News and Notes 8/25/25
"The road to success is always under construction."
Back to Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals this week. No Saturday rehearsal. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
WIND SECTIONALS BEGIN THIS
Students are expected to attend sectionals. These rehearsals provide a great opportunity for individual growth within a group setting. Since we began holding sectional rehearsals several years ago, we've eliminated playing tests, as we've seen students improve more through sectionals.
REMINDER ABOUT NEXT WEEK
Rehearsals next week will be Wednesday and Thursday. Also, we will try on full uniforms for the Wednesday rehearsal and practice with them - details TBA.
FUNDRAISE GENIUS - OUR BIGGEST FUNDRAISER
To kick off our main fundraising campaign, we're launching a pledge drive and need your help with some initial steps. We're asking each student to collect 10 email addresses or phone numbers from family, friends, and other acquaintances. This contact information will be securely entered into our donation platform and will only be used to send out information about this specific drive.
Here is a 3-minute launch video if you want to understand how this works. https://www.fundraisegenius.com/onboarding
Visit the student portal where they will add AT LEAST 10 contacts. Remember, this year it can be a cell number, email, or both (which is preferred). https://www.fundraisegenius.com/pn3637/go
Let's say they should have their 10 contacts loaded before Thursday, August 28th. Everyone who has 10 or more unique, valid contacts loaded BEFORE August 28th will earn a gift card.
Everyone who earns $250 or more will be put in a drawing for prizes at the end.
The first e-blast will go out Friday, August 29th.
10 contacts can feel like a lot, but really, they add up quickly:
Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Grandparents
Aunts/Uncles
The parents of the student's BFFs (assuming they aren't in band)
The BFFs of the student's parents
Co-workers or parent's co-workers
Private lesson teacher (as long as they are not affiliated with the school -let's give our directors and staff a break)
Adult cousins
Adult siblings
Friends on Social Media
You also will be able to add the donation link to social media or other communication formats.
DINING OUT - YOGURT BEACH (8/25)
Grab some dessert at Yogurt Beach on August 25th and support our band!
LAKE PARK LANCER JOUST - 9/6/25
Our first performance of the year is upon us. Here are the details for the Lake Park Lancer Joust!
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.
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.
MARCHING BAND PAYMENTS
All payments should be submitted. If not, please submit. You will receive reminders until paid in full.
Payment for fees can be done by:
Online payment via Cut Time with a Credit Card. This method does include a 3% service fee. Links have been sent regarding this.
Pay by check or cash and deposited in the red box in Mr. Hatcher’s office (this is the easiest) or send via mail. Please make checks payable to PNHS Band Boosters and write the student’s name on the memo line.
Mailing Address:
Plainfield North High School Band Boosters
PO Box 531
Plainfield, IL 60544
Please reach out to boosters@pnhsbands.org with questions
CURRICULUM NIGHT INFORMATION
Here is the information presented on Curriculum Night for Band at PNHS:
PNHS Bands Handbook:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JnCbdHqlXgZQLPF57x6NmYD-vLJbWmUAF54N7Xtjb2c/edit?usp=drive_link
PNHS Bands Performance Calendar:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JdknKDd4eP1iEyvppBJ0J7nJeK5EccfpDhlUgHsWLnM/edit?usp=drive_link
SEPTEMBER BAND BOOSTER MEETING
PARENTS: Join us on Wednesday, September 10th, 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.
ILMEA AUDITIONS
For those auditioning for ILMEA this year. The audition deadline will be here before you know it. Work on those scales and etudes. Here is the music for reference:
ILMEA Cycle 2 Audition Material (25-26)
ISU has a FREE ILMEA workshop on September 12th. Here is the info:
PARENT INFORMATION
For Families that missed the meetings, here are the Parent Guides for Marching Band:
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/
