WINTER PARK BAND Weekly Newsletter
July 10, 2023
From Mr. Clemente
Dear Winter Park Band families,
Welcome back! I hope you all have had a wonderful and relaxing summer break, and are continuing to enjoy the final few weeks. Rested and recuperated, it's almost time to kick off the 2025-2026 school year!
This week, the Student Leadership Team will prepare for Band Camp at Leadership Camp. We will meet in the GMS Band Room both Tuesday, 7/15 & Wednesday 7/16 from 8 AM - 3 PM. Wear clothing like you would wear for rehearsal, remember your water jug, and bring a lunch with you both days. Thursday, 7/17 we will join the student leadership teams from other local high school bands at the South Orange Leadership Summit. Bus transportation and lunch are provided on Thursday. Please see itinerary below:
- 7:45 AM - Arrive at the GMS Band Room
- 8:00 AM - Load Bus and depart for Horizon HS
- 9:00 AM - Summit begins, lunch provided
- 3:00 PM - Load Bus and Return to GMS
- 3:45 PM - Approx Arrival at GMS
Thank you to our awesome Uniform Crew lead by Vanessa Flemming and Jenniffer Randolph for volunteering their time over the summer to help get started on fitting the SOTW for their uniforms! For those who were not able to attend, not to worry, uniform sizings will continue during band camp until all our students have been fitted. We will also have sizing for marching band uniform shoes on the afternoon of Thursday, 7/24 during Band Camp.
Next week begins Band Camp 2025 and the start of our journey with Spanish Images! It's going to be a great time, and so good to get the Band back together. Band Camp dates are Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25 & Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31. All days are 8 AM - 5 PM with our Mandatory Band Booster Meeting (all parents/guardians) on Thursday, July 31 at 6 PM, followed by the Premiere Show at 7:15 PM. All Band Camp rehearsals, meetings, and performances this year will take place at Glenridge Middle School 2900 Upper Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32814 due to construction on the WPHS Main Campus.
Sample Band Camp Daily Schedule:
7:45 AM Report to Glenridge MS
8:00 AM Full Band Meeting
8:05 AM Visual Fundamentals
12:00 PM Lunch
12:45 PM Indoor Music Rehearsals (small sections, large sections, full music ensemble), Dance rehearsals for Color Guard
4:50 PM Announcements & Dismissal
Be sure you're playing your instrument leading up to Band Camp. A good amount would be 15-20 minutes a day with a focused warmup and some work on All-State etudes (see below), 12 major scales, chromatic scale, sight-reading, Spanish Images music, stands tunes, and anything you were given at Mini Camp. You could pick one thing from that list to work on for 15 minutes and then pick another for the next day. Whatever playing you do now will pay big dividends when you get to camp!
Urgent attention needed: Physicals and ECGs. All Band families need to check in to their student's status with FHSAA Athletic Clearance at https://athleticclearance.fhsaahome.org/. You will also have received an email from noreply@athleticclearance.com with your student's clearance status. Even if you believe you are cleared, please check your status online or via email as soon as you read this - especially with the new-this-year health and safety courses. The vast majority of students who are not completely "cleared" are simply missing one signature on a document or a page from a document. If you have not submitted your physical and/or ECG to the Athletic Clearance website, please do so ASAP so you can fully participate in all the fun at camp! Thank you for your efforts and attention on this. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at michael.clemente@ocps.net. I cannot stress enough that this needs to be completed by every Band family as quickly as possible so your student will be cleared before camp begins.
Looking forward to starting the new year with Spanish Images!
Mr. Clemente
NEW REQUIREMENT - NFHS HEALTH & SAFETY COURSES
Late last week, the State of Florida and Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced a new requirement for students to be cleared to participate in Marching Band, Cheerleading, Dance, JROTC, and Athletics. Students of all grade levels 9-12 are required to complete 4 courses by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), per FHSAA Policy. These courses are Heat Illness Prevention, Concussion for Students, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and Sportsmanship. Students are required to complete all 4 courses and submit the certificate to be cleared for Band Camp this summer.
The courses are very easy, and completing all 4 courses back to back takes only an hour on the computer. They are:
- Heat Illness Prevention (30 minutes)
- Concussion for Students (20 minutes)
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (10 minutes)
- Sportsmanship (18 minutes)
I understand this is yet another task to add to a studentâs process, but I cannot stress the importance of these precautions enough. A few short years back when the ECG screening & annual physical requirements rolled out, we had pains and frustration but quickly learned the value this has had towards the safety of our community. Please have your student take the time to complete the courses ASAP. We will also be taking time in classes to have the students complete them on a personal device, if they have it with them.
Physical & ECG Requirement - Action Needed
As Soon As Possible
- 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 21.
- New students - you will need a physical and ECG dated after April 1, 2025. 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.
- âPhysical and ECG Information Packet (English) - Please complete ASAP. Thank you!
- Physical and ECG Information Packet (Spanish) - Please complete ASAP. Thank you!
ECG is a one time scan that is good for the remainder of high school.
- Upcoming ECG events with FREE SCANS at WPHS attendance zone middle schools:
- Glenridge MS: Tuesday, 5/20, 5 â 7 PM
- Maitland MS: Tuesday, 5/20, 5 â 7 PM
- Register for your FREE ECG Scan here: https://www.whoweplayfor.org/florida-orange-middle-schools
Physicals are required to be updated annually.
- An OCPS school nurse is able to give the physical exam at your current middle school and complete the paperwork. You would just need to schedule an appointment with your schoolâs nurse.
School Nurses are not able to perform ECG scans.
Other physical and ECG resources can be found here:
All-State Audition Materials Available NOW
All-State Auditions - Saturday, September 20 at Ocoee HS
Concert Band (9th & 10th grade)
Symphonic Band (11th & 12th Grade)
Piano (9th through 12th Grade)
High School Jazz Band (9th - 12th grades)
Sight-Reading Guidelines and Past Sight-Reading Excerpts
Start practicing now!
From our Band Booster President, Mrs. Laura Cambridge
Sponsorship & Dedication Fundraiser Update from Mrs. Erica Diltz & Mrs. Robyn Fodor
We are looking forward to meeting you all July 31st at the Band Camp showcase and parent meeting!
* Below is information about our current fundraisers: the Sponsorship Program and Student Dedications.
Our first fundraiser of the year is ongoing right now and ends July 25th!! Weâve been sending out information about the Sponsorship Program since May. If youâre new to band since then or havenât received any info, please reach out to either Erica Diltz (Sponsorship Coordinator) or Robyn Fodor (Fundraising Coordinator) ASAP to get the info you need. See contact info below.
Fundraisers are very important to help you fund your studentâs Fair Share and save up for future bands trips (next trip will be 2027- not this school year but the following). Raised funds DO rollover year to year until your student graduates.
Student accounts receive back 45% of the cost of the purchased Sponsorship.
Fundraisers also help the band as a whole- funding critical needs that the county and state do not cover, which in years past, has been about 90% of our budget left for the band to self-fund.
STUDENT DEDICATIONS: Itâs also time to begin thinking about student dedications to be placed in our concert program. Note the deadline is August 30th- later than the Sponsorships. Begin collecting photos youâd like to use and asking family members if theyâd like to contribute.
Dedications can be for any student or section and are a great way to add money to your students account, as student accounts receive back 60% of the cost of the dedication. The sponsorship packet has detailed information.
The entire Sponsorship packet is included below as an attachment and includes:
- The Sponsor pricing form to give businesses
- The Sponsorship Form to be filled out and returned. Deadline July 25th!!
- Bonus: You or your student can add a short personal note about what band means to them or use the letter about our program offered below.
- Student dedication form (for our concert program). Deadline August 30th!!
- Do Not Call List and Talking Points
Who to reach out to?
Start with businesses you already support:
- Pediatricians, dentists, orthodontists
- Hair or nail salons
- Insurance providers, pest control, handyman services, contractors, law offices
- Favorite restaurants or your own workplace
- Any locally owned business is a great place to start!
Make sure to follow up every few days once youâve reached out. It may take at least three attempts to get a response! Good luck!
Erica Diltz wpbandprogram@gmail.com
Robyn Fodor wpbandfundraising@gmail.com
From our Provisions Coordinators, Mrs. Christina Armendariz & Mrs. Beth Lybarger
Welcome to the new school year and to what promises to be an incredible band camp experience! We are so excited to have your students back and ready to make some music. This year, we're making a special effort to provide fresh, healthy, and delicious meals for our students, and we're thrilled to announce that we're partnering with local and fresh vendors. Our goal is to ensure the band members are well-nourished and energized for the long days of rehearsal. To help us cater to everyone's needs and to create a safe dining environment, we kindly ask you to complete the attached Google form. The form is crucial for us to gather information on any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences your student may have. Most importantly, this form is where you will indicate whether or not you will be purchasing the daily meal plan provided by the band. The total cost for the full band camp meal plan is $90; this will cover $10 per day for meals during the entire two weeks of instruction at Glenridge Middle School. Please fill out the form ASAP so we can finalize our vendor orders, no later than July 18th. We will be posting a second and final opportunity to make payments for the meal plan, which will be announced through CutTime shortly, so please be on the lookout for this important update.
The direct link to this Google form can be found below:
forms.gle/Has7Gr5y3DMNrRVv7
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Provisions section. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a fantastic and successful band camp!
Your Provision Chairs,
Christina Armendariz & Beth Lybarger
wphsbandprovisions@gmail.com
From our Volunteer Coordinator, Mrs. Jennifer Mullins
Hi there, fellow Band Families and Friends! đ„ł
My name is Jennifer Mullins, and Iâm excited to serve as your 2025â2026 Volunteer Coordinator! After three wonderful years as the Colorguard Liaison, Iâm thrilled to step into this new role and canât wait to see everyone as we kick off another amazing school year.
Letâs dive right inâour first volunteer opportunity is BAND CAMP MEAL SERVICE! đ„Șđ¶
This is a great way to get started (or jump back in!) before school officially begins. When signing up using the link below, please remember that you MUST already be ADDITIONS approved before volunteering:
đ Sign Up Here
Next upâour âSection Superstarsâ (aka section parents)! đ€©
This small but mighty group of volunteers makes a huge impact. Itâs a great opportunity for anyone! Section Superstars serve as go-to contacts for families in their sections, helping share updates and keeping communication flowing via GroupMe or WhatsApp.
Weâre currently looking for Superstars for the Flutes, Saxophones, and Trombones. If youâre interested, please reach out to me ASAP!
A huge THANK YOU to our SUPER Uniform Squad, who wrapped up summer fittings and worked incredibly hard to get our band members looking sharp in their marching uniforms.
Also, thank you to parents who happen to come with their studentsâyou were patient, kind, asked great questions, and made it such a joy for us to meet so many of you!
Have more questions? Feel free to reach out at: đ§ wphsbandvolunteers@gmail.com
Have a great rest of your summer! đ
--Jennifer Mullins
WPHS Band Volunteer Coordinator
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.
âUnlike a full band rehearsal experience, studying with a private teacher focuses in on the studentâs 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 15 - 17: Leadership Camp, 25-26 Student Leadership Team only
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July 21 - 25: Band Camp Week 1, at Glenridge MS
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July 28 - 31: Band Camp Week 2, at Glenridge MS
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July 31: Mandatory Band Booster Meeting, 6 - 7 PM
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July 31: 2025 SOTW Premiere Show, 7:15 PM
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August 5: Marching Band Rehearsal, 6 - 8 PM
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August 11: First Day of School
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August 12: Marching Band Rehearsal, 3:15 - 6:30 PM
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August 14: "Meet the 'Cats" Pep Rally, 6 - 8 PM, Location TBD
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August 15: Marching Band Rehearsal, 2:45 - 4 PM/Football Game, 5 - 10 PM
Band Calendar
Since the Cut Time software has been updated, the synced calendar link has changed. Copy the link below to subscribe to the Band public events calendar in Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, or other calendar app:
FINANCES AND CUT TIME
PAST DUE BAND PAYMENTS
- WOODWINDS, BRASS, PERCUSSION
- Wednesday, July 30, 2025
- Fair Share Payment - $225 OR Fair Share Payment 1 - $100.00
- Marching Band Shoe (new students and if needed) - $50.00
- Extra Show Shirt (optional) - $15.00
- COLOR GUARD
- Wednesday, July 30, 2025
- Fall Fair Share Payment - $325 OR Fair Share Payment 1 - $100
- Marching Band Shoe (if needed) - $50.00
- Extra Show Shirt (optional) - $15.00
WPHS Band Social Media
We've been posting lots of photos our social media platforms, and we will continue to post updates, photos, video, and other media to those pages throughout the year. Follow the Band!
- Facebook: @winterparkhsband
- Instagram: @winterparkhsband @wphs_flutes @wphsclarinets @wpsaxes @wphs_trumpets @wphs.trombones @wphstubas @winterparkhspercussion @winterparkcolorguard @wphs.drumajors
- YouTube: @winterparkhsband
- Twitter: @wphs_bands
- Tik Tok: @winterparkhsband
Winter Park High School Band
Email: michael.clemente@ocps.net
Website: www.winterparkhsband.com
Location: 2100 Summerfield Road, Winter Park, FL, USA
Phone: 4076223200
Facebook: www.facebook.com/winterparkhsband