News and Notes 10/6/25
MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE CHANGE
On the calendar, marching band was scheduled for 5-8pm this Tuesday due to the original plan of P-ACT on Wednesday. The date for the P-ACT has since changed. WE WILL REHEARSE AT THE NORMAL TIME OF 6-9PM.
ISU - ILLINOIS STATE MARCHING CHAMPIONSHIPS 10/11/25
ISU is HERE! Here is the planned itinerary:
1-ISU - Illinois Marching Band Championships 2025
FOOTBALL GAME 10/10/25 - CAL’S ANGELS NIGHT
UNIFORM: Long Sleeve Traditional Uniform - Meaning wear SHOW SHIRT, bibbers, black socks, marching shoes, and coat with sleeves attached. We will wear GLOVES and HATS, too. PLEASE SEE UNIFORM POLICY for further instructions. GUARD: Wear school guard uniform.
SCHEDULE:
5:00pm Arrive and Get Instruments Ready to Go
5:15pm Music Warmup in Pre-Uniform, Winds in Arcs, Guard Stretch Out, Percussion Warmup by Fieldhouse
5:45pm Uniform Closet Opens (Change in Auditorium)
6:15pm Line Up in 2s/Move to Stadium/Uniform Closet is CLOSED
6:35pm Pre-Game Tunnel - Senior Night: Football, Cheer, Dance, Band, Choir
6:55pm Fight Song/National Anthem
7:00pm Estimated Game Start
8:00pm Estimated Time of Halftime (Perform Parts 3&4)
8:30pm Equipment Back to Band Room, Meet on Island, Change (Hang Uniform Up Appropriately), Dismissal
9:00pm Estimated Time for Student Pickup
TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON PROGRESS OF THE JV FOOTBALL GAME and/or WEATHER
PARENTS: To observe the band perform for games, you will need to purchase an entrance at the ticket box office.
IT’S BANDO! - BAND RAFFLE/FUNDRAISER/LOTTERY GAME
We kick-off our 1st Annual BANDO! Ball Drop Raffle Fundraiser. We are asking each band member to sell at least 8 tickets before 10/16. The ball drop drawing will take place at the Community Night performance on 10/23!
Band members received information LAST WEEK. Here is what was in their packets along with tickets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12iYjMZdUPTAAZh3Bgf1vVB94U34D0Prk?usp=drive_link
CRAFT FAIR 10/25-10/26
The CRAFT FAIR is COMING! Of course we need help with it! Parents or anyone else that is available to help: We need the most assistance on Saturday when the band is at U of I.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844ACAA2FA3F9CF8-57441890-pnhs
OCTOBER BAND BOOSTER MEETING
PARENTS: Join us on Wednesday, October 8th, at 7pm for the monthly meeting in the Band Room. Enter through Door P.
Our booster organization exists to support and enrich the school's band program by providing financial assistance, volunteer support, and advocating for the band. They help bridge the gap between what the school budget provides and the needs of the band, ensuring students have access to resources, opportunities, and a positive experience.
STUDENT EQUIPMENT/INSTRUMENTS
1)All students should have a luggage tag or label on their instrument or stick bag. It's important to include at least their name and school to ensure easy identification, especially when traveling.
2)Many students borrow upgraded mouthpieces. While this is helpful, we highly recommend that students purchase their own. Upgrading a mouthpiece is one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve a student's sound quality without needing to buy a new instrument.
3)Clarinets and Saxophones (Reeds): Please have at least four working, quality reeds at all times. Using a reed case with a flat surface is crucial to prevent reeds from warping and wearing out quickly. Synthetic reeds, such as those made by Legere, are a durable and excellent option for marching band due to weather changes. With a synthetic reed, you'll only need one.
4)Brass (Valve Oil): Brass players should have their own valve oil and use it a few times every week. Oil your valves immediately if they feel sluggish to ensure smooth and fast action.
5)Percussion: Percussion students are required to have a specific set of sticks and mallets in a stick bag. The suggested equipment list is as follows: Percussion Material Suggestions (STICKS and MALLETS)
ILLINOIS MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS 10/25/25
Here is the rough draft of our itinerary for the University of Illinois on October 25th: 1. UofI Itinerary 2025 10/25/25
ATTENDANCE
Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Our success as a group depends on the commitment of every individual. When a member is absent, it directly impacts the entire ensemble's ability to prepare and perform at its best.
Attendance directly affects a student's grade and performance status. We encourage students to balance their commitments and prioritize their involvement. We understand conflicts happen, just please communicate!
Absence Reporting: If a student will miss a full band rehearsal or performance for an excused absence, a parent or guardian must complete the Absence Report Form at the link below.
Do not email the directors about absences unless you have a specific question. The form is the required method for reporting.
Filling out the form does not automatically excuse an absence. The director will review the submission.
Injuries: Students are expected to participate. Only a note from a physician or athletic trainer will excuse a student with an injury. (Same process for PE)
Contact Information: Mr. La Vallee is the director in charge of attendance. He can be reached at jlavalle@psd202.org.
Color Guard and Percussion: Do not use this form for sectional absences. Please contact your section heads directly to report any absences or issues.
QUINLAN AND FABISH - INSTRUMENT REPAIRS AND NEEDS
SUPPLIES AND REPAIRS: Quinlan and Fabish, our district preferred music store, has their website operational and is shipping out stuff in a timely manner. If you need music supplies, visit www.qandf.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
We are on social media. Check us out:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pnbands
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pnbands
Facebook(Parents/Alumni):https://www.facebook.com/groups/457301267702070/
