Summer Notes 7/21/25
MARCHING BAND HAPPENINGS
We’re all back together this week!! Tuesday and Thursday! Please look at the list of things band members should have at rehearsals. WATER IS ESSENTIAL! Get shopping for your ½ gallon or 1 gallon insulated water jug!
CHANGES TO THE MARCHING BAND CALENDAR:
JULY 30th (WEDNESDAY) Full Rehearsal is CANCELLED due to a conflict. Percussion will still meet.
SEPTEMBER 2nd REHEARSAL will be moved to SEPTEMBER 3rd due to conflicts of space and facilities at PNHS.
ATTENDANCE (UPDATED, FIXED LINK)
Students are now expected to be at all rehearsals. If a student is missing a full band rehearsal or performance for an excused absence, parents/guardians should complete the Absence Report Form at this link. We know many families will be on vacation through the summer, that is perfectly fine. Please let us know when you’re gone. Everyone should be here when we kick off band camp in August. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ABOUT ABSENCES UNLESS YOU HAVE A QUESTION. Thank you!!
COLORGUARD AND PERCUSSION - Do not fill out this form for SECTIONALS. Please contact your staff heads for absences or issues.
https://forms.gle/jdDSbg3KAh65RQWt6
MARCHING BAND PAYMENTS - PAYMENT TUESDAY
The payments are due on July 22nd and August 19th. The fees can be paid by installments or all at once. Here is the payment schedule for reference: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UGqPU0eQd5cZ02eQThva_FAC7P8jmQxAjaHms24Sd1Q/edit?usp=drive_link
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
UNIFORM FITTINGS
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4CAFAB29A5FD0-57561157-2025
Follow the instructions and signup for a time slot:
Instrumentalists and Drum Majors Only *NO COLOR GUARD* - Please review the information below, select an available 15 minute time slot FOR YOUR GRADE LEVEL (and Last Name for Juniors) and click on the button to sign up. Please enter your Instrument (and Grade Level for Freshman/8th Graders) where prompted. Please DO NOT sign up for a slot that is not your grade level; see instructions below if alternate arrangements are needed. If a parent is signing up for their student, please be sure to enter the student’s name (not the parent’s name).
Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your start time. Wear LIGHTWEIGHT, NON-BULKY Clothing to the fitting, such as athletic shorts and a t-shirt (to fit unter the uniform). Please DO NOT wear jeans, cargo shorts, heavy sweatshirts or sweatpants, etc.
SENIORS – Please sign up for a Senior slot on Tuesday 7/29.
JUNIORS – **Last Name A - L **- Please sign up for a Junior (A-L) slot on Tuesday 7/29.
**JUNIORS - Last Name M - Z **- Please sign up for a Junior (M-Z) slot on Wednesday 7/30.
SOPHOMORES – Please sign up for a Sophomore slot on Wednesday 7/30.
**INCOMING FRESHMEN & 8th GRADE **- Please sign up for a Freshman/8th Grade slot on Thursday 7/31. Please note if you are a Freshman or 8th grader this fall along with your instrument in the notes.
Please attend a fitting on the date assigned to your grade level (and Last Name for Juniors). If you are unable to attend an appropriate slot, please email Lisa Witek at lisa.witek@pnhsbands.org for alternate arrangements. *SENIORS - Please contact Lisa Witek ASAP if you need alternate arrangements, as we need your uniforms set for Senior Pictures on August 7th!*
*Color Guard will have a separate fitting scheduled once uniforms arrive.*
Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4CAFAB29A5FD0-57561157-2025
PIANO PLAYER NEEDED
We are still in need of another PIANO PLAYER for marching band.
We don’t want to change anyone’s current spots on the field. So, this should be someone new.
It could be anyone going into 7th through 12th grades.
They do not have to be a band student. But must be a part of RED HOUSE in PSD202.
Intermediate abilities to play and read music. They’ll play a mix of music and sound effects.
They must be able to commit to rehearsals and performances.
If you know of anyone, please have them contact me. thatcher@psd202.org
BAND CAMP SNACK AND VOLUNTEER SIGNUPS
Sign up for band camp food. Everyone has a designated day and item to bring. Look over the information and SIGNUP.
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/508054CA8A623A75-50314394-2024
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR HELPING WITH SNACKS AND FILLING WATER BOTTLES. Sign-up for band camp snack crew volunteers
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/508054CA8A623A75-50314260-2024
SENIOR MARCHING BAND PICTURE DATES
The Senior pictures are confirmed with the photographer for August 7th from 11:00-12:30. Please plan to be there during that time. Pictures must be done on this day as we prepare for Senior Night.
MARCHING BAND PLAYLIST
Get to know the show a little better by checking out the music involved:
SAVERS FUNDrive
Help the PNHS Bands earn $5,000 while cleaning out your closets! Do you have leftovers from your summer garage sale? Are your closets packed with clothes that don't fit or you no longer enjoy? Donate clothing and small household goods to a great cause! Collection will take place at Plainfield North High School near the band trailers on Monday, August 4, 2025 through Friday, August 8, 2025 from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, and again on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM.
https://fundrive.savers.com/e/plainfieldnorthhighschoolbandboostersfundrive060525
Savers FUNDrive FLIER 2025.pdf
SHOREWOOD CROSSROADS FESTIVAL-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Help us earn $1000 for the PNHS band program!!! Here’s how:
We’re looking for about 17 volunteers to help direct parking at Shorewood Crossroads Festival on August 1 - 3. Students may volunteer if they are accompanied by an adult.
In addition, we’ll be working alongside the Plainfield Marching Arts Boosters (Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion) who have the same goal to earn $1000 for their program.
Following is a link to the Sign Up created by a leader of their Boosters. When you sign up, please enter “PNHS” at the end of your name. Thank you for your time & helping the Plainfield North High School Bands!
9TH GRADE BAND PLACEMENTS
Here is the current list of bands for the school year.
Rosters are still fluid. Our NEW 9TH GRADERS may still audition for Symphonic Band through the end of August. Here is the material again:
8th Grade Auditions - PNHS Bands
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)
MARCHING BAND REHEARSAL CHECKLIST
Things to bring for your SUCCESS:
YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:
Your instrument/equipment in working condition w/ all necessary accessories
Reeds/Ligatures
Neckstraps
Valve Oil
Other items your instrument may require
Half gallon or gallon insulated water jug w/ cold water – no sharing
Label w/ your name to avoid losing
Insect repellent for evenings
Sunglasses for the low evening sun
Appropriate attire for the weather - t-shirt, sweatshirt for cool evenings
Athletic shorts – the lighter the better
Socks and solid tie shoes, firmly tied onto your feet. No sandals or slip-on’s. Best shoes are running shoes or something with a flexible sole that will help you march correctly. Do not wear Crocs, sandals, skateboarding shoes, Converse, dress shoes, or other similar footwear.
Pencil with eraser.
1-inch binder and sheet protectors for music - at least 10 protectors
DRUM CORPS SHOWS - COMING UP
Check out marching performances at the highest level in our area. Drum Corps is a unique performance experience that does not disappoint as a spectator. If you get the opportunity, please check out a show. Here is what is coming up:
DeKalb on July 26th: https://www.dci.org/events/2025-midwest-classic/
PARENT/GUARDIAN VOLUNTEER FORM
Parents, please complete the form whether or not you are able to give some help to our band:
https://forms.gle/Hcokf1JTtXdw5u3e7
PARENT INFORMATION
For Families that missed the meetings, here are the Parent Guides for Marching Band:
2025 Parent Competition Guidebook.docx
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Some accounts that are great to follow this summer - Available on most platforms of Social Media
Marching Health - Insights and great dadvice on the physical nature marching band.
Forte Athletics - More advice on marching band and leadership
FloMarching - Great clips of marching groups
Drum Corp International (DCI) - The parent organization of Drum Corps with lots of great content and performance videos.
Avon High School Bands - Check out one of the best high school bands in the nation. They are already hard at work, doing impressive things!
CALENDAR
Our Google Calendar is currently up to date with important events for next school year. Please subscribe to it or add it to your calendar:
Calendar ID:
psd202.org_1vc04dp9oaqjb719mdenu1a294@group.calendar.google.com
iCal (Apple Devices): https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/psd202.org_1vc04dp9oaqjb719mdenu1a294%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics
QUINLAN AND FABISH - INSTRUMENT REPAIRS AND NEEDS
GET THE YEARLY MAINTENANCE ON YOUR INSTRUMENTS THIS SUMMER!!
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/
