WINTER PARK BAND Weekly Newsletter

Dear Winter Park Band families,

Congratulations to Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony on their performances at our Spring Band Concert this past Thursday! All three ensembles gave wonderful performances on challenging programs, and concluded their performance calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. What a great year for the WP Bands!

The Color Guard Spring Showcase will begin at 7 PM on Tuesday, May 5. This will be the final performance of the Band program's Spring Concert Series, and we hope to see you there!

The final Percussion Clinic will take place this week on Wednesday, May 6. These sessions are required for all percussionists and students interested in playing percussion on either drumline or front ensemble for the 2026 SOTW. Please spread the word to our incoming percussionists as well!

Upcoming Auditions

Information for both 2026-2027 Wind Symphony and 2026-2027 Jazz Ensemble I auditions is available at http://www.winterparkhsband.com/auditions.html. Auditions will take place both during classes and after school this week Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8. Signup for your audition time(s) on the sheets posted on the window to the Band office.

The 2026-2027 Student Leadership Team will have their Retreat on Saturday, May 9 from 9 AM - 1 PM. Be ready to go outside and march, as well as bring ideas and plans for going into the coming school year. Summer sectional schedules should be completed and turned in to the directors Saturday morning. Lunch will be provided, as well as donuts in the morning.

Band Registration Night is quickly approaching on Tuesday, May 12. Please follow the steps below in the Newsletter before you arrive to drop off forms on Wednesday evening.

• Special note: current Band students should have their annual physical completed and uploaded into the FHSAA approval system by 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!

THIS WEEK:

• Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8: 26-27 Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble I Auditions, during school
• Tuesday, May 5: Color Guard Spring Showcase, 7 PM
• Friday, May 8: Band Banquet, dinner at 6 PM, Awards Ceremony begins at 7:30 PM

LOOKING AHEAD:

• 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

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

Band Families,

This Friday is the Band Awards and Band Banquet! As a reminder, the Awards in the auditorium are free and encouraged for everyone. They begin at 7:30 and are a great way to celebrate the end of the year! If you bought tickets for the Banquet, cafeteria doors open at 5:45, food service begins at 6:00 and ends promptly at 7:00. All WPHS band and color guard students eat for free! In addition, there will be a fun photobooth inside the cafeteria to take pictures with your friends during the banquet.

Remember to attend the Color Guard Spring Showcase on Tuesday 5/5 at 7pm in the auditorium!

As we look towards band camp, please don't forget to get your medical clearance paperwork organized and watch the required NFHS videos (check the registration packet for more information).

I look forward to seeing you on Friday!

Laura Cambridge

wphsbandboosterpresident@gmail.com

Hello Wonderful Band Families,

🎼✨ Congratulations to ALL of our Band members on a fantastic Spring Concert! What a beautiful way to end on a high note 🎶 and celebrate the close of the 2025–2026 Concert Season—while already setting the tempo for an exciting 2026–2027 season ahead!

With the final bow taken, it’s time for our next important movement… Concert Uniform Dry Cleaning & Returns! 🎺

Let’s make sure every tux and dress is performance-ready for next year.

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

Starting Monday, May 4th:
Students may return their professionally dry-cleaned uniforms to the WPHS Main Campus Band Room.
➡️ 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: Tuesday, May 12th by 9:00 PM (Registration Night)

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.

📍 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 Admissions 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 = 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 for the season… 👏🎶

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

🧡DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER!🖤

Quick heads up, SOTW family - if you’re planning to be part of the Band Camp fun this summer, this is your moment to act.

The OCPS ADDitions link for summer closes on June 1. Once it closes, it’s locked - meaning no Band Camp volunteering in July.

Even if you’re still figuring out your schedule, go ahead and get approved now so you don’t miss out later.

Why do it now? This one step clears you all the way through the end August which covers Band Camp and those first football games. One and done!

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

Coming your way soon:

A SignUpGenius will be sent out so you can choose the days that work best for you.

And yes - we’re making it fun:

*Freshman Families Day.

*Senior Families Day.

*Dads Day.

You’ll see all of these options when you sign up for meal shifts!

Once the school year begins, a new ADDitions link will open for 2026-2027 - but this one is your ticket to everything happening this summer.

Let’s get you set now so when Band Camp hits… you’re ready to jump right in!

Jennifer Mullins

WPHS Band Volunteer Coordinator

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 21. 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, 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 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.
1. Orlando Health Physical DatesStudents can attend any Orlando Health location, but the closest to us is at the Downtown Location

• Saturday, May 9

Note: Registration fees for these physicals are donated directly back to our school’s athletic program. ECG screenings will also be available on-site during these physicals.
2. Middle School ECG Screenings (Incoming 9th Graders)We strongly encourage all 8th graders to complete their ECG requirements now at one of the local middle school hosting dates:

• 4/29: Glenridge MS
• 5/6: Maitland MS

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.

¡Fiesta Time!
It’s officially time to trade the practice field for a night of music, memories, and some serious flavor. We are beyond proud to announce the Spanish Images 2026 SOTW Banquet—a high-energy celebration of everything we’ve achieved this season. This is our final chance to get the whole group together, celebrate our wins, and wrap up the year in style.

Please take a moment to check out our Band Booster President’s newsletter information for all the essential details regarding the location, date, time, and ticketing information for this year’s event.

🥘 The Cuban Feast
To match the fire and intensity of our "Spanish Images" theme, we are serving up an epic Cuban-style buffet. Seriously, you don’t want to miss this spread. Please take a moment to check out the amazing menu selections we have this year for the banquet:

2026 SOTW SPANISH IMAGES CUBAN STYLE BUFFET-MENU

Allergy Info & Special Requests
Every dish at the buffet will have a tented sign next to it listing all the ingredients, so you’ll know exactly what’s in everything. If you have new or specific allergies to report, or need a special dietary accommodation (such as the advanced request for a vegetarian main entree), please make sure to email our Provisions Coordinators before the event. We’ve got your back and want to make sure you’re taken care of!

We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone and send this season off the right way. See you there!

With Gratitude & Wildcat Pride,
Your Provisions Team
wphsbandprovisions@gmail.com

Information for 2026-2027 Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble I auditions is now available at http://www.winterparkhsband.com/auditions.html. Auditions will take place after school Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8. Start preparing now and don't hesitate to reach out to the directors for help. Happy practicing!!

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

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

May 4 - 8: 26-27 Wind Symphony & Jazz Ensemble I Auditions

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May 5: Spring Color Guard Showcase

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May 6: Percussion Clinic

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May 8: Band Banquet

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May 9: 26-27 Student Leadership Retreat, 9 AM - 1 PM

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May 12: Band Registration Night, 6 - 9 PM

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

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

_____________________

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

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

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July 31: Mandatory Band Booster Meeting, 6 PM

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

http://www.winterparkhsband.com/calendar.html

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:

• https://app.gocuttime.com/program/calendar/c308b229-e7ac-4762-93ef-6112f6f8daf3/ics
  

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.

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

Email: michael.clemente@ocps.net
Website: www.winterparkhsband.com
Location: 2100 Summerfield Road, Winter Park, FL, USA
Phone: 4076223200
Facebook: www.facebook.com/winterparkhsband