Midland High School
Bulldog Band
New Colorguard Orientation
Packet
2016-2017
“Quality Knows No Limits”
Welcome to the Bulldog Band!
Your student has been selected for the Midland HS Band/Colorguard! What does that mean for
you? If you are a first time band parent or even a returning band parent, this booklet will explain
some frequently asked questions.
All colorguard members will need to be in the 6th period colorguard class next year. I will help facilitate a
schedule change with the counselors for any new colorguard members to be put into the 6th period class.
During the fall semester, the colorguard is a component of the Midland High School Marching Band.
This means that the colorguard will travel with the marching band and the colorguard will perform at all
of the MHS varsity football games and band competitions in the fall. The colorguard also rehearses as a
part of the marching band. Summer practices for the coming marching season will begin on July 25 and
will continue on week days through the month of August until school starts. Once school starts, the
colorguard practices with the marching band according to the following weekly schedule:
Mondays 6:30pm-9:00pm at Grande Stadium
Tuesdays 4:30pm-6:30pm at MHS
Thursdays 4:30pm – 6:30pm at MHS
The marching band/colorguard will perform at football games on the following dates:
August 25
September 9, 23, 30
October 7, 21, 28, November 4 and any playoff games that we have.
The marching band/colorguard will also perform in marching band competitions on the following dates:
October 1, 8, 22, and 29.
During the spring semester, the colorguard will learn a “winterguard” show. This is an indoor show that
we will do 3-4 competitions with in March and April.
Band Director Contact Information
Brian Collins – Head Band Director
P: 432-889-5127
[email protected]
Stephanie Griffith – Assistant Band Director
[email protected]
Mande Gragg – Assistant Band Director
[email protected]
Pricilla Marruffo – Freshman Band Director
W: 432-689-1218
[email protected]
Colorguard Uniform Fee
Each year the Color guard will have a marching uniform that is themed with that year’s marching
show. The uniform is usually around $100 to $150 dollars depending on accessories. Each Color
guard member will need to pay for their uniform prior to the first football game in August or
September.
Marching Band
The Midland High School Marching Band is a member of the 6A Varsity Class of Bands
in Area A, Region 6. State Marching Contest for 6A bands is held every two years. 2016 is a
6A Band contest year. The Bulldog Band will compete in several marching contests leading up
to the state contest.
The Marching Band performs a pre-game show and a half-time show at all of the home football
games. We also perform at away games away games the school district has approved. Each
week, the director staff prepares a Trip Sheet, which is handed out to students on Wednesday
prior to the game. The Trip Sheet provides all the necessary details for that week’s performance:
Timeline, location details, leave and return times, items to take, etc. Trip sheets will also be
emailed and posted to the band website every week.
Summer band is going to be a big change for your students! Set them up for success by
purchasing a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat for shade, and comfortable athletic shoes
and clothing. Even though our rehearsals are in the morning, the August heat always rears its
ugly head! Wear appropriate clothing and take care of your body!
Sources of Band Communication
You and your child will become a part of an excellent music program led by some of the most
talented and dedicated directors in the state! The Bulldog band has a long history of
achievements, awards, and traditions and now you are a part of this unique band family.
All the information parents/guardians need to know about the Mighty MHS Bulldog Band can be
found 3 ways:
1) The Band Website is continuously kept up to date with announcements, volunteer and
fundraiser opportunities, calendar of events, links, all band forms, Platoon Parent and
Band Booster Board information. You can even sign up to volunteer for an event on the
Volunteer tab and receive email reminders.
IMPORTANT – please enter web address exactly as stated below.
http://mhsbulldogband.my-pta.org
***We also have a “Store” tab where any/all purchases can be made with a credit or debit
card.***
2) Monthly Band Statements & Newsletter The Band Boosters will send a monthly band
statements during the school year, from September to May. A summer mailing will have
details of the Band Fee amount, summer practice dates/times, and other important
information you need to know.
3) The Charms Student Account will have your child’s band account status, which will be
kept up to date. There will also be some limited information such as announcements,
links, and band booster financial reports. You can check your child’s band account status
anytime 24/7 by logging on to:
www.charmsoffice.com
Our school code is “midlandhsb” then click “Enter Charms” tab
Student password is their student I.D. number
Charms also has a mobile app
www.charmsoffice.com/mobile
With two avenues of communication available 24/7 and the monthly financial statements with
newsletters, parents can always stay informed on the many activities and events throughout our
busy year.
Yearly Band Fee
In an ideal world the school taxes that we pay would be enough to fund the Band Program. In
reality, this does not happen. As with many competitive extracurricular activities in MISD, the
school district provides for only UIL sanctioned trips such as football games, and UIL Band
competitions. EVERYTHING ELSE has to be funded by the Band.
A budget compiled by the Board Members will allow the Booster Club Board of Directors to
determine the coming year’s Band Fee. All band parents will receive a summer mailing that will
have details of the Band Fee.
Therefore, as with many of the MISD programs, each student participating in the MHS band
programs will be expected to fundraise or pay a Band Fee. The payment of the Band Fee can be
broken down into monthly installments, or paid all at once.
Spring Trips
One of the great things about being in band is the awesome trips that we take. The Bulldog band
in the last few years has gone to New York, Hawaii, Disney World and this year, New Orleans!
The Band Fee must be paid in full before the stated deadline before a student can go on a trip.
Fundraising Opportunities
The MHS Band Boosters sponsor numerous fundraisers throughout the year designed to help
students raise funds for their Band and Trip fees. Students who participate in all of the
fundraisers offered should be able to raise the money they need.
There are several “NO COST” FUNDRAISERS conducted throughout the year. These are
“work” type events that earn money toward the band students’ account.
2016 Summer Fundraising Opportunities
#1 T-Shirt Lines Sponsor Fundraiser
All marching band students are required to have a “Show Shirt” to wear under their marching
uniform during performances. It is a t-shirt that is designed and chosen by the Director to match
the show selected for each marching season and cost $20. As a fundraiser the band students sell
“lines” for the back of the t-shirt in order to raise money for their band account and obtain the
show shirt for free. Students that sell at least 10 lines will receive their show shirt cost credited
back to their band account. Lines are $10 each and students are encouraged to sell as many as
they can all during the summer. The deadline to turn in the fundraiser is the first week of summer
band. For each line sold, students will receive $5 credit for every line they sell. There are many
students that sell enough lines to have their band fee paid completely!
Summary:
1) T-Shirt Lines Sponsor Fundraiser lasts all summer and is turned in the first week of
summer band.
2) Lines are $10 each and the student receives $5 toward their band account for each line
sold.
3) Each line has a maximum of 30 spaces.
4) You can accept cash, checks (made out to the MHS Band Boosters) or have the purchaser
go to our website if they wish to pay by credit or debit card on the “Store” tab.
#2 Bulldog Band Sponsorship Program
The band sponsorship program has levels of sponsorships and benefits for anyone that wishes to
support the Bulldog band and be acknowledged. This is a wonderful opportunity to sell a
sponsorship level to your employer, any businesses, or your own business. HALF OF THE
SPONSORSHIP AMOUNT will be credited to your child’s band account. This sponsorship
program can be sold throughout the year and any sponsorship purchased will be good for one
year. The brochure is attached to this packet and more are available to print on our website under
the “Sponsorship” tab.
This is an excellent summer selling opportunity as one of the benefits for the higher levels
includes being announced at every home football game. If there are any questions concerning
the Sponsorship program you or the potential purchaser can contact:
Eve Osterlund @ [email protected]
#3 Rockhounds Baseball Stadium Clean-up Fundraiser
MHS Band will be cleaning the Rockhounds Baseball Stadium during three Home-Game stands
during the summer. Band students that participate will earn $20 per game clean-up. The Home
game series' we will be working are:
July 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
August 4, 5, 6, 7
August 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Cleanup consists of picking up trash from cup holders and under stadium seats. Five Band students can
sign up to help with each game. In addition to the band student, 3 family members, over the age of 11,
can come help assist in the cleanup which will reduce cleanup time. Baseball management estimates 30
minutes to 1 ½ hours of cleanup depending on the amount of people helping. Only the band student earns
the $20 which will go directly to the student's band account. Free admission to the game for those
helping will be provided or if the student doesn't want to attend the game he/she will need to show up 30
minutes before the game ends. A Band Parent Coordinator has been assigned to coordinate the five
students and oversee cleanup for each game. They will be in contact with students prior to each game.
Sign-up for this opportunity will be on a first-come basis. We will let everyone know when signup begins
by e-mail. Please check your calendars now to see if your band student can start earning money in the
summer for next years band fee! Don't forget – The August dates will be during summer band – but
practice will be over the end of each game.
If you have questions – please contact Tasha Riddle, Fundraising Chairman @ 432-553-9443
Final Notes
The MHS Band Boosters are here to serve and support our wonderful band directors, students,
and parents. So please do not hesitate to contact a Booster Club board member if you have any
questions. AND ESPECIALLY CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS OR
SUGGESTIONS!! We are always looking for opportunities to fulfill our mission, which is:
“Support the students and directors of the Midland High School Band Program and its feeder
schools in their efforts to be the best band program in the United States.”
Eve Osterlund – (432)553-8647
[email protected]