The WGHS Band Weekly Update
August 23,2026
Here We Go!
I heard someone say lately that August is the Sunday night of summer. I thought that was a good way to refer to it. There is a little anxiety that comes with starting something new, even if it is something you enjoy or look forward to. However, there are also so many exciting things to look forward to.
As we head into another year, I am excited for all that is to come. This group of students has done an amazing job so far. I am so proud of them for all the great performances they did this summer from July 4th through this week’s Opening Day performance.
I can’t wait for this Friday’s game and the electricity that is created the first time we step on the field to do this show for REAL! I know it will be an amazing evening. I still remember the first football game I performed at over twenty years ago. It was a feeling I will never forget! We still have a long season ahead of us, so the show will may not be perfect, yet! None-the-less, I have no doubt in my mind that the students will bring an outstanding amount of energy and power to their performance. There is nothing like that first Friday football game!
NEED TO KNOW FOR FIRST FOOTBALL GAME FRIDAY
- ALL large instruments will be packed on the truck and brought to Moss Field. You are responsible for making sure you instrument is put on the truck or you bring your instrument.
- Students should arrive at Moss Field by 5:45 pm. Practice is NOT a reason to arrive late to a performance.
- They should wear their band t-shirt, khaki shorts, and athletic shoes.
- Students will play Star-Spangled Banner, Fight Song, Like a Prayer, Power of Love and James Bond for pregame. Have these in your flip folder by Wednesday.
- We will perform pregame at 6:30 pm.
- Students will need to stay with the band in the band stands at all times! We will play stands tunes throughout the game.
- Depending on the game, we usually perform half time at around 8 pm.
- Parent rides should be prepared to pick up around 9:15 - 9:30 pm.
Uniform Fittings
Missing a rehearsal or performance? Excused vs. Unexcused Absences
We must have a high percentage of our students in attendance to have a successful rehearsal or performance. While there are always legitimate reasons people have to miss scheduled events, we cannot excuse all absences from performances during the school year. Communicating is also important. I appreciate email and verbal reminders, but it is hard to keep all that organized. Please complete the link below if you need to miss a rehearsal or performance. The sooner we know, the better.
ALL performances once school starts are for a grade. An evergreen makeup assignment is on Canvas. Students may choose an option from the list of choices on this assignment to complete for the missed points. Make-up assignments are due 14 days after the missed performance. Assignments turned in later than this will not be given points.
Fundraising Corner
Want to earn money for your individual band account to use for Band Camp , New Orleans or Spain trips by simply purchasing items you already buy, eating at your favorite restaurants or shopping online? Raise Right is your answer. Download the app to your phone and purchase gift cards to places you know you will shop or dine. You will easily earn 2.5 percent to 17 percent back on your purchases. This money adds up quickly and easily. Click this link to get started: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aGuOpkvtxyYH3VZymjffUbNoSYHopMwS/view?usp=sharing
Mattress Sale Information
The Mattress Sale is a unique fundraiser in the fact that it benefits both individual student accounts and the band’s general fund. Students main job is to get the word out. Post on social media, hand out flyers to neighbors, text family and friends. The statistic says one in four people is looking to buy a mattress every year. Why not get one from a band student that you know and love. For each mattress sold, sales people will ask who referred the customer and that student gets $50 for their band account for each mattress sold! That can add up quickly!
Also, new this year, there is a scholarship contest for senior band students who make up to a 30 second video to advertise the sale. Please see the attached flyer for details!
A Note from our Band Aides
It was great to see so many families last Thursday and to share some Ted Drewes together. Friday night’s football game will be another exciting event for the band. Thank you everyone who has signed-up for a shift in the Concession Stand. If your family still needs to volunteer for one of the games, you can sign-up here: Concessions
We’re looking for a few more volunteers to join our Hospitality Team. The team plans refreshments, social events, and leads the charge on our Spring Awards Banquet. Last Thursday was a great example of something the Hospitality Team planned with the support of Board members. Erica Morrison has agreed to lead the team, but we need more volunteers to help. If you are willing to help as your schedule allows, please send me an email.
In the next few weeks, we will be launching our new band specific Spiritwear store. Keep an eye out for that announcement.
If you want to check out the notes from our August Band Aides Meeting, you can find the draft here: 2026.08.13 Band Aides Minutes (1).docx Please note that these may be updated at our September meeting before official approval.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
Cathy Pettibone
Elissa Johnson (Vice President) johnsonelissaj@gmail.com
Tom Byers (Treasurer) tbyersjr@gmail.com
Laura Robb (Secretary) lrobbbirsch@gmail.com
Christa Kuhn (Financial Overseer/Member at Large) christamkuhn@yahoo.com