00pm-Hibbard Sash Presentation
Immediately following the presentation:
● Full band photo with Dr G
4:00pm-Move to Parade Insertion Point/Parade Step-Off
Immediately following Hibbard Sash, students need to quickly and efficiently move
from the steps to the designated staging location and immediately get into the parade
block to step off.
Depart STL for OTHS: TBD
I can push this out on the booster page as soon as we know.

Directions to America’s Birthday Parade
Starting Location:
OTHS Smiley Campus
600 S. Smiley Street
O’Fallon, IL 62269
Destination:
America’s Birthday Parade Band Check-In
18th Street & Chestnut Street
St. Louis, MO
Route:
● Take I-64 West
● Take Exit 38B (Jefferson Avenue)
● Turn right (north) onto Jefferson Avenue
● Continue onto Olive Boulevard
● Turn right onto 18th Street
● Continue to the security checkpoint at 18th & Chestnut
Parade security will inspect all buses before entry into the band assembly/unloading area

SmilEy Campus Band Camp Dates & Times

*For everyone – Band and Color Guard

July 20-24; July 27-31

• 8am-noon
• Students dismissed to have lunch on their own
• 1:30pm-5pm
• 5pm (dinner provided)
• 6pm-8pm. 

There are instances where we fluctuate the times due to extreme heat. Thank you in advance for being flexible.

 There will be a community performance at 7pm on July 31 in the OTHS Football Stadium.

THE NEW WEBSITE

Through the website we will be launching our new donation and support program. I will send out details on this. I will be running this program for the 26-27 school year, but will need a parent to shadow me for the 27-28 school year. 

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

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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

Student Account Updates:

Hi families! 

1. May RaiseRight and Trapshooting funds are now in CutTime. Please review your totals before making your July payment, as some of you may owe less than $375.

2. Be watching your email at the end of August for a request to use CutTime credits towards the September payment for the London trip. 

As always, please contact me at pantherbandstudentacct@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
Payment Options:
1. Gold drop box in the band room — label envelope with student’s name
2. Venmo: @ofallonbandtreasurer (last 4 digits: 1152)

3. Pay via credit card in CutTime (please note there is a fee charged by the company that manages those payments)
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.

FAQs about fees and payments 

• Q: My student worked trapshooting (or uses RaiseRight, the mattress fundraiser, etc…). Can I designate where those funds go?
  • A: It depends. If you have any outstanding unpaid feeds, CutTime automatically applies those credits to those unpaid fees. If you are all paid up, you can continue to accrue those credits for future payments OR you can ask that they go towards trip payments. I send out an email before each trip payment due date asking families to check their balances and let me know.
• Q: Can I pay my balance early?
  • A: Absolutely!
• Q: My financial situation has changed. Can I reach out at any point for a modified payment plan?
  • A: You bet! We understand that “life” happens. I only ask that you stay in communication with me so your student stays eligible to participate. I will work with you on a payment plan that works for your family. 
• Q: I have a fee/payment question that hasn’t been answered. What should I do?
  • A: Email me please! pantherbandstudentacct@gmail.com 

Thank you,

Katie 

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 — 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

Once we have the remaining boutique items in we will make an announcement for pick up dates/times.

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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 as it gets closer to each event): 

• July 14 : Skyzone 6-730 in person tickets
• Aug 18: Sake
• 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

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 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 .

*****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 “New! Discover” in the lower right hand corner of the RaiseRight app page. Select “Find a restaurant” 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.*****

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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

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

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! Enjoy your summer – it’s almost Marching Band Season.

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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

*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.

Summer Band 2026

SIUE Summer Jazz Camp 

• Camp focuses on improvisation, combo and big band performance, and jazz fundamentals for middle and high school musicians. 
• This is the time that students can look for music summer camp opportunities. 

Here is the link to the MFA summer camp opportunities 2026.