News & Events

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Thursday, September 17 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, September 18 @ Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, September 19 Local Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS
Friday, September 25 @ West Allegheny (Homecoming)
Friday, October 2 @ Pine Richland
Friday, October 9 @ Plum
Saturday, October 10 Local Competition at Deer Lakes HS
Thursday, October 15 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, October 16 Home @ FND Stadium (412 Football Classic)
Saturday, October 17 Local Competition at McKeesport HS
Friday, October 23 @ Armstrong
Saturday, October 24 - PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS
Friday, October Home @ RMU (Senior Night)
Thursday, November 19 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Thursday, December 10 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Thursday, December 17 - Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 - Spring Band Concert

REMINDERS:
Thank you for Volunteering!
Concession Stand: Thank you to everyone who donated items or volunteered at our concession stand. Your generosity and support made it a tremendous success, and we could not have done it without you. We deeply appreciate your continued support of the Moon Area Marching Band and its students! Next concession stand October 30^th at RMU.

Prop Building: Thank you to everyone who helped build props the last two Saturdays. Your hard work made the project possible and now the band has time to rehearse with them before their first competition. We are grateful to our band family for stepping up and getting the job done. Thank you!

Tour Shirts: Tour shirts should be ready for distribution at the Band Parent Meeting on Thursday, September 17^th. You may pick your shirt orders up in the band room.

Senior Parents:
Please send the following information to Marcy at pictures@moonband.org for Senior Shoutouts.
Name:
Instrument/Section:
Favorite Subject:
Favorite Teacher:
Hobbies/Activities:
Favorite Band Memory:
Future Plans:

Parents of 2027 seniors, please send 7-10 of your favorite childhood photos of your Senior to Marcy at pictures@moonband.org. These pictures will be used to put together a slide show at the end of the year banquet in May.

Sign Up Genius for Homecoming Raffle Basket and Volunteers for Carnival Booth
The sign-up genius has been updated to include volunteer spots to help set up and work the Carnival Booth. We will be selling Boba drinks and raffle tickets to win the huge squishy basket. Thank you to everyone who has already donated or signed up to help with the basket or booth. Donations for the raffle basket may be dropped off in the band room on September 17 before practice or during the Band Parent Meeting at 7 p.m. that evening. Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email.  Please contact Megan at communications@moonband.org with any questions.

Sign Up Genius for Football Games/Competitions
We need Parent Volunteers to help with Friday Night Football Games and Saturday Competitions. Please make sure your clearances have been submitted and are up to date. Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.

RaiseRight: Buy gift cards for everyday purchases and a percentage will support all Moon Area Band students through the MABPO General Fund.
Enroll through RaiseRight.
Enrollment Code: YXD6W6W9YJFL

FUNDRAISING: The marching band is selling Chestnut Hill Candles from September 3rd-September 17. All orders are due to the band mailbox by September 17th. No late orders will be accepted. Please email Alyssa at mabpofundraising.ad@gmail.com with any questions.

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
If you’re interested in working games, please email Heather Park at hburakow@yahoo.com.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
You are now able to apply your students’ credits to fees in presto. Under finances, it lists My Fees, My Payments and My Credits.  Click on My Credits, then select Apply Credits.  Select the fee you would like to apply the credit to. Please pay online via Presto or place a check in the band room mailbox for all payments due. Email Maria at treasurer@moonband.org if you have questions. 
The third payment of $125 is due on September 24^th.
The fourth and final payment of $125 is due on October 22^nd.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
PERFORMANCE ITINERARIES FOR THE WEEK
Friday, September 18  - Football @ Thomas Jefferson HS. -  Students Report to MAHS - 4:30PM - ​​​IT FB 4A 2026.pdf​Saturday, ​​September 19 - PIMBA Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS - Students Report at 12PM - IT PIMBA MT.LEBO 9.19.26.pdf
Parents' Guide to Marching Band Competitions - ​Parent Guide to Band Competitions 2026.pdf​

PROPS THANK YOU!
A HUGE Thank You to all of the Parents and Students who came out the past two Saturdays to build and finish the props. They will set a great scene for the band to perform.  Thank You!

Presto Google Calendar Link - This is the link to the master Google Band Calendar.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Mon. 9/14 – Percussion and Color Guard Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm
Tue. 9/15 – Winds Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm – Props
Wed. 9/16 – None
Thu. 9/17 – FULL Band Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm – Props and Competition Show
Fri. 9/18- Football Game vs. Penn-Trafford HS at RMU Bethel Park – 5:30 Report time –ITINERARY LINK
Sat. 9/19 – PIMBA Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS – Report 12PM; Perform 5:45PM
ITINERARY LINK

**IMPORTANT** REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE CHANGES****
PERC & GUARD - THIS IS FOR YOU!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 22 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 24 will be the Parade only at 5 PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 21 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.
Please pay attention to the October Rehearsal Schedule.  Percussion and Guard begin to move to Tuesday and Thursday in OCTOBER!

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 1-16 - LINK

ABSENCE COMMUNICATION
If your student will be absent from a marching band rehearsal, please communicate with either Mr. Barthen (winds/guard) or Mr. Fear (pit/battery percussion). Our e-mail addresses can be found at the bottom of this document.  Please review the Band Handbook for the policies in missing rehearsal and grade/performance consequences that apply. PLEASE NOTE: As per the MAHS Band Handbook: If a student misses a rehearsal, FOR ANY REASON, in which new material (drill, choreography, music etc.) or changes in the show have been taught, the student will not be able to perform that selection until the student has demonstrated proficiency on the new material. The Band Director will be the sole evaluator of proficiency in these cases.                  
BAND HANDBOOK - LINK

PMEA Honors Band – Honors Band Auditions will be held on Monday, October 5 at South Fayette High School.  There will be a school van transporting student who are auditioning.  Students CANNOT drive to this audition. 

PRESTO-ASSISTANT 
https://www.presto-assistant.com - MAHS Band will utilize the Presto Assistant for managing and communicating to band families. This website is a one-stop shop for all parent information, communication, and financial information for the band program and the MABPO (Moon Area Band Parent Organization). This is our first season using this application. All parents will receive an email link to create a PARENT account in mid-June and again in July. Please check the email address from which you received this email. If you have issues creating an account, please get in touch with Mr. Barthen for assistance. Our organizational code is: moonareahsband.

MARCHING BAND MICROSOFT TEAMS 
Each marching band student was invited to a MS Teams Channel. This channel will be used to distribute music, drill, and other important student information throughout the year. Please make sure your student turns notifications on for this channel.

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Sept. 14 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 15 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 16
Thu. Sept. 17 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 18 – Football game at Thomas Jefferson HS – Report time is 4:30pm
Sat. Sept. 19 – PIMBA Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS – Report 12PM; Perform 5:45PM
___
Mon. Sept. 21 – Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm
Tues. Sept. 22 – FULL BAND REHEARSAL – 6pm-9pm
Wed. Sept. 23
Thu. Sept. 24 – Homecoming Parade on Campus – 5pm-7pm – No Rehearsal afterwards
Fri. Sept. 25 – Football game at West Allegheny HS – Report time 5:00PM
Sat. Sept. 26 - OFF
____
Mon. Sept. 28 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 29 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 30
Thu. Oct. 1 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 2 – Football game at Pine Richland HS – Report time is 4:30pm
Sat. Oct. 3 – OFF
___
Mon. Oct. 5 - Color Guard Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Oct. 6 - Wind & PERCUSSION Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Oct. 7
Thu. Oct. 8 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 9 – Football game at Pine Richland HS – Report time is 4:30pm
Sat. Oct. 10 – PIMBA COMPETITION AT DEER LAKES HS

Future Events
Sat. September 19 – Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition – Report 12PM; Perform 5:45PM
Sat. October 10 – Deer Lakes PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 19 – McKeesport PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 24 – PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS

Thank you to our top Tier Sponsors!
Betlyn's Heating and Cooling
Brewer Toyota
Ceramiche Tile & Stone, Inc
Clearview Federal Credit Union
Huntsman Funeral Home
Moon Area Education Foundation

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEARANCES
MABPO has no connection to MASD's Applitrack, therefore a digital or physical copy of the clearance needs to be submitted the MABPO secretary.  Clearances can be emailed to: Heather Longstreth - secretary@moonband.org
Note:  If the child's last name differs from the parent sending the clearances, please point that out in the email.
Per the updated MASD policy, Clearances are valid for 5 years
Under PA Law Act 153, The State of Pennsylvania is requiring all adults who volunteer in any capacity within the school to obtain background checks. This will include parents who volunteer to chaperone the MAHS Marching Band at football games, parades, band camps, and trips. Chaperones are required to complete the PA State Police Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse History, and FBI Fingerprints. The FBI Fingerprint is only if the volunteer has not been a state of PA resident for at least 10 years. Please visit http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov for additional information.
OR follow the steps below: 
Child Abuse Clearance click HERE 
1. Cost: Free
2. Create the account
3. Submit the required information
4. Print certificate and submit to MABPO Secretary
PA Criminal Background Check click HERE
1. Cost: Free
2. Click on "NEW RECORD CHECK" (Volunteers Only)
3. After the record check is complete, click on the blue control number
4. To view the certificate, click on the blue words "Certification Form"
5. Print the certificate and submit to the MABPO Secretary
FBI Fingerprinting click HERE
use service code 1KG6XN
Contact secretary@moonband.org if you have any questions about clearances.

Check out Moon Band on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/moonareabands
Questions, comments or suggestions contact communications@moonband.org

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Friday, September 11 Home @ RMU
Thursday, September 17 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, September 18 @ Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, September 19 Local Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS
Friday, September 25 @ West Allegheny (Homecoming)
Friday, October 2 @ Pine Richland
Friday, October 9 @ Plum
Saturday, October 10 Local Competition at Deer Lakes HS
Thursday, October 15 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, October 16 Home @ FND Stadium (412 Football Classic)
Saturday, October 17 Local Competition at McKeesport HS
Friday, October 23 @ Armstrong
Saturday, October 24 - PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS
Friday, October Home @ RMU (Senior Night)
Thursday, December 17 - Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 - Spring Band Concert

REMINDERS:
Senior Yard Notes: Volunteers are needed this Tuesday, September 8 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. to stencil names and complete touch-ups on the senior yard notes. Please meet in the backyard at Maria’s house, 423 Blue Ridge Drive.

Competition Flags: During Thursday’s band rehearsal, volunteers are needed to cut material and sew the competition swing flags. We will meet in the band room. Please bring scissors for cutting and, if you plan to sew, a sewing machine.

Yard Signs: If you ordered yard signs from cheer, they will be passed out at the end of practice in front of the Natatorium on Tuesday.

Senior Parents:
Please send the following information to Marcy at pictures@moonband.org for Senior Shoutouts.
Name:
Instrument/Section:
Favorite Subject:
Favorite Teacher:
Hobbies/Activities:
Favorite Band Memory:
Future Plans:

Parents of 2027 seniors, please send 7-10 of your favorite childhood photos of your Senior to Marcy at pictures@moonband.org. These pictures will be used to put together a slide show at the end of the year banquet in May.

Concession Stand: Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for concessions, donated food, or both. We still need a few more concession-stand volunteers, so please sign up if you can. Volunteers should report by 5:00 p.m., but no later than 5:30 p.m. Park in the upper lot as you would for the game: turn left at the first stop sign and continue past the first lot. Then walk to the stadium entrance, where you will see our tent. All volunteers, including those who signed up for the RMU concession stand, should report to the tent. Food and supply donations may be dropped off before band practice on Thursday, September 10, from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. by the Natatorium entrance, or at the concession tent outside the stadium entrance by 5:30 p.m. on game day. Please contact Kristie at concessions@moonband.org with any questions.

Sign Up Genius for Homecoming Raffle Basket
Please consider donating one or two squishy toys of any size for a raffle basket at the Homecoming Carnival on September 24. Donations may be dropped off in the band room on September 17 before practice or during the Band Parent Meeting at 7 p.m. that evening. Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email.  Please contact Megan at communications@moonband.org with any questions.

Sign Up Genius for Football Games/Competitions
We need Parent Volunteers to help with Friday Night Football Games and Saturday Competitions. Please make sure your clearances have been submitted and are up to date. Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.

RaiseRight: Buy gift cards for everyday purchases and a percentage will support all Moon Area Band students through the MABPO General Fund.
Enroll through RaiseRight.
Enrollment Code: YXD6W6W9YJFL

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
If you’re interested in working games, please email Heather Park at hburakow@yahoo.com.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
You are now able to apply your students’ credits to fees in presto. Under finances, it lists My Fees, My Payments and My Credits.  Click on My Credits, then select Apply Credits.  Select the fee you would like to apply the credit to. Please pay online via Presto or place a check in the band room mailbox for all payments due. Email Maria at treasurer@moonband.org if you have questions. 

The third payment of $125 is due on September 24^th.
The fourth and final payment of $125 is due on October 22^nd.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
PERFORMANCE ITINERARIES FOR THE WEEK
Friday, September 11  - Football vs. Penn-Trafford HS at RMU -  Students Report to MAHS - 5:30PM - ​​IT FB 3A 2026.pdf​​

THANK YOU to everyone who helped on Saturday 9/5.  The turnout was unbelievable, and the wrap looks great!  

**IMPORTANT** PROP WORKDAY - Saturday, 9/12 at MAHS
We will need help (parents/students/family members) building 18 props on Saturday, 9/12 starting at 8AM at MAHS.  We will meet at the student entrance parking lot. The workday will focus on joining the two pieces of plywood together, via hinges, to the dollies.  Materials needed will be drill, screw gun, drill bits, sockets, wrenches, and tape measure.  Like last week, if we can get enough crews to assemble the props, the students will have a week of practice with the props for the first competition on 9/19!

Presto Google Calendar Link - This is the link to the master Google Band Calendar.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Mon. 9/7 – NONE –
Tue. 9/8 – FULL Band Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm – Learn Mvt. 3 Dots
Wed. 9/9 – None
Thu. 9/10 – FULL Band Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm – Learn Mvt. 3 Dots & Pre-game
Fri. 9/11- Football Game vs. Penn-Trafford HS at RMU Bethel Park – 5:30 Report time – ITINERARY LINK
Sat. 9/12 – Prop Workday – 8AM

**IMPORTANT** REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE CHANGES****
FULL Band Rehearsals will be on Tuesday, 9/8 and Thursday, 9/10 due to Labor Day.  We will finish learning drill for the competition show this week.

PERC & GUARD THIS IS FOR YOU!
PLEASE NOTE:  Due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 22 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 24 will be the Parade only at 5 PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 21 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.

LABOR DAY WEEK REHEARSALS (READ COLOR GUARD AND PERCUSSION!!!)
REMINDER, as previously scheduled, there will not be rehearsal on September 7.  We will hold FULL BAND Rehearsals on Tuesday, 9/8 and Thursday, 9/10.  Please plan accordingly.

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 1-14 - LINK
Music to be memorized included:
Star Spangled Banner
Alma Mater
Fight Song                        
Hero
Treasure  
Apt.
ALL THREE MVTS OF THE COMPETITION SHOW

ABSENCE COMMUNICATION
If your student will be absent from a marching band rehearsal, please communicate with either Mr. Barthen (winds/guard) or Mr. Fear (pit/battery percussion). This will aid us in planning and structuring rehearsal. 

BAND HANDBOOK - LINK

PMEA Honors Band – Honors Band Auditions will be held on Monday, October 5 at South Fayette High School.  There will be a school van transporting student who are auditioning.  Students CANNOT drive to this audition. 

PRESTO-ASSISTANT 
https://www.presto-assistant.com - MAHS Band will utilize the Presto Assistant for managing and communicating to band families. This website is a one-stop shop for all parent information, communication, and financial information for the band program and the MABPO (Moon Area Band Parent Organization). This is our first season using this application. All parents will receive an email link to create a PARENT account in mid-June and again in July. Please check the email address from which you received this email. If you have issues creating an account, please get in touch with Mr. Barthen for assistance. Our organizational code is: moonareahsband.

MARCHING BAND MICROSOFT TEAMS 
Each marching band student was invited to a MS Teams Channel. This channel will be used to distribute music, drill, and other important student information throughout the year. Please make sure your student turns notifications on for this channel.

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Sept. 7 – No Rehearsal – Labor Day
Tue. Sept. 8 – FULL BAND Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn & Ens Dots
Wed. Sept. 9 - 
Thu. Sept. 10 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Finish 3rd mvt.
Fri. Sept. 11 - Football Game vs Penn-Trafford at RMU – Report time 5:30pm – ITINEARY LINK
Sat. Sept. 12 -
___
Mon. Sept. 14 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 15 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 16
Thu. Sept. 17 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 18 – Football game at Thomas Jefferson HS – Report time is 4:30pm
Sat. Sept. 19 – PIMBA Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS – Report time approx. 1pm. Performance time TBD.
___
Mon. Sept. 21 – Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm
Tues. Sept. 22 – FULL BAND REHEARSAL – 6pm-9pm
Wed. Sept. 23
Thu. Sept. 24 – Homecoming Parade on Campus – 5pm-7pm – No Rehearsal afterwards
Fri. Sept. 25 – Football game at West Allegheny HS – Report time 5:00PM
Sat. Sept. 26 - OFF
_____
Mon. Sept. 28 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 29 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 30
Thu. Oct. 1 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 2 – Football game at Pine Richland HS – Report time is 4:30pm
Sat. Oct. 3 – OFF

Future Events
Sat. September 19 – Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition – Tentative report time is 1PM
Sat. October 10 – Deer Lakes PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 19 – McKeesport PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 24 – PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS

Thank you to our top Tier Sponsors!
Betlyn's Heating and Cooling
Brewer Toyota
Ceramiche Tile & Stone, Inc
Clearview Federal Credit Union
Huntsman Funeral Home
Moon Area Education Foundation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEARANCES
MABPO has no connection to MASD's Applitrack, therefore a digital or physical copy of the clearance needs to be submitted the MABPO secretary.  Clearances can be emailed to: Heather Longstreth - secretary@moonband.org
Note:  If the child's last name differs from the parent sending the clearances, please point that out in the email.
Per the updated MASD policy, Clearances are valid for 5 years
Under PA Law Act 153, The State of Pennsylvania is requiring all adults who volunteer in any capacity within the school to obtain background checks. This will include parents who volunteer to chaperone the MAHS Marching Band at football games, parades, band camps, and trips. Chaperones are required to complete the PA State Police Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse History, and FBI Fingerprints. The FBI Fingerprint is only if the volunteer has not been a state of PA resident for at least 10 years. Please visit http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov for additional information.
OR follow the steps below: 
Child Abuse Clearance click HERE 
1. Cost: Free
2. Create the account
3. Submit the required information
4. Print certificate and submit to MABPO Secretary
PA Criminal Background Check click HERE
1. Cost: Free
2. Click on "NEW RECORD CHECK" (Volunteers Only)
3. After the record check is complete, click on the blue control number
4. To view the certificate, click on the blue words "Certification Form"
5. Print the certificate and submit to the MABPO Secretary
FBI Fingerprinting click HERE
use service code 1KG6XN
Contact secretary@moonband.org if you have any questions about clearances.

Check out Moon Band on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/moonareabands
Questions, comments or suggestions contact communications@moonband.org

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Thursday, September 3 @ Bethal Park
Friday, September 11 Home @ RMU
Thursday, September 17 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, September 18 @ Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, September 19 Local Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS
Friday, September 25 @ West Allegheny (Homecoming)
Friday, October 2 @ Pine Richland
Friday, October 9 @ Plum
Saturday, October 10 Local Competition at Deer Lakes HS
Thursday, October 15 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, October 16 Home @ FND Stadium (412 Football Classic)
Saturday, October 17 Local Competition at McKeesport HS
Friday, October 23 @ Armstrong
Saturday, October 24 - PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS
Friday, October Home @ RMU (Senior Night)
Thursday, December 17 - Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 - Spring Band Concert

REMINDERS:
Senior Parents:
Please send the following information to Marcy at pictures@moonband.org for Senior Shoutouts.
Name:
Instrument/Section:
Favorite Subject:
Favorite Teacher:
Hobbies/Activities:
Favorite Band Memory:
Future Plans:

Parents of 2027 seniors, please send 7-10 of your favorite childhood photos of your Senior to Marcy at pictures@moonband.org. These pictures will be used to put together a slide show at the end of the year banquet in May.

Concession Stand: We are so excited to have the opportunity to work with you all!! Please consider volunteering for our first ever concession stand at RMU!! We will have two stands running at the same time. The “inside” will be us running one of RMU stands and we will receive 10% of all revenue from that stand. The “outside” stand will be more like our normal concessions with donated items under our tent. Thank you for considering volunteering and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kristie at concessions@moonband.org

Sign Up Genius for Homecoming Raffle Basket
Please consider donating one or two squishy toys of any size for a raffle basket at the Homecoming Carnival on September 24. Donations may be dropped off in the band room on September 17 before practice or during the Band Parent Meeting at 7 p.m. that evening. Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email.  Please contact Megan at communications@moonband.org with any questions.

Sign Up Genius for Football Games/Competitions
We need Parent Volunteers to help with Friday Night Football Games and Saturday Competitions. Please make sure your clearances have been submitted and are up to date. Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.

Amazon Snack Wish List: With football games, competitions, and home-game hospitality for visiting bands, we go through a lot of snacks. If you’d like to help, please choose an item from our Amazon Snack Wish List and have it shipped directly to us. Thank you for helping us keep the band fed and the snack bins stocked! Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.

RaiseRight: Support Moon Area Band Every Time You Shop! We’re excited to launch RaiseRight as a new way to support the Moon Area Band Parents Association! It’s simple: Purchase gift cards for the stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online retailers you already use, and a percentage of your purchase is donated back to our band! Every dollar earned through RaiseRight goes directly into the Moon Area Band Parents Association General Fund, helping support ALL our student musicians through equipment, transportation, events, scholarships, and so much more. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your gas tank, grabbing dinner, or shopping for birthdays and holidays, your everyday purchases can have a lasting impact on our band program. Shop. Earn. Support. Thank you for helping our students hit all the right notes this year! Please click on link Raise Right 
Enrollment Code: YXD6W6W9YJFL

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
If you’re interested in working games, please email Heather Park at hburakow@yahoo.com.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
You are now able to apply your students’ credits to fees in presto. Under finances, it lists My Fees, My Payments and My Credits.  Click on My Credits, then select Apply Credits.  Select the fee you would like to apply the credit to. Please pay online via Presto or place a check in the band room mailbox for all payments due. Email Maria at treasurer@moonband.org if you have questions. 

The third payment of $125 is due on September 24^th.
The fourth and final payment of $125 is due on October 22^nd.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
PERFORMANCE ITINERARIES FOR THE WEEK
THURSDAY, September 3  - Football at Bethel Park HS - Students Report to MAHS - 4:30PM - ​​​IT FB 2A 2026.pdf​
Please note, this is a TV Game with TV timeouts, the duration of the game will be longer than a normal HS football game.​​

**IMPORTANT** PROP WORKDAY - Saturday, 9/5 & Saturday, 9/12 at MAHS
We will need help (parents/students/family members) building 18 props on Saturday, 9/5 and Saturday, 9/12 starting at 8AM at MAHS.  We will meet at the student entrance parking lot. The workday on 9/5 will consist of wrapping twenty-eight 4'x8' sheets of painted plywood with vinyl car wrap-like material.  Please bring sharp utility knives, squeegees, straight edges, putty knives, drywall knives, tape measures, heat gun, etc. 9/12 workday will deal with joining the two pieces of plywood together, via hinges, to the dollys.  Materials needed will be drill, screw gun, drill bits, sockets, wrenches, and tape measure. Please consider assisting these 18 labor intensive props.

Presto Google Calendar Link - This is the link to the master Google Band Calendar.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Mon. 8/31 - Perc & Guard - 6pm-9pm – MAHS – Learn Mvt. 3 Dots
Tue. 9/1 – Winds Rehearsal - 6pm-9pm – MAHS – Learn Mvt. 3 Dots
Wed. 9/2 – None
Thu. 9/3 – Football Game at Bethel Park – 4:30 Report time. – Itinerary Link
Fri. 9/4- None
Sat. 9/5 – None

**IMPORTANT** REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE CHANGES****
FULL Band Rehearsals will be on Tuesday, 9/8 and Thursday, 9/10 due to Labor Day.  We will finish learning drill for the competition show this week.

PERC & GUARD THIS IS FOR YOU!PLEASE NOTE:  Due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 22 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 24 will be the Parade only at 5 PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 21 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.

LABOR DAY WEEK REHEARSALS (READ COLOR GUARD AND PERCUSSION!!!)
REMINDER, as previously scheduled, there will not be rehearsal on September 7.  We will hold FULL BAND Rehearsals on Tuesday, 9/8 and Thursday, 9/10.  Please plan accordingly.

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 1-14 - LINK
Music to be memorized included:
Star Spangled Banner
Alma Mater
Fight Song                                                  
Hero
Treasure  
Apt.
ALL THREE MVTS OF THE COMPETITION SHOW

ABSENCE COMMUNICATION
If your student will be absent from a marching band rehearsal, please communicate with either Mr. Barthen (winds/guard) or Mr. Fear (pit/battery percussion). This will aid us in planning and structuring rehearsal. 

BAND HANDBOOK - LINK

COMPLETE 2026 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE - LINK

PRESTO-ASSISTANT 
https://www.presto-assistant.com - MAHS Band will utilize the Presto Assistant for managing and communicating to band families. This website is a one-stop shop for all parent information, communication, and financial information for the band program and the MABPO (Moon Area Band Parent Organization). This is our first season using this application. All parents will receive an email link to create a PARENT account in mid-June and again in July. Please check the email address from which you received this email. If you have issues creating an account, please get in touch with Mr. Barthen for assistance. Our organizational code is: moonareahsband.

MARCHING BAND MICROSOFT TEAMS 
Each marching band student was invited to a MS Teams Channel. This channel will be used to distribute music, drill, and other important student information throughout the year. Please make sure your student turns notifications on for this channel.

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Aug. 31 – Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn dots
Tue. Sept. 1 – Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn dots
Wed. Sept. 2 - 
Thu. Sept. 3 - Football Game at Bethel Park HS
Fri. Sept. 4 -
Sat. Sept. 5 - Prop Work Day - 8AM - MAHS
___
Mon. Sept. 7 – No Rehearsal – Labor Day
Tue. Sept. 8 – FULL BAND Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn & Ens Dots
Wed. Sept. 9 - 
Thu. Sept. 10 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Finish 3rd mvt.
Fri. Sept. 11 - Football Game vs Penn-Trafford at RMU
Sat. Sept. 12 - Prop Work Day - 8AM - MAHS
___
Mon. Sept. 14 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 15 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 16
Thu. Sept. 17 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 18 – Football game at Thomas Jefferson HS
Sat. Sept. 19 – PIMBA Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS – Report time approx. 1pm. Performance time TBD.
____
Mon. Sept. 21 - Color Guard and Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 22 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 23 - 
Thu. Sept. 24 - Homecoming Parade - 5PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 25 - Football Game at West Allegheny HS
___
Future Events
Sat. September 19 – Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition - Report time is approximated at 1:00pm; Performance time is not known
Sat. October 10 – Deer Lakes PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 19 – McKeesport PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 24 – PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS

Thank you to our top Tier Sponsors!
Betlyn's Heating and Cooling
Brewer Toyota
Ceramiche Tile & Stone, Inc
Clearview Federal Credit Union
Huntsman Funeral Home
Moon Area Education Foundation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEARANCES
MABPO has no connection to MASD's Applitrack, therefore a digital or physical copy of the clearance needs to be submitted the MABPO secretary.  Clearances can be emailed to: Heather Longstreth - secretary@moonband.org

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Friday, August 28 First Football Game @ Montour
Thursday, September 3 @ Bethal Park
Friday, September 11 Home @ RMU
Thursday, September 17 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, September 18 @ Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, September 19 Local Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS
Friday, September 25 @ West Allegheny (Homecoming)
Friday, October 2 @ Pine Richland
Friday, October 9 @ Plum
Saturday, October 10 Local Competition at Deer Lakes HS
Thursday, October 15 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, October 16 Home @ FND Stadium (412 Football Classic)
Saturday, October 17 Local Competition at McKeesport HS
Friday, October 23 @ Armstrong
Saturday, October 24 - PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS
Friday, October Home @ RMU (Senior Night)
Thursday, December 17 - Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 - Spring Band Concert

REMINDERS:
Another Angle Tour Shirts: Available as T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, and sweatshirt. T-shirts: $18–$20, Long-sleeve shirts: $22–$24, Sweatshirts: $30–$35. Orders are due Monday, August 31! Late orders will not be accepted, and no extra shirts will be available. Submit your order by the deadline. Pay with exact cash or a check payable to MABPO. Place the completed order form in the Band Parent mailbox in the band room.

Senior Parents:
Please send the following information to Marcy at pictures@moonband.org for Senior Shoutouts.
Name:
Instrument/Section:
Favorite Subject:
Favorite Teacher:
Hobbies/Activities:
Favorite Band Memory:
Future Plans:

Parents of 2027 seniors, please send 7-10 of your favorite childhood photos of your Senior to Marcy at pictures@moonband.org. These pictures will be used to put together a slide show at the end of the year banquet in May.

Marianna’s Hoagie & Pizza Fundraiser orders can be picked up in the High School Cafeteria on August 26^th between 3:30-5:30pm.  Please email Alyssa at mabpofundraising.ad@gmail.com with any questions.

Double Good Fundraiser: Earn 35% of your overall sales. Download the app and create your online store today! Event code: GAGVJH All orders are completed online and shipped directly to supporter. Sales will run from August 18^th-August 31^st. Please email Alyssa at mabpofundraising.ad@gmail.com with any questions.

Sign Up Genius for Football Games/Competitions
We need Parent Volunteers to help with Friday Night Football Games and Saturday Competitions. Please make sure your clearances have been submitted and are up to date. Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.

Amazon Snack Wish List: With football games, competitions, and home-game hospitality for visiting bands, we go through a lot of snacks. If you’d like to help, please choose an item from our Amazon Snack Wish List and have it shipped directly to us. Thank you for helping us keep the band fed and the snack bins stocked! Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.

Concession Stand Update: We are so excited to have the opportunity to work with you all!! Please consider volunteering for our first ever concession stand at RMU!! We will have two stands running at the same time. The “inside” will be us running one of RMU stands and we will receive 10% of all revenue from that stand. The “outside” stand will be more like our normal concessions with donated items under our tent. Thank you for considering volunteering and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kristie at concessions@moonband.org

RaiseRight: Support Moon Area Band Every Time You Shop! We’re excited to launch RaiseRight as a new way to support the Moon Area Band Parents Association! It’s simple: Purchase gift cards for the stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online retailers you already use, and a percentage of your purchase is donated back to our band! Every dollar earned through RaiseRight goes directly into the Moon Area Band Parents Association General Fund, helping support ALL our student musicians through equipment, transportation, events, scholarships, and so much more. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your gas tank, grabbing dinner, or shopping for birthdays and holidays, your everyday purchases can have a lasting impact on our band program. Shop. Earn. Support. Thank you for helping our students hit all the right notes this year! Please click on link Raise Right 
Enrollment Code: YXD6W6W9YJFL

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
If you’re interested in working games, please email Heather Park at hburakow@yahoo.com.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
You are now able to apply your students’ credits to fees in presto. Under finances, it lists My Fees, My Payments and My Credits.  Click on My Credits, then select Apply Credits.  Select the fee you would like to apply the credit to. Please pay online via Presto or place a check in the band room mailbox for all payments due. Email Maria at treasurer@moonband.org if you have questions. 

The second payment of $125 is due on August 27th.
The third payment of $125 is due on September 24^th.
The fourth and final payment of $125 is due on October 22^nd.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
PERFORMANCES ITINERARIES FOR THE WEEK
Friday, August 28 - Football at Montour HS - Students Report to MAHS - 4:45PM - ​​IT FB 1A 2026.pdf​​

PROP WORKDAY - Saturday, 9/5 & Saturday, 9/12 at MAHS
We will need help (parents/students/family members) building 18 props on Saturday, 9/5 and Saturday, 9/12 starting at 8AM at MAHS.  We will meet at the student entrance parking lot.  A more concise list of items to bring, but if you can, please bring power saws to cut 1/2" OSB, screw guns and drill bits, wrenches and sockets, paint clothes, gloves, car wrap/window tinting/wallpaper hanging tools, sharp utility knives.  Please consider assisting these 18 labor intensive props.

Presto Google Calendar Link - This is the link to the master Google Band Calendar.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Mon. 8/24 - Perc & Guard - 6pm-9pm – MAHS – Learn Mvt. 3 Dot
Tue. 8/25 – Winds Rehearsal - 6pm-9pm – MAHS – Learn Mvt. 3 Dots
Wed. 8/26 – None
Thu. 8/27 - Full Band Rehearsal - 6pm-9pm – MAHS – Ensemble & Learn Mvt. 3 dots
Fri. 8/28- Football Game @ Montour HS – Report to HS – 4:45pm – Itinerary Link
Sat. 8/29 – None

**IMPORTANT** REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE CHANGES****
Varsity Football Game at Bethel Park moved to Thursday, 9/3.
FULL Band Rehearsals will be on Tuesday, 9/8 and Thursday, 9/10 due to Labor Day
PERC & GUARD THIS IS FOR YOU!PLEASE NOTE:  Due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 22 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 24 will be the Parade only at 5 PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 21 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.

**NEW**THURSDAY, September 3 - Bethel Park Football Game
The Bethel Park Football game has been moved to Thursday night, September 3.  The game will be aired live on TV.  There will be no band activities on Friday, September 4.

LABOR DAY WEEK REHEARSALS (READ COLOR GUARD AND PERCUSSION!!!)
REMINDER, as previously scheduled, there will not be rehearsal on September 7.  We will hold FULL BAND Rehearsals on Tuesday, 9/8 and Thursday, 9/10.  Please plan accordingly.

DOT BOOK CHECKS - There will be a graded dot-book check on August 27.  Students will have their dot-book collected after the 8/27 Rehearsals.  

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 8-15 - LINK
Music to be memorized included:
Star Spangled Banner
Alma Mater
Fight Song            
Hero
Treasure                                
Apt.
ALL THREE MVTS OF THE COMPETITION SHOW

ABSENCE COMMUNICATION
If your student will be absent from a marching band rehearsal, please communicate with either Mr. Barthen (winds/guard) or Mr. Fear (pit/battery percussion). This will aid us in planning and structuring rehearsal. 

ND HANDBOOK - LINK

COMPLETE 2026 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE - LINK

PRESTO-ASSISTANT 
https://www.presto-assistant.com - MAHS Band will utilize the Presto Assistant for managing and communicating to band families. This website is a one-stop shop for all parent information, communication, and financial information for the band program and the MABPO (Moon Area Band Parent Organization). This is our first season using this application. All parents will receive an email link to create a PARENT account in mid-June and again in July. Please check the email address from which you received this email. If you have issues creating an account, please get in touch with Mr. Barthen for assistance. Our organizational code is: moonareahsband.

MARCHING BAND MICROSOFT TEAMS 
Each marching band student was invited to a MS Teams Channel. This channel will be used to distribute music, drill, and other important student information throughout the year. Please make sure your student turns notifications on for this channel.

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Aug. 31 – Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn dots
Tue. Sept. 1 – Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn dots
Wed. Sept. 2 - 
Thu. Sept. 3 - Football Game at Bethel Park HS
Fri. Sept. 4 -
Sat. Sept. 5 - Prop Work Day - 8AM - MAHS
____
Mon. Sept. 7 – No Rehearsal – Labor Day
Tue. Sept. 8 – FULL BAND Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn & Ens Dots
Wed. Sept. 9 - 
Thu. Sept. 10 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Finish 3rd mvt.
Fri. Sept. 11 - Football Game vs Penn-Trafford at RMU
Sat. Sept. 12 - Prop Work Day - 8AM - MAHS
___
Mon. Sept. 14 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 15 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 16
Thu. Sept. 17 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 18 – Football game at Thomas Jefferson HS
Sat. Sept. 19 – PIMBA Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS – Report time approx. 1pm. Performance time TBD.
____
Mon. Sept. 21 - Color Guard and Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 22 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 23 - 
Thu. Sept. 24 - Homecoming Parade - 5PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 25 - Football Game at West Allegheny HS

Future Events
Sat. September 19 – Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 10 – Deer Lakes PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 19 – McKeesport PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 24 – PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS

Thank you to our top Tier Sponsors!
Betlyn's Heating and Cooling
Brewer Toyota
Ceramiche Tile & Stone, Inc
Clearview Federal Credit Union
Huntsman Funeral Home
Moon Area Education Foundation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEARANCES
MABPO has no connection to MASD's Applitrack, therefore a digital or physical copy of the clearance needs to be submitted the MABPO secretary.  Clearances can be emailed to: Heather Longstreth - secretary@moonband.org
Note:  If the child's last name differs from the parent sending the clearances, please point that out in the email.
Per the updated MASD policy, Clearances are valid for 5 years
Under PA Law Act 153, The State of Pennsylvania is requiring all adults who volunteer in any capacity within the school to obtain background checks. This will include parents who volunteer to chaperone the MAHS Marching Band at football games, parades, band camps, and trips. Chaperones are required to complete the PA State Police Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse History, and FBI Fingerprints. The FBI Fingerprint is only if the volunteer has not been a state of PA resident for at least 10 years. Please visit http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov for additional information.
OR follow the steps below: 
Child Abuse Clearance click HERE 
1. Cost: Free
2. Create the account
3. Submit the required information
4. Print certificate and submit to MABPO Secretary
PA Criminal Background Check click HERE
1. Cost: Free
2. Click on "NEW RECORD CHECK" (Volunteers Only)
3. After the record check is complete, click on the blue control number
4. To view the certificate, click on the blue words "Certification Form"
5. Print the certificate and submit to the MABPO Secretary
FBI Fingerprinting click HERE
use service code 1KG6XN
Contact secretary@moonband.org if you have any questions about clearances.

Check out Moon Band on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/moonareabands
Questions, comments or suggestions contact communications@moonband.org

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Tuesday, August 18 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Friday, August 28 First Football Game @ Montour
Thursday, September 17 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Saturday, September 19 Local Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS
Saturday, October 10 Local Competition at Deer Lakes HS
Thursday, October 15 Band Parent Meeting 7pm
Saturday, October 17 Local Competition at McKeesport HS
Saturday, October 24 - PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS
Thursday, December 17 - Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 - Spring Band Concert

REMINDERS:
Band Parent Meeting: this Tuesday, August 18^th at 7pm in the High School Band Room.

FUNDRAISING: Marianna’s Hoagie & Pizza Fundraiser orders will be delivered to the high school cafeteria on August 26^th, time TBD.  Please email Alyssa at mabpofundraising.ad@gmail.com with any questions.

Sign Up Genius for Football Games/Competitions
We need Parent Volunteers to help with Friday Night Football Games and Saturday Competitions. Please make sure your clearances have been submitted and are up to date. Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.

Amazon Snack Wish List: With football games, competitions, and home-game hospitality for visiting bands, we go through a lot of snacks. If you’d like to help, please choose an item from our Amazon Snack Wish List and have it shipped directly to us. Thank you for helping us keep the band fed and the snack bins stocked! Refer to the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.

Concession Stand Update: We are so excited to have the opportunity to work with you all!! Please consider volunteering for our first ever concession stand at RMU!! We will have two stands running at the same time. The “inside” will be us running one of RMU stands and we will receive 10% of all revenue from that stand. The “outside” stand will be more like our normal concessions with donated items under our tent. Thank you for considering volunteering and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at concessions@moonband.org

RaiseRight: Support Moon Area Band Every Time You Shop! We’re excited to launch RaiseRight as a new way to support the Moon Area Band Parents Association! It’s simple: Purchase gift cards for the stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online retailers you already use, and a percentage of your purchase is donated back to our band! Every dollar earned through RaiseRight goes directly into the Moon Area Band Parents Association General Fund, helping support ALL our student musicians through equipment, transportation, events, scholarships, and so much more. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your gas tank, grabbing dinner, or shopping for birthdays and holidays, your everyday purchases can have a lasting impact on our band program. Shop. Earn. Support. Thank you for helping our students hit all the right notes this year! Please click on link Raise Right 
Enrollment Code: YXD6W6W9YJFL

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
If you’re interested in working games, please email Heather Park at hburakow@yahoo.com.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
You are now able to apply your students’ credits to fees in presto. Under finances, it lists My Fees, My Payments and My Credits.  Click on My Credits, then select Apply Credits.  Select the fee you would like to apply the credit to. 

The second payment of $125 is due on August 27th. Please pay online via Presto or place a check in the band room mailbox. Please email Maria at treasurer@moonband.org if you have questions.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE - Week of August  17
Mon. 8/17 - Perc & Guard - 5 pm- 9 pm – MAHS – Learn Mvt. 3 Dots
Tue. 8/18 – 4:30 PM – Arrive at MAHS, grab equipment, get on Bus to Hyde
                   Winds Rehearsal - 6pm-9pm – MAHS – Learn Mvt. 3 Dots
Wed. 8/19 – 7:30 am – 8:20 am – Teacher In-Service Performance at MAHS Auditorium.
Thu. 8/20 - Full Band Rehearsal - 6 pm- 9 pm – MAHS – Ensemble & Learn Mvt. 3 dots
Fri. 8/21  None
Sat. 8/22 – None

**NEW**Band Performance at Opening of Hyde Academy – Tuesday, August 18
Arrive at HS at 4:30 PM to board the bus to and from Hyde.
The band has been requested to perform at the Opening of Hyde Academy on Tuesday, August 18 from 5PM-5:30PM. We have moved the wind rehearsal to 6-9pm to facilitate this performance.  Color Guard should not attend this event.  
**NEW** MASD Administration has provided two school buses to and from the event to alleviate parking issues at Hyde. 
Please arrive at the HS at 4:30pm.  Attire for this performance is Red Moon Area attire, shorts, tennis shoes, etc.  We should return to the high school by 5:45pm.

**NEW**Band Performance at Opening Day In-Service for Teachers - Wednesday, August 19 - 730AM - 8:15 AM 
Our superintendent, Dr. D'Alessio, has requested the band perform for the teachers on the opening in-service day meetings at the HS Auditorium.  We will be performing "Hero," "Apt." and "The Fight Song" in the auditorium.  Attire is shorts and a red moon shirt of your choosing.  The event will run from 7:30 AM until 8:15 AM on Wednesday, August 19.  Due to space constraints, the color guard should not attend this event.

**NEW** THURSDAY, September 3 - Bethel Park Football Game
The Bethel Park Football game has been moved to Thursday night, September 3.  The game will be aired live on TV.  There will be no band activities on Friday, September 4.

LABOR DAY WEEK REHEARSALS
REMINDER, as previously scheduled, there will not be rehearsal on September 7.  We will hold FULL BAND Rehearsals on Tuesday, 9/8 and Thursday, 9/10.  Please plan accordingly.

PLEASE NOTE:  As previously scheduled, due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 22 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 24 will be the Parade only at 5 PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 21 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.

DOT BOOK CHECKS - There will be a graded dot-book check on August 27.  Students will have their dot-book collected after the 8/27 Rehearsals.  

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 8-15 - LINK
Music to be memorized included:
Star Spangled Banner
Alma Mater
Fight Song                                                  
Hero
Treasure                                                    
Apt.
ALL THREE MVTS OF THE COMPETITION SHOW

ABSENCE COMMUNICATION
If your student will be absent from a marching band rehearsal, please communicate with either Mr. Barthen (winds/guard) or Mr. Fear (pit/battery percussion). This will aid us in planning and structuring rehearsal.

BAND HANDBOOK - LINK

COMPLETE 2026 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE - LINK 

PRESTO-ASSISTANT 
https://www.presto-assistant.com - MAHS Band will utilize the Presto Assistant for managing and communicating to band families. This website is a one-stop shop for all parent information, communication, and financial information for the band program and the MABPO (Moon Area Band Parent Organization). This is our first season using this application. All parents will receive an email link to create a PARENT account in mid-June and again in July. Please check the email address from which you received this email. If you have issues creating an account, please get in touch with Mr. Barthen for assistance. Our organizational code is: moonareahsband.

MARCHING BAND MICROSOFT TEAMS 
Each marching band student was invited to a MS Teams Channel. This channel will be used to distribute music, drill, and other important student information throughout the year. Please make sure your student turns notifications on for this channel.

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Aug. 17 - Percussion and Color Guard Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn dots
Tue. Aug. 18 -  Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn Dots
                         Hyde Academy Opening – 5PM- 5:45PM – Report to HS at 4:30 to board bus.
Wed. Aug. 19 – MAHS Teacher In-Service Performance – 7:30 AM
Thu. Aug. 20 - Full Ensemble Rehearsal – 6:00PM-9PM – MAHS – Ensemble & Learn dots
Fri. Aug. 21 -
______
Mon. Aug. 24 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn Dots
Tue. Aug, 25 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn Dots
Wed. Aug. 26
Thu. Aug. 27 - FULL Ensemble Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Ens. & Learn Dots
Fri. Aug. 28 - Away Football Game @ Montour HS - Report time is 5:00PM
____
Mon. Aug. 31 – Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn dots
Tue. Sept. 1 – Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn dots
Wed. Sept. 2 - 
Thu. Sept. 3 - Football Game at Bethel Park HS
Fri. Sept. 4 -
___
Mon. Sept. 7 – No Rehearsal – Labor Day
Tue. Sept. 8 – FULL BAND Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Learn & Ens Dots
Wed. Sept. 9 - 
Thu. Sept. 10 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM – MAHS – Finish 3rd mvt.
Fri. Sept. 11 - Football Game vs Penn-Trafford at RMU
Sat. Sept. 12 -
___
Mon. Sept. 14 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal – 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 15 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 16
Thu. Sept. 17 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 18 – Football game at Thomas Jefferson HS
Sat. Sept. 19 – PIMBA Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS – Report time approx. 1pm. Performance time TBD.

Future Events
Sat. September 19 – Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 10 – Deer Lakes PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 19 – McKeesport PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 24 – PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEARANCES
MABPO has no connection to MASD's Applitrack, therefore a digital or physical copy of the clearance needs to be submitted the MABPO secretary.  Clearances can be emailed to: Heather Longstreth - secretary@moonband.org