News & Events

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Wednesday, December 17 - MAHS Winter Band Concert
Tuesday, March 3 - All-District Music Concert
Monday, May 4 - Percussion Ensemble Concert
Thursday, May 14 - MAHS Spring Band Concert
Friday, May 15 - MAHS Spring Jazz Concert
Monday, May 25 - Sewickley Memorial Day Parade
Friday, June 5 - MAHS Graduation - All Band & Orchestra Students Perform

REMINDERS:
If you can help chaperone or with equipment this Friday, November 7th, please see the sign up genius link attached to this email.

Assistance Needed with Senior Memory Books
Would you like to lend your creative talents to help celebrate our seniors?  Each year, the seniors are presented with a memory book at the spring banquet documenting their time in Moon Band - from rehearsals, competitions, and football games through Florida trips, pancake breakfasts and sit-down concert season.  We need some help from parents to comb through our archive of photos over the past 4-5 years to pull images and build pages for the Class of 2026.  We primarily build this in Canva, but you don't need a subscription, we can collaborate together via the app.  If there's someone that is very deep into graphic design and wants to take over using their own platform, we'd be open to that as well. Contact Ted Merklin (pictures@moonband.org) if you'd be able to help out!

Pictures: Parents who wish to contribute some of their own pictures from the stands or other interactions are welcome to do so at this link.  Please note that contributions will be reviewed prior to posting in the SmugMug gallery.  Please take a moment to consider your contributions and make sure they are bright enough, clear, and do not upload excessive variations of the same picture.  If you wish to participate in more robust media coverage, contact Ted Merklin (pictures@moonband.org) to discuss. Refer to newsletter email for additional info.

FUNDRAISING
Hoagies and Pies are due Thursday, November 14 with delivery on Tuesday, November 25.
Sarris orders are due November 20 with online orders due December 14.
If you have an 8th grade student and the season is over, forms can be sent through Mrs. Finkelstein or Mr. Fear to the high school. If you have any questions, please email Hope at fundraising@moonband.org.

The next Dine to Donate is scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday, November 4th at Primanti Bros. in Moon. Please show a copy of the flyer to your server.

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
If you are interested in working games and events at Acrisure Stadium to raise funds for your band student, please email Heather Park at hburakow@yahoo.com. The next events are Pitt Football on 11/15, report time 8:30 am and Steelers 11/16, report time 9:30 am.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
Band fees were due last Thursday, October 23rd.  Unless you set up previous arrangements, all balances should be 0.

The 2^nd Disney payment of $475 for a quad or $530 for a double is due this Thursday November 6th. You can pay online through Presto or place a check or money order in the band mailbox.  If you have money in your band account and want it applied to payments, please contact Maria at treasurer@moonband.org.  If band fees are not paid, the band fee money will be taken out of Disney payments.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
Football Game @ Penn-Trafford HS - Away - 11/7 - Report time is 4:45pm - ​LINK​​

If the team wins on 11/7, we will play the winner of Pine Richland HS and Shaler HS at a neutral site.  Information will be released as soon as it is known.

WPIAL Football Play-offs – The football has qualified for the WPIAL post-season.  The full band will travel in support of the team. Games will be on Friday during the WPIAL play-offs.  REHEARSALS AND GAMES/PERFORMANCES WILL BE GRADED EVENTS.  Plans will be forwarded as soon as they are known.  The band will rehearse once a week while the team is in the play-offs. Week 2-4 Rehearsal will be on Thursdays from 6:00-6:45PM.  If the football team loses in the play-offs, they will be eliminated, and the Marching Band season will be done. No additional rehearsals will be held until February 2026 for the Florida performance.

WINTER CONCERT REHEARSALS

Symphonic Band (Period 5B & 6B)
Wednesday, December 10 - 6:30 - 9:00pm
Tuesday, December 16 - 6:30-9:00pm

Concert Band (Periods 3, 4A, 6B)
Wednesday, December 10 - 2:20 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, December 16 - 2:20 - 4:00pm

The Winter Band Concert is on Wednesday, December 17 beginning at 7:00pm in the MAHS Auditorium.

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 the planning and structure of rehearsal. Our e-mail addresses can be found at the bottom of this document.
**PLEASE NOTE: As per the marching band handbook (Page 3):

TRIP ELIGIBILITY ATTENDANCE POLICY
When the MAHS Marching Band takes a performance trip, in order for students to be eligible to participate in the winter/spring trip, students must be in attendance for 84% of all scheduled marching band rehearsals beginning with the July Pre-Camp (July 22, 2025). The complete marching band schedule was released in December of 2024 and can be found on page 1 of the handbook.   If a student is absent for EIGHT rehearsals (20% of all marching band rehearsals) for any reason(s), a meeting will be scheduled with the student, parents and band director(s) to discuss the reasons for the absences and thus the eligibility of the student’s Trip.  If the non-refundable trip payment is made, then the student becomes ineligible to attend the trip, the parents/students will forfeit the non-refundable trip payment.  The MAHS Marching Band will be traveling to Florida in February of 2026.

IMPORTANT – Hoodies at Rehearsals – As the weather begins to turn colder, please make sure students are bringing appropriate clothing to rehearsal.  Students are not permitted to wear the hood part of a hoodie or ski masks during rehearsal or performances.  The hood and/or ski mask impair peripheral vision and is a safety issue.  Students are encouraged to wear hats, tossle hats, beanies etc.  Students are able to bring warmer clothing items.  HOODIES ARE NEVER PERMITTED UNDERNEATH THE UNIFORMS!

COLD WEATHER GEAR FOR GAMES
Students are encouraged to bring gloves, hats, blankets, and hand warmers to use in the stands.  We will utilize our quilted raincoats during cold weather game.  Whatever they bring, they must be able to perform in the stands and carry themselves.

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Nov. 3 - No School
Tue. Nov. 4 - No School
Wed. Nov. 5 - 
Thu. Nov. 6 - Full Marching Band Rehearsal - 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Fri. Nov. 7 - WPIAL Play-off Game #2 vs. Penn-Trafford HS - Away.  Report time is 4:15pm; departure is 4:45pm 

Mon. Nov. 10 - 
Tue. Nov. 11
Wed. Nov. 12
Thu. Nov. 13 - None
Fri. Nov. 14 - Play-off Game #3 - Location and time TBD

Mon. Nov. 17 - 
Tue. Nov. 18 - 
Wed. Nov. 19
Thu. Nov. 20 - Play-off Rehearsal - 6:00-6:45pm
Fri. Nov. 21 - 
Sat. Nov. 22 - WPIAL Championship - Time TBD at Acrisure Stadium

Mon. Nov. 24
Tue. Nov. 25
Wed. Nov. 26
Thu. Nov. 27 - Happy Thanksgiving
Fri. Nov. 28 - Possible PIAA Football Play-off game if win WPIAL Championship
Sat. Nov. 29 - Possible PIAA Football Play-off game if win WPIAL Championship

Future Events
Wednesday, December 10 - WINTER CONCERT DRESS REHEARSAL
Tuesday, December 16 - WINTER CONCERT DRESS REHEARSAL
Wed. December 17 - MAHS Winter Band Concert

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: Rachel Jones - 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!
Wednesday, December 17 - MAHS Winter Band Concert
Tuesday, March 3 - All-District Music Concert
Monday, May 4 - Percussion Ensemble Concert
Thursday, May 14 - MAHS Spring Band Concert
Friday, May 15 - MAHS Spring Jazz Concert
Monday, May 25 - Sewickley Memorial Day Parade
Friday, June 5 - MAHS Graduation - All Band & Orchestra Students Perform

REMINDERS:
Pictures: Parents who wish to contribute some of their own pictures from the stands or other interactions are welcome to do so at this link.  Please note that contributions will be reviewed prior to posting in the SmugMug gallery.  Please take a moment to consider your contributions and make sure they are bright enough, clear, and do not upload excessive variations of the same picture.  If you wish to participate in more robust media coverage, contact Ted Merklin (pictures@moonband.org) to discuss. Refer to newsletter email for additional info.

FUNDRAISING
Two of our most popular fundraisers are happening this month. Along with our normal hoagies and rolls, we are also selling fruit pies. All items will be delivered on November 25th just in time for a no-cook meal before Thanksgiving. We are also selling Sarris Candy which will be delivered in time for Christmas. Brochures and master forms can be found in the Band room. Sarris will be delivered December 13. Please look for a separate email with fundraising information. If you have any questions, please email Hope at fundraising@moonband.org.

The next Dine to Donate is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th at Primanti Bros. in Moon. Look for the flyer attached to this email.

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
Contact Hoda @ aramarkheinzfield@moonband.org or HapHoda2@Aol.com if you are interested in working at PPG Paints Arena or PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
Band fees were due last Thursday, October 23rd.  Unless you have set up a previous arrangement, all balances should be 0. The 2^nd Disney payment of $475 for a quad or $530 for a double is due November 6th. You can pay online through Presto or place a check or money order in the band mailbox.  If band fees are not paid, the band fee money will be taken out of Disney payments. If you have money in your band account and would like to apply it to payments, please contact Maria at treasurer@moonband.org.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
Football Game vs Armstrong HS - Home - 10/31 - Report time is 5:30pm - ​LINK​

If the team wins on 10/31, we will travel to Penn-Trafford HS on Friday, November 7.  Report time will be 4:15pm with a 4:45 departure.  If the team loses on 10/31, then we are eliminated from the play-offs, all marching band activities will stop until February 2026 for the Florida Trip.

WPIAL Football Play-offs – The football has qualified for the WPIAL post-season.  The full band will travel in support of the team. Games will be Friday during the WPIAL play-offs.  REHEARSALS AND GAMES/PERFORMANCES WILL BE GRADED EVENTS.  Plans will be forwarded as soon as they are known.  The band will rehearse once a week while the team is in the play-offs.  WEEK #1 Rehearsal will be Monday, October 27 from 6-6:45PM.  Week 2-4 Rehearsal will be on Thursdays from 6:00-6:45PM.  If the football team loses in the play-offs, they will be eliminated, and the Marching Band season will be done. No additional rehearsals will be held until February 2026 for the Florida performance.

WINTER CONCERT REHEARSALS

Symphonic Band (Period 5B & 6B)
Wednesday, December 10 - 6:30 - 9:00pm
Tuesday, December 16 - 6:30-9:00pm

Concert Band (Periods 3, 4A, 6B)
Wednesday, December 10 - 2:20 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, December 16 - 2:20 - 4:00pm

The Winter Band Concert is on Wednesday, December 17 beginning at 7:00pm in the MAHS Auditorium.

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 the planning and structure of rehearsal. Our e-mail addresses can be found at the bottom of this document.

**PLEASE NOTE: As per the marching band handbook (Page 3):

TRIP ELIGIBILITY ATTENDANCE POLICY
When the MAHS Marching Band takes a performance trip, in order for students to be eligible to participate in the winter/spring trip, students must be in attendance for 84% of all scheduled marching band rehearsals beginning with the July Pre-Camp (July 22, 2025). The complete marching band schedule was released in December of 2024 and can be found on page 1 of the handbook.   If a student is absent for EIGHT rehearsals (20% of all marching band rehearsals) for any reason(s), a meeting will be scheduled with the student, parents and band director(s) to discuss the reasons for the absences and thus the eligibility of the student’s Trip.  If the non-refundable trip payment is made, then the student becomes ineligible to attend the trip, the parents/students will forfeit the non-refundable trip payment.  The MAHS Marching Band will be traveling to Florida in February of 2026.

IMPORTANT – Hoodies at Rehearsals – As the weather begins to turn colder, please make sure students are bringing appropriate clothing to rehearsal.  Students are not permitted to wear the hood part of a hoodie or ski masks during rehearsal or performances.  The hood and/or ski mask impair peripheral vision and is a safety issue.  Students are encouraged to wear hats, tossle hats, beanies etc.  Students are able to bring warmer clothing items.  HOODIES ARE NEVER PERMITTED UNDERNEATH THE UNIFORMS!

COLD WEATHER GEAR FOR GAMES
Students are encouraged to bring gloves, hats, blankets, and hand warmers to use in the stands.  We will utilize our quilted raincoats during cold weather game.  Whatever they bring, they must be able to perform in the stands and carry themselves.

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Oct. 27 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6pm-6:45PM
                                            Trunk or Treat - 6:45PM - ?
Tue. Oct. 28 - 
Wed. Oct. 29 -
Thu. Oct. 30 - 
Fri. Oct. 31 - WPIAL Play-off Game #1 at MAHS vs. Armstrong HS 

Mon. Nov. 3 - No School
Tue. Nov. 4 - No School
Wed. Nov. 5 - 
Thu. Nov. 6 - Full Marching Band Rehearsal - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Fri. Nov. 7 - WPIAL Play-off Game #2 - if qualify  vs. Penn-Trafford HS - Away.  Report time is 4:15pm; departure is 4:45pm

Mon. Nov. 10 - 
Tue. Nov. 11-
Wed. Nov. 12-
Thu. Nov. 13 - None
Fri. Nov. 14 - Play-off Game #3 - Location and time TBD

Mon. Nov. 17 - 
Tue. Nov. 18 - 
Wed. Nov. 19
Thu. Nov. 20 - Play-off Rehearsal - 6:00-6:45pm
Fri. Nov. 21 - 
Sat. Nov. 22 - WPIAL Championship - Time TBD at Acrisure Stadium

Future Events
Wednesday, December 10 - WINTER CONCERT DRESS REHEARSAL
Tuesday, December 16 - WINTER CONCERT DRESS REHEARSAL
Wed. December 17 - MAHS Winter Band Concert

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: Rachel Jones - 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!
Saturday, October 25 – LMBA Championships Erie, PA
Wednesday, December 17 - MAHS Winter Band Concert
Tuesday, March 3 - All-District Music Concert
Monday, May 4 - Percussion Ensemble Concert
Thursday, May 14 - MAHS Spring Band Concert
Friday, May 15 - MAHS Spring Jazz Concert
Monday, May 25 - Sewickley Memorial Day Parade
Friday, June 5 - MAHS Graduation - All Band & Orchestra Students Perform

REMINDERS:
Pictures: Parents who wish to contribute some of their own pictures from the stands or other interactions are welcome to do so at this link.  Please note that contributions will be reviewed prior to posting in the SmugMug gallery.  Please take a moment to consider your contributions and make sure they are bright enough, clear, and do not upload excessive variations of the same picture.  If you wish to participate in more robust media coverage, contact Ted Merklin (pictures@moonband.org) to discuss. Refer to newsletter email for additional info.

FUNDRAISING
Information coming soon about the upcoming Moe’s Southwest Grill Fundraiser. If you have any questions, please email Hope at fundraising@moonband.org.

The next Dine to Donate is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th at Primanti Bros. in Moon. Look for a flyer in next week’s newsletter.

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
Contact Hoda @ aramarkheinzfield@moonband.org or HapHoda2@Aol.com if you are interested in working at PPG Paints Arena or PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
Reminder that the Final band payment of $75 is due this Thursday, October 23rd. The 2nd Disney payment of $475 for a quad or $530 for a double is due November 6th. If you have money in your band account and would like to apply it to payments, please contact Maria at treasurer@moonband.org.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
Football Game @ South Fayette HS - Away - 10/24 - Report time is 4:45pm - ​​LINK​
LMBA Championships at Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium 10/25 - Report time is 10:45am​ - ​LINK

LMBA Championship in Erie, PA - 10/25 - Ticket & Travel Information for Parents - 10 East 26th Street; Erie, PA 16504

The Erie City Band Boosters offerings (Northwest corner: 26th & State):
BAKE SALE; CANDY GRAMS; 50/50 TICKETS; BASKET RAFFLE

CONCESSIONS: The concession stand is run by Metz Culinary Management and staffed by their employees as well as volunteers from various school district organizations: Location: South end of stadium near NPCA.

ADMISSION to the show: $10.00 Adults, $6.00 Students, Free under 5. Gates open at 2:00 PM. Check www.lmba.us for complete show details

FLORIDA FLIGHT, HOTEL, DIETARY FORM - LINK
A link was sent to the Student Florida Microsoft Teams page for students participating in the Florida trip to submit information for Flights, Hotel roommates, and Dietary needs.  Students were explained the form in class.  Deadline for completion of this form is October 20.  Parents, please discuss this form and their roommate selection with your child and remind your student to complete this form ASAP!

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 the planning and structure of rehearsal. Our e-mail addresses can be found at the bottom of this document.

**PLEASE NOTE: As per the marching band handbook (Page 3):

TRIP ELIGIBILITY ATTENDANCE POLICY
When the MAHS Marching Band takes a performance trip, in order for students to be eligible to participate in the winter/spring trip, students must be in attendance for 84% of all scheduled marching band rehearsals beginning with the July Pre-Camp (July 22, 2025). The complete marching band schedule was released in December of 2024 and can be found on page 1 of the handbook.   If a student is absent for EIGHT rehearsals (20% of all marching band rehearsals) for any reason(s), a meeting will be scheduled with the student, parents and band director(s) to discuss the reasons for the absences and thus the eligibility of the student’s Trip.  If the non-refundable trip payment is made, then the student becomes ineligible to attend the trip, the parents/students will forfeit the non-refundable trip payment.  The MAHS Marching Band will be traveling to Florida in February of 2026.

TRUNK OR TREAT – 10/27 – It is a tradition to decorate parent’s vehicles and pass out candy to the kid’s ala trick-or treating around the neighborhoods/cars.  Students will dress-up for rehearsal, and trunk-or treat.  This will begin at 6:45PM in the MS PARKING LOT/PRACTICE FIELD.  To make candy plans, we have 110 students in the marching band! 

WPIAL Football Play-offs – The football has qualified for the WPIAL post-season.  The full band will travel in support of the team. Games will be Friday during the WPIAL play-offs.  REHEARSALS AND GAMES/PERFORMANCES WILL BE GRADED EVENTS.  Plans will be forwarded as soon as they are known.  The band will rehearse once a week while the team is in the play-offs.  WEEK #1 Rehearsal will be Monday, October 27 from 6-6:45PM.  Week 2-4 Rehearsal will be on Thursdays from 6:00-6:45PM.  If the football team loses in the play-offs, they will be eliminated, and the Marching Band season will be done. No additional rehearsals will be held until February 2026 for the Florida performance.

IMPORTANT – Hoodies at Rehearsals – As the weather begins to turn colder, please make sure students are bringing appropriate clothing to rehearsal.  Students are not permitted to wear the hood part of a hoodie or ski masks during rehearsal or performances.  The hood and/or ski mask impair peripheral vision and is a safety issue.  Students are encouraged to wear hats, tossle hats, beanies etc.  Students are able to bring warmer clothing items.  HOODIES ARE NEVER PERMITTED UNDERNEATH THE UNIFORMS!

COMPLETE 2025 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE - ​​LINK​​​

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Oct. 27 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6pm-6:45PM
                                            Trunk or Treat - 6:45PM - ?
Tue. Oct. 28 - 
Wed. Oct. 29 -
Thu. Oct. 30 - 
Fri. Oct. 31 - WPIAL Play-off Game #1 (if qualify) - Location and time TBD 

Mon. Nov. 3 - No School
Tue. Nov. 4 - No School
Wed. Nov. 5 - 
Thu. Nov. 6 - Full Marching Band Rehearsal - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Fri. Nov. 7 - WPIAL Play-off Game #2 - Location and time TBD
Sat. Nov. 8 - 

Mon. Nov. 10 - 
Tue. Nov. 11
Wed. Nov. 12
Thu. Nov. 13 - Full Marching Band Rehearsal - 6:00-6:45PM
Fri. Nov. 14 - Play-off Game #2 - Location and time TBD

Future Events
Sat. October 25 - LMBA Championships at Erie Veteran Stadium - Report time is 10:45AM
Wed. December 17 - MAHS Winter Band Concert

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Saturday, October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
Saturday, October 25 – LMBA Championships Erie, PA
Wednesday, December 17 - MAHS Winter Band Concert
Tuesday, March 3 - All-District Music Concert
Monday, May 4 - Percussion Ensemble Concert
Thursday, May 14 - MAHS Spring Band Concert
Friday, May 15 - MAHS Spring Jazz Concert
Monday, May 25 - Sewickley Memorial Day Parade
Friday, June 5 - MAHS Graduation - All Band & Orchestra Students Perform

REMINDERS:
If you can chaperone or help with equipment crew or concessions for our October events, please reach out to VPoperations@moonband.org.   We still have slots to fill!

Senior Night - Oct 17
Donations are needed for the Senior Night reception.  Donations can be dropped off during the Band Parent Meeting on Thursday, October 16 or on Friday, October 17 between 3:30- 4:00 at the High School Cafeteria. Do Not drop off donations at the Band Room. Volunteers are needed to set up before the event at 3:00 and afterwards at 5:30. Senior parents will be participating in the evening and will not be able to volunteer. Please see the sign up for Senior Night Donations/Volunteers. Any questions, please reach out to Keri Merklin at seniorrec@moonband.org

Senior Parents
Senior members and their parents are invited to a reception at the High School Cafeteria before the game. The reception will begin at 4:30 and include light refreshments as well as pictures. Senior members will be recognized during halftime of the football game. Parents will sit with the band during the first half of the game. Following the halftime recognition, parents are welcome to continue to sit with the band or may sit in the stands. Please reach out to seniorrec@moonband.org if you have any questions.

Pictures: Parents who wish to contribute some of their own pictures from the stands or other interactions are welcome to do so at this link.  Please note that contributions will be reviewed prior to posting in the SmugMug gallery.  Please take a moment to consider your contributions and make sure they are bright enough, clear, and do not upload excessive variations of the same picture.  If you wish to participate in more robust media coverage, contact Ted Merklin (pictures@moonband.org) to discuss. Refer to newsletter email for additional info.

FUNDRAISING
If you have any questions, please email Hope at fundraising@moonband.org.

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
Contact Hoda @ aramarkheinzfield@moonband.org or HapHoda2@Aol.com if you are interested in working at PPG Paints Arena or PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
Reminder that the final band payment of $75 is due on October 23rd. For questions contact Maria at treasurer@moonband.org.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
Football Game vs. USC HS - HOME - 10/17 - Report time is 5:30pm - ​LINK​
PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS - 10/18 - Report time is 1:30pm​ - ​LINK​

PIMBA CHAMPIONSHIPS - DEER LAKES HS SPECTATOR PARKING INFORMATION (The campus is small, and parking is at a premium, please allow time to park/shuttle before our performance) 

We will have parking available on the campus of the high school.  The main lot adjacent to the stadium and the band practice field directly beside that.  In addition to on-campus parking, we will have 3 other sites for parking.  They are as follows:
Deer Lakes Middle School - 17 East Union Rd., Cheswick, PA 15024
East Union Intermediate School - 57 East Union Rd., Cheswick, PA 15024
East Union Presbyterian Church - 292 East Union Rd., Cheswick, PA 15024

We will have an active shuttle transporting spectators from off-campus parking beginning at 3:00pm and ending at 10:00pm.  Please allow at least 30 minutes to park and be shuttled before your band’s performance.

Parents’ Guide to Marching Band Competition LINK​

FLORIDA FLIGHT, HOTEL, DIETARY FORM - LINK
A link was sent to the Student Florida Microsoft Teams page for students participating in the Florida trip to submit information for Flights, Hotel roommates, and Dietary needs.  Students were explained the form in class.  Deadline for completion of this form is October 20.  Parents, please discuss this form and their roommate selection with your child and remind your student to complete this form ASAP!

We regret to inform you that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants event scheduled for this coming Wednesday 10/15 has been CANCELLED without any firm rescheduling date. Please consult with the issuer of your tickets for any further information regarding future dates and/or transactions.
US Air Force Band - The US Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, one of the premier military musical ensembles, will be in concert on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:00pm in our own MAHS Auditorium.  Tickets are free, you will need to reserve a seat.  Several of our own MAHS Marching Band and choir students will be performing with this group. Please click the link for tickets and details.  ​LINK​

October 25 Competition - LMBA Championships in Erie, PA 
Due to Bands of America not being able to accommodate our travel and time constraints, we had to pull out of the BOA Mid-Atlantic Regional at the University of Delaware on 10/25.  We will now be traveling to Erie, PA to perform at the Lakeshore Marching Band Association (LMBA) Championships at Erie Veterans Stadium on 10/25.  Our performance time is at 6:30PM.  This is NOT an overnight trip.   Report time is 10:30AM and return time will be around midnight.  

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 the planning and structure of rehearsal. Our e-mail addresses can be found at the bottom of this document.

**PLEASE NOTE: As per the marching band handbook (Page 3):

TRIP ELIGIBILITY ATTENDANCE POLICY
When the MAHS Marching Band takes a performance trip, in order for students to be eligible to participate in the winter/spring trip, students must be in attendance for 84% of all scheduled marching band rehearsals beginning with the July Pre-Camp (July 22, 2025). The complete marching band schedule was released in December of 2024 and can be found on page 1 of the handbook.   If a student is absent for EIGHT rehearsals (20% of all marching band rehearsals) for any reason(s), a meeting will be scheduled with the student, parents and band director(s) to discuss the reasons for the absences and thus the eligibility of the student’s Trip.  If the non-refundable trip payment is made, then the student becomes ineligible to attend the trip, the parents/students will forfeit the non-refundable trip payment.  The MAHS Marching Band will be traveling to Florida in February of 2026.

TRUNK OR TREAT – 10/27 – It is a tradition to decorate parent’s vehicles and pass out candy to the kid’s ala trick-or treating around the neighborhoods/cars.  Students will dress-up for rehearsal, and trunk-or treat.  This will begin at 6:45PM in the MS PARKING LOT/PRACTICE FIELD.  To make candy plans, we have 110 students in the marching band! 

WPIAL Football Play-offs – The football will qualify for the WPIAL post-season.  The full band will travel in support of the team. Games will be Friday during the WPIAL play-offs.  REHEARSALS AND GAMES/PERFORMANCES WILL BE GRADED EVENTS.  Plans will be forwarded as soon as they are known.  The band will rehearse once a week while the team is in the play-offs.  WEEK #1 Rehearsal will be Monday, October 27 from 6-6:45PM.  Week 2-4 Rehearsal will be on Thursdays from 6:00-6:45PM

IMPORTANT – Hoodies at Rehearsals – As the weather begins to turn colder, please make sure students are bringing appropriate clothing to rehearsal.  Students are not permitted to wear the hood part of a hoodie or ski masks during rehearsal or performances.  The hood and/or ski mask impair peripheral vision and is a safety issue.  Students are encouraged to wear hats, tossle hats, beanies etc.  Students are able to bring warmer clothing items.  HOODIES ARE NEVER PERMITTED UNDERNEATH THE UNIFORMS!

COMPLETE 2025 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE - ​LINK​​

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Oct. 13 – Color Guard Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm – MAHS 
Tue. Oct. 14 – Wind and Percussion Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Wed. Oct. 15 - US Air Force Band Concert - 7:00PM - MAHS Auditorium
Thu. Oct. 16 – Full Band Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 17 – Football Game vs. USC HS – Home - Report time is 5:30PM
Sat. Oct. 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS - Report time is 1:30; Performance time is 7:45PM

Mon. Oct. 20 -  NO REHEARSAL
Tue. Oct. 21 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Wed. Oct. 22 - 
Thu. Oct. 23 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 24 - Football Game @ South Fayette HS - Report time is 4:45PM
Sat. Oct. 25 - LMBA Championships in Erie, PA - Report time is 10:30AM

Mon. Oct. 27 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6pm-6:45PM
                        Trunk or Treat - 6:45PM - ?
Tue. Oct. 28 - 
Wed. Oct. 29 -
Thu. Oct. 30 - 
Fri. Oct. 31 - WPIAL Play-off Game #1 (if qualify) - Location and time TBD 

Mon. Nov. 3 - No School
Tue. Nov. 4 - No School
Wed. Nov. 5 - 
Thu. Nov. 6 - Full Marching Band Rehearsal - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Fri. Nov. 7 - WPIAL Play-off Game #2 - Location and time TBD
Sat. Nov. 8 - 

Future Events
Sat. October 25 - LMBA Championships at Erie Veteran Stadium - Report time is 10:30AM
Wed. December 15 - MAHS Winter Band Concert

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Saturday, October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
Saturday, October 25 – LMBA Championships Erie, PA
Wednesday, December 17 - MAHS Winter Band Concert
Tuesday, March 3 - All-District Music Concert
Monday, May 4 - Percussion Ensemble Concert
Thursday, May 14 - MAHS Spring Band Concert
Friday, May 15 - MAHS Spring Jazz Concert
Monday, May 25 - Sewickley Memorial Day Parade
Friday, June 5 - MAHS Graduation - All Band & Orchestra Students Perform

REMINDERS:
If you can chaperone or help with equipment crew or concessions for our October events, please reach out to VPoperations@moonband.org.   We still have slots to fill!

Senior Night - Oct 17
Donations are needed for the Senior Night reception.  Donations can be dropped off during the Band Parent Meeting on Thursday, October 16 or on Friday, October 17 between 3:30- 4:00 at the High School Cafeteria. Do Not drop off donations at the Band Room. Volunteers are needed to set up before the event at 3:00 and afterwards at 5:30. Senior parents will be participating in the evening and will not be able to volunteer. Please see the sign up for Senior Night Donations/Volunteers. Any questions, please reach out to Keri Merklin at seniorrec@moonband.org

Senior Parents
Senior members and their parents are invited to a reception at the High School Cafeteria before the game. The reception will begin at 4:30 and include light refreshments as well as pictures. Senior members will be recognized during halftime of the football game. Parents will sit with the band during the first half of the game. Following the halftime recognition, parents are welcome to continue to sit with the band or may sit in the stands. Please reach out to seniorrec@moonband.org if you have any questions.

Pictures
Parents who wish to contribute some of their own pictures from the stands or other interactions are welcome to do so at this link.  Please note that contributions will be reviewed prior to posting in the SmugMug gallery.  Please take a moment to consider your contributions and make sure they are bright enough, clear, and do not upload excessive variations of the same picture.  If you wish to participate in more robust media coverage, contact Ted Merklin (pictures@moonband.org) to discuss. Refer to newsletter email for additional info.

FUNDRAISING
If you have any questions, please email Hope at fundraising@moonband.org.

FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG 
Contact Hoda @ aramarkheinzfield@moonband.org or HapHoda2@Aol.com if you are interested in working at PPG Paints Arena or PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
For questions contact Maria at treasurer@moonband.org.

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
Football Game vs. Baldwin HS - HOME - 10/10 - Report time is 5:30 - LINK

PARENTS: All students have been sent a link on TEAMS to choose their dinner option for LMBA Championships on 10/25.  Please remind them to complete this by 10/13

Parents’ Guide to Marching Band Competition LINK

FLORIDA FLIGHT, HOTEL, DIETARY FORM - LINK
A link was sent to the Student Florida Microsoft Teams page for students participating in the Florida trip to submit information for Flights, Hotel roommates, and Dietary needs.  Students were explained the form in class.  Deadline for completion of this form is October 20.  Parents, please discuss this form and their roommate selection with your child and remind your student to complete this form ASAP!

FLORIDA TRIP INSURANCE - PURCHASE DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 7 - LINK

US Air Force Band - The US Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, one of the premier military musical ensembles, will be in concert on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:00pm in our own MAHS Auditorium.  Tickets are free, you will need to reserve a seat.  Several of our own MAHS Marching Band and choir students will be performing with this group. Please click the link for tickets and details.  LINK

PIMBA CHAMPIONSHIPS at Deer Lakes HS – 10/18– Report time is estimated to be around 1:00PM.  Performance time is based off of score seeding after the last regular season show on 10/11. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is known.

October 25 Competition - LMBA Championships in Erie, PA 
Due to Bands of America not being able to accommodate our travel and time constraints, we had to pull out of the BOA Mid-Atlantic Regional at the University of Delaware on 10/25.  We will now be traveling to Erie, PA to perform at the Lakeshore Marching Band Association (LMBA) Championships at Erie Veterans Stadium on 10/25.  Our performance time is at 6:30PM.  This is NOT an overnight trip.  Additional details will be distributed closer to the date.  Report time will be approximately 10:30AM and return time will be around midnight.  

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 the planning and structure of rehearsal. Our e-mail addresses can be found at the bottom of this document.

**PLEASE NOTE: As per the marching band handbook (Page 3):

TRIP ELIGIBILITY ATTENDANCE POLICY
When the MAHS Marching Band takes a performance trip, in order for students to be eligible to participate in the winter/spring trip, students must be in attendance for 84% of all scheduled marching band rehearsals beginning with the July Pre-Camp (July 22, 2025). The complete marching band schedule was released in December of 2024 and can be found on page 1 of the handbook.   If a student is absent for EIGHT rehearsals (20% of all marching band rehearsals) for any reason(s), a meeting will be scheduled with the student, parents and band director(s) to discuss the reasons for the absences and thus the eligibility of the student’s Trip.  If the non-refundable trip payment is made, then the student becomes ineligible to attend the trip, the parents/students will forfeit the non-refundable trip payment.  The MAHS Marching Band will be traveling to Florida in February of 2026.

TRUNK OR TREAT – 10/27 – It is a tradition to decorate parent’s vehicles and pass out candy to the kid’s ala trick-or treating around the neighborhoods/cars.  Students will dress-up for rehearsal, and trunk-or treat.  This will begin at 6:45PM in the MS PARKING LOT/PRACTICE FIELD.  To make candy plans, we have 110 students in the marching band! 

WPIAL Football Play-offs – The football team may qualify for the WPIAL post-season.  The full band will travel in support of the team. Games will be Friday during the WPIAL play-offs.  REHEARSALS AND GAMES/PERFORMANCES WILL BE GRADED EVENTS.  Plans will be forwarded as soon as they are known.  The band will rehearse once a week while the team is in the play-offs.  WEEK #1 Rehearsal will be Monday, October 27 from 6-6:45PM.  Week 2-4 Rehearsal will be on Thursdays from 6:00-6:45PM

IMPORTANT – Hoodies at Rehearsals – As the weather begins to turn colder, please make sure students are bringing appropriate clothing to rehearsal.  Students are not permitted to wear the hood part of a hoodie or ski masks during rehearsal or performances.  The hood and/or ski mask impair peripheral vision and is a safety issue.  Students are encouraged to wear hats, tossle hats, beanies etc.  Students are able to bring warmer clothing items.  HOODIES ARE NEVER PERMITTED UNDERNEATH THE UNIFORMS!

COMPLETE 2025 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE - LINK​

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Oct. 6 – Color Guard Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm – MAHS
Tue. Oct. 7 – Wind and Percussion Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm - MAHS 
Wed. Oct. 8
Thu. Oct. 9 – Full Band Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 10 – Football Game vs. Baldwin HS – Report time is 5:30PM
Sat. Oct. 11 - NONE

Mon. Oct. 13 – Color Guard Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm – MAHS 
Tue. Oct. 14 – Wind and Percussion Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Wed. Oct. 15 - US Air Force Band Concert - 7:00PM - MAHS Auditorium
Thu. Oct. 16 – Full Band Rehearsal – 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 17 – Football Game vs. USC HS – Home - Report time is 5:30PM
Sat. Oct. 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS - Report time unknown at this time.  Based on seeding and band score.

Mon. Oct. 20 -  NO REHEARSAL
Tue. Oct. 21 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Wed. Oct. 22 -
Thu. Oct. 23 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6pm-9pm - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 24 - Football Game @ South Fayette HS - Report time is 4:45PM
Sat. Oct. 25 - LMBA Championships in Erie, PA - Report time is 10:30AM

Mon. Oct. 27 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6pm-6:45PM with Trunk or Treat to follow - 6:45PM - ?
Tue. Oct. 28 - 
Wed. Oct. 29 -
Thu. Oct. 30 - 
Fri. Oct. 31 - WPIAL Play-off Game #1 (if qualify) - Location and time TBD 

Future Events
Sat. October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS - Report time TBD on seeding
Sat. October 25 - LMBA Championships at Erie Veteran Stadium - Report time is 10:30AM
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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: Rachel Jones - 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.

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Questions, comments or suggestions contact communications@moonband.org