WINTER PARK BAND Weekly Newsletter
July 10, 2023
From Mr. Clemente
Dear Winter Park Band families,
The Student Leadership Team had a great few days last week getting ready for Band Camp at Leadership Camp and the South Orange Leadership Summit! A big thank you to the Sound of Horizon for hosting us this year at HHS. The Leadership Team are so excited to share what they learned and bring the positive attitude and energy for camp the next two weeks. Great job everyone!
It's finally here - Band Camp 2025! 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
What Do I Need for Marching Band Camp & Marching Season?
- Drink lots of water and be active outdoors prior to marching band camp – don’t wait until the first day of camp to hydrate and to be exerting yourself in the heat and humidity!
- You will need comfortable athletic shoes and socks at every rehearsal. Sandals/Flip-flops/Slip-ons/Crocs/Hey Dudes/etc. are not allowed during a marching band rehearsal. You must have shoes on your feet at all times both inside and outside.
- Sunscreen. You will need it for just about every rehearsal.
- A brimmed hat and sunglasses. This will provide extra protection from the sun, and sunglasses will allow you to see the drum majors and where you’re going while you march.
- Light colored clothing. Avoid dark colors when rehearsing outside in the sun!
- A personal instrument that is in good working order OR a school-owned instrument for those who play large/specialized instruments.
- A flip folder with at least 10 sleeves, and a lyre. This is an essential piece of equipment for marching band, and will be required at rehearsals and performances. Example linked above. Any music store that handles band instruments will have these on hand, but it would be a good idea to call ahead of time. Also, it is best to take the instrument into the store to have the correct lyre fitted to your specific instrument (different instrument manufacturers have different lyre connections).
- A half-inch, 3-ring binder with plastic sheet protectors. This will keep your sheet music safe and all in one place for rehearsals. You will need it at every rehearsal. Examples linked above.
- Tan/khaki shorts. All Students will need to provide their own tan/khaki shorts to wear as part of our Band Summer Uniform. Students must have their pair of shorts before the 2025 SOTW Premiere Show of Spanish Images on Thursday, 7/31.
New Students: Due to a shipping issue from Igloo, our big order of water jugs is still in Texas and we are waiting on an ETA. We currently have 38 jugs that we will pass out tomorrow, with everyone else receiving their water jug as soon as they arrive. Please be sure you have either a half gallon or gallon water jug with you for camp. The SOTW water jug will become part of your marching band uniform, and you'll need it at all marching band events.
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 scales, long tones, show music, stands tunes, the fight song, alma mater, etc., and a short cool down. 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!
Band Camp Meals will be served at lunch each day to those students who have already paid for them. If you chose not to purchase Band Camp Meals, please remember to bring a packed lunch with you to camp. Additionally, students will be able to grab OCPS lunch each day from the cafeteria if they would like.
Physicals and ECGs: Thank you to all the families who checked their clearance status last week. If you did not this past week, all Band families need to check in to their student's status with FHSAA Athletic Clearance. Even if you believe you are cleared, please check your status at https://athleticclearance.fhsaahome.org/ as soon as you read this. The vast majority of students who are not completely "cleared" are simply missing 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! Students who are not cleared are allowed to participate in all indoor rehearsals, but would be at risk of not having a spot for the beginning of the show. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.
Band Camp Meals Menu
Week 1:
Monday - Street Tacos from Mohawk Smokehouse
Tuesday - Chick-fil-a sandwiches
Wednesday - Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers from Mohawk Smokehouse
Thursday - Sandwiches from Bricks & Bowls
Friday - Pizza from Frank's Pizza
Week 2:
Monday - Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers from Mohawk Smokehouse
Tuesday - Sandwiches from Bricks & Bowls
Wednesday - Chick-fil-a sandwiches
Thursday lunch - Pulled Pork sandwiches from Mohawk Smokehouse
Thursday dinner for ALL students - Pizza from Frank's Pizza
Thursday post-performance - Kona Ice, provided by Bear Team Real Estate
**PB&J table available everyday both week 1 & 2 to all band students*
One more sleep until 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 student’s 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.
- Physical 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 – 7 PM
- Maitland MS: Tuesday, 5/20, 5 – 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 school’s nurse.
School Nurses are not able to perform ECG scans.
Other physical and ECG resources can be found here:
From our Band Booster President, Mrs. Laura Cambridge
Welcome to band camp week one! The staff and volunteers have been working hard to make this a great experience for all students. At the end of camp be sure to visit both the mandatory parent meeting and the marching showcase, 7/31! There will be prizes for attending the parent meeting in addition to answers to many of your questions.
This Friday 7/25 we have the parent social! Come and meet some of the board, meet other parents, figure out a carpool backup or learn who makes the best cookies! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A49a8ae22a02-57430530-band#/
As always, if you have any questions or concerns for the board, my email is open: wphsbandboosterpresident@gmail.com
From our Volunteer Coordinator, Mrs. Jennifer Mullins
Hi there, fellow Band Families and Friends! 🥳
My name is Jennifer Mullins, and I’m excited to serve as your 2025–2026 Volunteer Coordinator! After three wonderful years as the Colorguard Liaison, I’m thrilled to step into this new role and can’t wait to see everyone as we kick off another amazing school year.
Let’s dive right in—our first volunteer opportunity is BAND CAMP MEAL SERVICE! 🥪🎶
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:
🔗 Sign Up Here
Next up—our “Section Superstars” (aka section parents)! 🤩
This small but mighty group of volunteers makes a huge impact. It’s 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.
We’re currently looking for Superstars for the Flutes, Saxophones, and Trombones. If you’re 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 students—you 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: 📧 wphsbandvolunteers@gmail.com
Have a great rest of your summer! 😎
--Jennifer Mullins
WPHS Band Volunteer Coordinator
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
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!! We’ve been sending out information about the Sponsorship Program since May. If you’re new to band since then or haven’t 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 student’s 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: It’s 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 you’d like to use and asking family members if they’d 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 you’ve 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
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!
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 21 - 25: Band Camp Week 1, at Glenridge MS, required for all 2025-2026 students
_____________________
July 28 - 31: Band Camp Week 2, at Glenridge MS, required for all 2025-2026 students
_____________________
July 31: Mandatory Band Booster Meeting, 6 - 7 PM, Glenridge MS
_____________________
July 31: 2025 SOTW Premiere Show, 7:15 PM, Glenridge MS
_____________________
August 5: Marching Band Rehearsal, 6 - 8 PM
_____________________
August 11: First Day of School
_____________________
August 12: Marching Band Rehearsal, 3:15 - 6:30 PM
_____________________
August 14: "Meet the 'Cats" Pep Rally, 6 - 8 PM, Location TBD
_____________________
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
UPCOMING 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) - $50.00
- Extra Show Shirt (optional) - $15.00
- COLOR GUARD
- Thursday, July 31, 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