News and Notes 9/29/25
HOMECOMING WEEK!!
HOMECOMING GAME and 8TH GRADE NIGHT
This Friday is the Homecoming Game and we are also inviting the 8th graders to perform with us. Here are the details:
https://www.pnhsbands.org/news/homecoming-game8th-grade-night
IT’S BANDO! - BAND RAFFLE/FUNDRAISER/LOTTERY GAME
We kick-off our 1st Annual BANDO! Ball Drop Raffle Fundraiser this week. We 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, remember to pickup your info/sales packet at the end of practice on Tuesday!
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
ISU - ILLINOIS STATE MARCHING CHAMPIONSHIPS 10/11/25
ISU is next week! Here is the planned itinerary:
1-ISU - Illinois Marching Band Championships 2025
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
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.
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/
