OTHS Bands Newsletter
Week of September 28th, 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.
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 30th 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 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:
- 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.
- Oct. 14th
- Nov. 4th
- Dec. 2nd
*Stay tuned for more information on upcoming meetings!
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
- Oct. 3rd – Marching Band Rehearsal – 9a.m.-1p.m.
- Oct. 3rd- Mum Sale – 10a.m. – 1p.m.
- Oct.4th – Book Bazaar – 8am – Noon
- 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
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
We hope that everyone had a Happy Homecoming this weekend!
Special thanks to Sarah Beaver who assisted in putting together our 60th Anniversary of the Marching Panthers. We had 70+ alumni come out to celebrate and participate. And what made this so special was the appearance of Mr. Vince Cosmano, who started the long-standing tradition of excellence in instrumental music education here at OTHS. For me personally, it was so special to reconnect with him as he has helped support me in all of my years at OTHS. It has been my honor to continue his tradition of high standards, discipline, and dedication for the past 19 years.
Things to note:
ILMEA Auditions due Monday – please email the video audition link to the othsband@oths.us email. Those that have emailed me directly, I have received those.
We will double check in class on Monday who has turned in the links. If a student does not complete the audition, they will need to turn in $12.00 check or cash to the band office. Please put this in a labeled envelope with the student’s name on it.
Concert fittings need to be completed this week. We will be putting in a grade for participation on this.
The week of September 28th
Monday – ILMEA Audition Video Due by 5:00pm – Directions sent out in Skyward
Class – Concert Band/Pass out Part 5 music
WE permission slip forms are due for Springfield trip
Marching Band 5:30pm-7:30pm
Tuesday – Class – Concert Band
Recheck ILMEA audition links
Uniform Fitting Make-ups – Milburn – 5-6:30pm, Last name: M-Z
Wednesday – Class – Part 5/Concert Band
Marching Band
Marching Band 5:30pm-8:30pm – navy rehearsal attire
Thursday – Class – Concert Band
Music Honor Society Meeting 7:40am/3:05pm
Marching Band 5:30pm-8:00pm
Friday – Class – Part 5/Concert Band
Saturday
Marching Band Rehearsal 9am-1pm
*7:00am Meet at School- Leadership perform at the John Wilt 5K – must have own transportation
The week of October 5th
Monday
Class – Concert Band Music
Tuesday – Class – Concert Band
Marching Band Rehearsal – 5:30-7:30p.m. (PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A TUESDAY REHEARSAL – Oct. 6th) This is a change from our normal Monday night.
Executive Board Meeting – 6:30pm
Wednesday – Class – Part 5/Concert Band
Marching Band 5:30pm-8:30pm – navy rehearsal attire
Thursday – Class – Marching Band
Halpin Repair Truck
Marching Band 5:30pm-8:00pm
Friday – Class – Marching Band
Football Game – Senior Night (Oct. 9th)
Leadership Arrival – 4:30pm
Membership Arrival – 5:00pm
Senior Parents/Family Members – meet your senior on the track at 6:30pm. We will line up in Alpha order by last name
Saturday –
Fort Zumwalt North High School
1230 Tom Ginnever Ave., O’Fallon, MO 63366
Admission – Admission to the River City Showcase is as follows: $10.00 – Adults, $5.00 – Students, $5.00 – senior citizens, Children 4 and under are admitted for free. Admissions will accept cash and credit card.
7:30 am – Arrive at Band Room for check in – Wear Revolution Shirts –
7:45 am – Rehearsal –
10:00 am- Load Blue
10:15 am Get uniform
All performance attire including black gloves Rehearsal Shirt under the uniform – performance hair ready and all their clothing items, no jewelry (we will check upon arrival) garment bag!! Students may keep their personal belongings in the school. Students will need money for dinner.
10:45 am – Load Buses – be in half uniform. Busses are assigned by instrument – Bring a sack lunch for the bus and a disposable water bottle.
11:00 am – Depart for Fort Zumwalt North
12:00 pm – Arrive Fort Zumwalt North (there will be no opportunity for concessions) – make sure to have a snack for the way home
12:00 pm – Unload Blue
12:15 pm – Change into full uniform
12:45 pm – Line-up and head to warm-up
1:00 pm – Warm up area B
1:45 pm – Leave warm up
1:50 pm – Ready at the gate
2:00 pm – Performance – After performance, put all equipment away and change in to OTHS clothing and go back inside the stadium for awards. No concessions!
3:15 pm – Awards – after awards head back to buses and load for dinner.
3:45 pm – Depart for restaurants by Mid-Rivers Mall
4:10 pm – Eat at:
Option A
McDonalds (299 Mid-Rivers Mall Dr.)
Wendy’s (275 Mid-Rivers Mall Dr.)
Arby’s (225 Mid-Rivers Mall Dr.)
Taco Bell (159 MidRivers Mall Dr.)
Option B – we eat in the concession area that has an extensive menu of items.
You will need to bring $20 to cover your dinner cost and you should be on your best behavior and be professional at all times.
5:45 pm – Depart for Fort Zumwalt North Finals (if we decide to go offsite)
6:00 pm – Finals – TBD – details will be given as needed
9:20 pm – Awards
10:15 pm – Depart for OTHS
11:15 pm – Arrive 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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
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 – STUDENTS
It’s time to start holiday shopping now with Charleston Wrap
Shop online for a variety of holiday Treats, Gifts, Decor, Holiday Wrapping, and More!
Fundraiser Dates: Sept. 30th – Oct. 16th
*Students will receive a percentage back of their total sales. The more sold the higher the return!*
I will be outside the main entrance tomorrow (9/28) after rehearsal handing out Catalogs and Online registration instructions.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me- Casie Monto- (317) 610-9863
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.
Drakes – November 17th
Sugarfire – Dec 15
La Casa – March 18
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