WINTER PARK BAND Weekly Newsletter

From Mr. Clemente

Dear Winter Park Band families,

Congratulations to the Color Guard for their performance at the Spring Guard Showcase on Tuesday! There were multiple full group pieces along with outstanding solo and small ensemble performances. Thank you as well to all of the parents, guardians, extended family, and community members who came to be in the audience!

What a spectacular evening on Friday celebrating all the accomplishments of the Winter Park Band community, and thanking and wishing all the best to the Class of 2026! I can't say enough about how amazing it is to see this event come together each year - the Band Banquet committee outdid themselves again! A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and guardians who made this year's Band Banquet such a special celebration of our community's accomplishments this school year, especially Christina Armendariz, Laura Cambridge, Robyn Fodor, Jen Mullins, Beth Lybarger. Thank you to our outgoing Band Booster Board members Kirstin Cowan and Kim Somers for your years of tireless dedication to our students and the WP Band. Thank you to the Band Banquet Committee for the beautiful decorations, coordination of student awards, serving of dinner and dessert, overall organization, and everything in between to create such a wonderful event.

On behalf of Ms. O'Rourke and myself, our sincerest thanks for your generous gifts. We are continually grateful to be a part of this community, and to be a small part of your students' experience at Winter Park HS.

The 2026-2027 Student Leadership Team had their Retreat on Saturday, and had a ton of fun getting together, learning new things, and discussing the future of the Band program. We're working to make next school year the best year yet!

ALL Concert Tuxedos (jacket & pants) and Concert Dresses must be dry-cleaned and returned to the Band Room by Tuesday, May 12th, no later than 9 PM. All uniforms must be dry cleaned before they are returned, and be clearly marked with both the student's name and concert band class when hung on the racks in the Band room. Please read the Uniform Crew's section of this Newsletter below.

Tuesday evening, the 2026-2027 Student Leadership Team and current 9th - 11th grade Drumline will perform as the Pep Band for the Final Roar. Itinerary below, dress is a Winter Park Band shirt, khaki shorts, and closed toe shoes.

4:45 PM Arrive
5:00 PM Arcs in the Band Room
5:25 PM Stage between the 600 and 200 buildings
5:30 PM Final Roar Begins
6:00 PM Final Roar ends, students dismissed

26/27 WP Band Registration Night - THIS Week!

Band Registration Night is THIS Tuesday, May 12. All students in the 2026-2027 Winter Park Band must be registered for the coming year by the end of Registration Night. Regiastration is required for all woodwind, brass, percussion, and color guard students. Please follow the steps below in the Newsletter before you arrive to drop off forms on Wednesday evening. If an emergency arises or you have an unavoidable conflict and you are unable to attend Registration Night, please make your required Fair Share and optional Band Camp Meals payments on SchoolCashOnline.com as well as getting your completed forms to the directors as soon as you are able.

Special note: Band students should have their annual physical completed and uploaded into the FHSAA approval system as soon as possible, no later than June 1. This only becomes a complicated process if you delay into the summer months. We need everyone approved in plenty of time for Band Camp!

Last, but certainly not least, BAND MINI CAMP is THIS Saturday, 5/16 from 12 - 6 PM. Mini-Camp is required for all students in the 2026-2027 Sound of the Wildcats (SOTW). Let's kick off the new school year the right way and have a fun-filled day welcoming our incoming 9th grade students into our community! Pizza will be provided, and we plan to eat at 3 PM. Please plan to eat lunch before you arrive, and if you are unable to eat pizza pack a meal to bring with you. Bring water with you, and wear light, athletic clothing and shoes.

Let's make it a great week! Only 12 days of school left!

Mr. Clemente

THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, May 12: Band Registration Night
Tuesday, May 12: Concert Uniform Return Deadline. Uniforms must be dry-cleaned before return.
Wednesday, May 13: "Final Roar" Pep Band

26-27 Student Leadership Team
26-27 Drumline

Saturday, May 16: Mini Camp

All 26-27 Students

Together, let's make it a great week!

Mr. Clemente

BAND REGISTRATION 2026/2027

We're excited for you to join/continue with the Winter Park High School Band Program! Complete the quick and easy 3 steps below and bring the completed paperwork to the Band room for Band Registration Night on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 to register for the Winter Park Band Program for the 2026-2027 school year.

Registration Step 1

Complete the 2026-2027 Band Registration Google Form by Band Registration Night on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Registration Step 2

Make the $50 Registration Payment on either the below SchoolCashOnline.com link or by check made out to WPHS Bands.
Make the $90 Band Camp Meals (optional) payment on the below SchoolCashOnline.com link or by check made out to WPHS Bands.
2026-2027 Band Registration and Band Camp Meals SchoolCashOnline Link

Registration Step 3

Complete the forms in the following 2026-2027 Band Registration Forms packet that applies to your student's main instrument and return the completed and signed forms at Band Registration Night on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Woodwind/Brass/Percussion Registration Packet
Color Guard Registration Packet

Before Band Camp

All Band students must have an up to date Physical and a valid ECG on file with the school and must be cleared to participate before Band Camp on July 20. Please try to upload your physical and ECG documents by June 1.
New students - you will need a physical and ECG dated after April 1, 2026. The physical will be good for Band, ROTC, and any sport you play your freshman year, and the ECG will be good for all four years of high school.
Returning students - Only an up to date physical and a copy of your ECG from a previous year need to be uploaded before Band Camp. Your ECG from a previous year is good for the remainder of high school.
Physical and ECG Information Packet English Instructions - Please complete and upload by June 1. Thank you!
Physical and ECG Information Packet Spanish Instructions - Please complete and upload by June 1. Thank you!

Hi Parents and Athletes,
As we prepare for summer conditioning and the upcoming 2026-27 school year, please take note of the following opportunities for sports physicals and ECG screenings.
Sign up here: Who We Play For - Screening Registration
3. Athletic Clearance & Paperwork

2026-27 Clearance: The portal for Summer 2026 and the next school year will open in May.
Forms: Please find the required forms attached to this message.
ECG Form Update: A new ECG form is required starting July 1, 2026. However, the form in the attached packet is valid for use until that date.

Please get these scheduled early to ensure your athlete is cleared for summer conditioning!

Have questions? Contact both Mr. Clemente at michael.clemente@ocps.net and Ms. O'Rourke at raegan.orourke@ocps.net.

From our Band Booster President

Band Families,

Thank you all for coming out to celebrate our students! On behalf of all the Band Booster organization, I would like to wish a fond farewell to our graduating and departing band and color guard students and their families. We wish you all the best and hope to see you at a future band event. For the senior students, it has been a real pleasure seeing you progress in band and step forth into adulthood. Your future is bright!

For returning students and families, I look forward to seeing you for another school year! Don't forget to re-enroll in band and color guard by attending Registration Night on Tuesday.

This Saturday we have Band Mini-Camp from 12-6pm. Remember to hydrate and get a good night's sleep on Friday.

-Laura Cambridge

wphsbandboosterpresident@gmail.com

From our Fundraising Chair

The sweetest end to a great year: Band Social Thursday, May 14! 2:30-5:30 Corrine Dr.

Students and Families,

Can you believe it's already here? Our last band social of the 2025-2026 school year! Join us for ice cream, good company and the kind of hangout that makes the year worth remembering.

Seniors--

This one is especially for you. Come share one last scoop with the band family that helped shape your high school years. You'll be missed more than you know!

Robyn Fodor

Fundraising Coordinator

WP Band Booster Board

From our Uniform Chairs

Congratulations to ALL of our Band & Guard members on an incredible close to the 2025–2026 season! 🎶✨

From the Color Guard’s beautifully performed Spring Showcase, to our fun-filled and heartfelt Banquet what a wonderful way to celebrate a year full of dedication, growth, performances, friendships, and unforgettable memories. We are so proud of everything our students accomplished this season and cannot wait to see what the 2026–2027 Band, Guard, and Concert Season will bring! 🎺🥁🎷💜

As we officially wrap up this year’s performance season, we now move into a little end-of-season “housekeeping” — Concert Uniform Dry Cleaning & Returns! 🧺✨

Let’s make sure every tuxedo and concert dress is cleaned, concert-ready, and prepared to take the stage again next season. Please remember that all professionally dry-cleaned concert uniforms are due back to the Band Room on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

🎶 Return Dates & Location (Please Read Carefully & To the End!)

Racks Out during Class: Monday, May 11th and Tuesday May12th:
Students may return their professionally dry-cleaned uniforms to the WPHS Main Campus Band Room during class.
➡️ Please hang uniforms on the rack labeled for your uniform type (Concert Tux or Concert Dress).

🎓 Seniors: Take advantage of this early return window—earlier is better!

⏰ FINAL DUE DATE @ REGISTRATION NIGHT: Tuesday, May 12th by 9PM:

ALL uniforms from ALL grade levels must be returned by 9:00 PM in the Band Room. Racks will be labeled by current grade level at Registration Night. Please go to the UNIFORM RETURNS Table during Registration Night, Sign-in your Uniform and Hand your concert uniform to the Volunteers who will be at the UNIFORM RETURNS table.

📍 Location: WPHS Main Campus Band Room ONLY

🎵 Freshmen: This is your best and safest return date to ensure uniforms are not misplaced at the 9th Grade Center.

⚠️ Important Return Instructions:

DO NOT return uniforms to the Main Office.
Due to the many end-of-year activities, uniforms returned outside of the Band Room may not be tracked or accounted for.
It is your responsibility to ensure your uniform is returned to the Band Room and properly checked in
🚨 Very Important – Uniform Accountability:

Uniforms are the property of WPHS.
By the evening of May 12th, any uniforms not returned or accounted for must be reported to Directors, and replacement notices will be issued.

🎓 Seniors: This deadline is especially important for you—please return uniforms on time (or early!) to avoid any issues.

📖 Replacement costs can be found on page 10 of the Band Handbook:
http://www.winterparkhsband.com/uploads/2/3/8/5/23853324/band_handbook_2025-2026.pdf

🎺 Professional Dry Cleaning – REQUIRED

ALL Concert Tuxedos and Concert Dresses MUST be professionally dry-cleaned.
❌ Not machine washed
✔️ Professionally cleaned only
This is the responsibility of each student/family.

🌟 Proof of Cleaning – REQUIRED for Return

To be officially checked in:

Keep the dry cleaner’s tag or receipt attached to the bagged uniform
Clearly label each item with your student’s FIRST and LAST NAME

No tag, means we can't identify your uniform = not considered returned 🎶

🎼 Accessories – Yours to Keep (Encore!)

Items you purchased—such as tux shirts, bow ties, cummerbunds, and jewelry—are yours to keep and reuse next season. No need for a final curtain call on those! 🎭

🎷 Borrowed Items – Take a Bow, Then Return

If you borrowed any concert uniform accessories, please return them along with your cleaned uniform.
Now’s a great time to check:
🎶 Closets
🎶 Garment bags
🎶 Instrument cases

Let’s make sure everything makes it back backstage where it belongs!

🎁 Bonus: Donations Welcome!

Have gently used accessories your student no longer needs?
Bring them on May 12th to help restock our Uniform Room and support future band members—a gift that keeps the music playing! 🎵

💛 Thank You

Thank you for helping us keep our concert attire looking as polished as it sounds. Your attention to these details truly makes a difference and helps our students shine both on and off the stage.

It has been an absolute joy and privilege serving as your 2025–2026 Uniform Chairs. We are so grateful for your support, teamwork, and the many behind-the-scenes efforts that help this program succeed. This season was something special—and it wouldn’t have been possible without you.

With sincere appreciation and one final applause… 👏🎶

Your Uniform Chairs,
Mrs. Vanessa Fleming & Mrs. Jen Randolph

From our Volunteer Coordinator

🧡🖤A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING BAND BANQUET VOLUNTEERS!🖤🧡

A HUGE thank you to every volunteer who helped bring our Band Banquet to life! From planning, decorating, set-up, serving food, organizing, clean-up, and everything in between... THANK YOU for helping create such a special night for our students and families. The laughter, memories, celebrations, and time together would not have been possible without your hard work, creativity, flexibility, and love for this program. We appreciate each and every one of you more than words can say!

Now onto summer fun… Band Camp will be here before we know it!

If you plan to volunteer this summer, now is the time to complete your OCPS ADDitions approval. Even if you’re unsure of your schedule, go ahead and sign up now because the current link closes on June 1. Once it closes, Band Camp volunteering in July will no longer be available through this approval window.

https://ocps.samaritan.com/custom/503/opp_details/111620

BONUS: This approval carries you through the end of August, covering Band Camp and the first football games of the season!

A SignUpGenius will be coming soon so families can choose volunteer days, including fun themed days like:

*Freshman Family Day

*Senior Family Day

*Dads’ Day

Thank you for continuing to make the magic happen all year long! Love you all!

Jennifer Mullins

WPHS Band Volunteer Coordinator

From our Sponsorship Chair

Hey WPHS Band Families!

It’s officially Sponsorship & Dedication season again — and this year is a BIG one with our upcoming band trip! Every sponsorship, donation, and dedication helps support our students while also helping families offset band costs through fundraising credit.

We wanted to give our current students (rising 10th–12th graders) a head start before summer kicks off and before incoming freshmen receive information during Band Registration Night.

WHY START EARLY?

Many businesses set aside marketing and donation budgets before summer even begins, so getting an early start can make a HUGE difference. Plus, students who start now usually have the best success with repeat sponsors and community connections.

Students can earn:

• 45% fundraising credit back from Sponsorships sold
• 60% fundraising credit back from Student Dedications purchased by family & friends

This money can help offset fair share, trip expenses, and other band-related costs throughout the season.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

• Sponsorship Deadline: Monday, August 11, 2026
• Student Dedication Deadline: Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Quick & Easy Sponsorship Process:

Reach out to businesses, family friends, or community supporters
Sponsor fills out the form
Submit form + payment
We handle the artwork, website, social media, and program recognition
Student receives fundraising credit

Easy peasy. 🎶

Want the full breakdown, talking points, examples, and sponsorship levels? Check out the links below:

Sponsorship & Dedication Overview Slides:
Canva Presentation

Full Sponsorship & Dedication Packet:
Google Drive Packet

Pro Tip:
Start with businesses your family already supports — dentists, restaurants, dance studios, salons, gyms, realtors, local shops, etc. Students are often surprised how willing local businesses are to support the band!

Thank you all for continuing to support the WPHS Band program. We are so excited for another amazing season ahead!

Warmly,

Erica Diltz, Sponsorship Chair
Winter Park High School Band
wpbandprogram@gmail.com I 407-784-4361

Musicians needed to help celebrate the 250th anniversary the USA!

The annual Maitland Shores 4th of July Band is recruiting players for the 52nd performance and picnic to help celebrate our 250th year as a country. If you are going to be in town for the 4th of July, available for 3 rehearsals - June 7, 14, and 28 from 1:30-3:30 PM, and want to bring your family to hear great patriotic music then eat lunch together on Lake Maitland, please contact me. Spots fill up fast, and you must be able to rehearse and sight read well. Rehearsals and performance will be in Maitland. (90% of our band members are WPHS Band Alumni!)

Jane Claus

WPHS Band Alumni Association President

JaneClaus@live.com

407-496-6050

"Step Up" Your Sound with Intermediate/Professional Instruments

This time of year, many families consider purchasing a higher quality instrument for their student. While the rental instruments or student instruments many students had during middle school served them well during that time, high school music and musicians need instruments with higher quality make and materials to continue to improve. Please especially do not buy an instrument for your student from discount websites like Amazon. We music teachers refer to instruments sold on those websites as ISOs - Instrument Shaped Objects.

If you are able and considering a "step-up" instrument for your student (sometimes referred to as "intermediate" or "professional" instruments by manufacturers), please feel free to reach out for guidance. We will be happy to point you in the right direction and give options for quality instruments at fair prices.

Local music stores:

Underwood Music - 4949 N Pine Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

Music Shack - 702 S US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750

Allegro Music - 851 E State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750

Music & Arts - 4676 Millenia Plaza Way, Orlando, FL 32839

A few websites to peruse:

www.allcountymusic.com

www.musicmaninconline.com

www.musicandarts.com

www.steveweissmusic.com

Private Lessons - Invest in Your Future!

Whether a student is learning a musical instrument to pursue a career in music, or simply for personal musical fulfillment and recreation, private lessons are one of the best investments that a parent can provide for their musical child. When working with a private teacher, students receive one-on-one instruction from a professional musician who specializes on that instrument.

Unlike a full band rehearsal experience, studying with a private teacher focuses in on the student’s individual needs. Students who study privately once a week from a professional musician are usually those who excel and find Band more enjoyable. These students frequently earn positions in honor groups like All-State and All-County, and make entry into our more advanced bands like Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble I. Some even go on to earn college scholarships, even if they are not majoring in music!

Below is a link to a list of local private teachers. This list is not exhaustive, and there may be other individuals who are not on the list. If you are a private teacher who would like to be added to our list (or deleted), or know a private teacher who should be added, please contact Mr. Clemente at michael.clemente@ocps.net.

http://www.winterparkhsband.com/private-teachers.html

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 12: Band Registration Night, 6 - 9 PM

_____________________

May 13: "Final Roar" Pep Band, 26-27 Leadership & Drumline Pep Band

_____________________

May 16: Mini-Camp, all 26-27 Band students, 12 - 6 PM

_____________________

July 14 - 16: Leadership, Percussion, & Color Guard Camp, 9 AM - 3 PM

_____________________

July 20 - 23 and 27 - 31: BAND CAMP, 8 AM - 5 PM

_____________________

July 31: Mandatory Band Booster Meeting, 6 PM

_____________________

July 31: 2026 SOTW Premiere Show, 7:15 PM

FINANCES AND CUT TIME

PAST DUE BAND PAYMENTS

WOODWINDS, BRASS, PERCUSSION

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Fair Share Payment - $225 OR Fair Share Payment 1 - $100.00
Marching Band Shoe (new students and if needed) - $45.00
Extra Show Shirt (optional) - $15.00

Wednesday, 8/27

Fair Share Payment 2 - $75.00

Wednesday, 10/1

Jazz Fair Share (jazz students only) - $25.00
Semester 1 Instrument Maintenance (if applies) - $75.00

Wednesday, 1/14/26

Jazz Fair Share (jazz students only) - $25.00
Semester 2 Instrument Maintenance (if applies) - $75.00

Wednesday, February 25

Fair Share Payment 3 - $75.00

COLOR GUARD

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Fall Fair Share Payment - $325 OR Fair Share Payment 1 - $100
Marching Band Shoe (if needed) - $45.00
Extra Show Shirt (optional) - $15.00

Wednesday, 8/27

Fall Color Guard Fair Share Payment 2 - $125.00

Wednesday, 10/1

Fall Color Guard Fair Share Payment 3 - $100.00
School Equipment Semester 1 Maintenance - $75.00

Wednesday, 12/3

Winter Guard Fair Share Payment 1 - $150.00

Wednesday, 1/14/26

Winter Guard Fair Share Payment 2 - $125.00
School Equipment Semester 2 Maintenance - $75.00

Wednesday, February 25

Winter Guard Fair Share Payment 3 - $100.00

For questions concerning general Band inquiries, Band financial obligations, or to request a payment plan, contact Mr. Clemente, at Michael.Clemente@ocps.net. For questions regarding your CutTime account or statement, contact the Band Booster Treasurer, Kim Somers, at wphsbandtreasurer@gmail.com.

WINTER PARK BAND Weekly Newsletter

July 10, 2023

Event Information

Event Information

Event Information

From Mr. Clemente

BAND REGISTRATION 2026/2027

From our Band Booster President

From our Fundraising Chair

From our Uniform Chairs

From our Volunteer Coordinator

From our Sponsorship Chair

Musicians needed to help celebrate the 250th anniversary the USA!

"Step Up" Your Sound with Intermediate/Professional Instruments

Private Lessons - Invest in Your Future!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Band Calendar

FINANCES AND CUT TIME

WPHS Band Social Media

Winter Park High School Band

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Event Information

Event Information

Event Information

From Mr. Clemente

BAND REGISTRATION 2026/2027

From our Band Booster President

From our Fundraising Chair

From our Uniform Chairs

From our Volunteer Coordinator

From our Sponsorship Chair

Musicians needed to help celebrate the 250th anniversary the USA!

"Step Up" Your Sound with Intermediate/Professional Instruments

Private Lessons - Invest in Your Future!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Band Calendar

FINANCES AND CUT TIME

WPHS Band Social Media

Winter Park High School Band

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

May 10, 2026

📅 Events This Week 📅