News & Events

IMPORTANT REMINDERS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Saturday, November 30^th – Band Parent Holiday Party
Saturday, December 7^th - Small Ensemble at Moon Twp Light Up Night
Thursday, December 12^th - Band Parent Meeting 7PM
Sunday, December 15^th – Pancake Breakfast and Cookie Walk
Sunday, December 15^th – Small Ensemble at Crescent Twp Light Up Night
Wednesday, December 18^th – Winter Band Concert

PANCAKE BREAKFAST/COOKIE WALK
Planning for the Annual Moon Area Marching Band Holiday Pancake Breakfast & Cookie Walk are WELL UNDERWAY! 
Event details:
December 15th 8:00-noon in the High School Cafeteria
Tickets for breakfast are $10 presale and $12 at the door
Cookie Containers are $15 for One and $25 for Two! Container sizes are large takeaway containers. You do not need to attend breakfast in order to purchase cookies!
Visit the event page HERE on Facebook for more information and share this event with your friends, family and neighbors! 

COOKIE WALK BAKERS REQUESTED
It's time to get your BAKE on! In years past we have sold upwards of 7000 cookies! Grandmas line UP before the doors open to get first dibs on our spread! So the cookie walk is a HUGE portion of the day and we need EVERYONE to help. 
To hit those kinds of numbers every family must bake. We request that each family provides 10 dozen cookies. Each entry on the Signup is for 5 dozen of that particular cookie, please choose two (or more!)  We know some of us aren't bakers, there are some easy items on the list! There are some more detailed items too for the more accomplished bakers in the room! AND there is a section at the end for OTHER. We encourage you to get creative, make something that is meaningful in your family or culture! Everyone loves to try something new, especially when it's on a cookie table! Examples of cookies that went quickly last year are: Lady Locks, Chocolate Fudge, Raspberry Butter Balls, Salted Caramel Brownies, Pecan Pralines, Lemon Crinkle, Raspberry Thumbprints and Confetti Cookies.

SignUp HERE for baking duty here, we encourage you to do this asap so that we can plan accordingly!


RAFFLE BASKETS
MABPO is in need of donations for the basket raffle held during the pancake breakfast. If you are interested in donating a basket or have individual components that could be used to create a basket (i.e. new candles, board games, gift cards or certificates, Steelers/Pirates/Penguins items, etc), please email Amy at president@moonband.org. Thank you for your help and donations!


HOLIDAY PARTY – REGISTER HERE
MABPO will be hosting our 3rd Annual Holiday Party on Saturday, November 30th, from 6-10 pm at the Sonoma Ridge Clubhouse located at 4007 Duckhorn Drive.  This is an adults-only party.
The cost is $30.00 per person. Included with your $30.00 is a buffet meal catered by The Cooked Goose that includes roast beef, grilled chicken breast, green beans almondine, roasted potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. Dessert, pop, water, beer, and hard cider are also included in the cost. You are welcome to bring other beverages if you would like.
Please complete the registration via the link below to let us know you will be attending. If you would like top pay using Paypal, please use the link below to pay BEFORE submitting your reservation. You can also pay by sending in exact change or a check and have your student place it in the band room mailbox. The deadline to complete the registration is November 24th.
We are looking forward to a relaxing evening together to kick off the holiday season. Hope to see you there!
MABPO Board

Mr. Magic Car Wash Fundraiser
The Car Wash Fundraiser is going on throughout the month of November. Car Wash coupons can be purchased for $20 each ($25 value) are not only good for the Magic Shine Wash at any Mr. Magic location but also never expire.  The general fund will receive 50% from each car wash purchased. These make great stocking stuffers and gifts.
Please share the graphic and/or the link on all social media platforms as well as send it to family and friends. 
Car Wash 

FUNDRAISING.
Hoagie and pie pickup is Tuesday, November 26th.
Sarris candy and tumbler pickup is Friday, December 13th. 
If you have questions contact 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 for those on the payment plan that the fifth payment of $100 is due November 22nd.  For questions contact Ralph at treasurer@moonband.org

December 20 – final payment

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Nick Barthen
WINTER CONCERT  REHEARSALS (WINDS & PERCUSSIONISTS) – ADJUSTED
Wednesday, December 11 - Rehearsal for Concert Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
Wednesday, December 11 - Rehearsal for Symphonic Band - 6:30 - 9:00PM
Tuesday, December 17 - Rehearsal for Concert Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
Tuesday, December 17 - Rehearsal for Symphonic Band - 6:30 - 9:00PM
Wednesday, December 18 - Winter Band Concert - 7pm - MAHS Auditorium

SMALL ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS FOR HOLIDAYS (Flute, Clarinet, Sax, Brass)
Monday, November 25 - 2:20 - 3:30PM
Wednesday, December 4 - 2:20 - 3:30PM

8^th Grade Winter Guard Audition Information
November 19, 20, and 21 6:00-8:00PM – MAHS School Band Room
No prior experience is needed!

2025 Marching Band Summer Rehearsal Dates

• July 22, 23, 24 - Mini Camps for Winds, Percussion, & Color Guard
• July 28 - August 1 - Home Band Camp for ALL
• August 3 - 8 - Away Band Camp at W&J
• August 16 - Production Rehearsal for All - 8AM-4PM

IMPORTANT REMINDERS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Thursday, November 14^th - Band Parent Meeting 7PM
Saturday, November 30^th – Band Parent Holiday Party
Saturday, December 7^th - Small Ensemble at Moon Twp Light Up Night
Thursday, December 12^th - Band Parent Meeting 7PM
Sunday, December 15^th – Pancake Breakfast and Cookie Walk
Wednesday, December 18^th – Winter Band Concert

NOVEMBER MEETING
The November MABPO Meeting is on Thursday the 14^th.  The Senior’s pole notes and banners will be available for pickup at the meeting.

SAVE THE DATE
MABPO Holiday Party – November 30^th.  We are working out the last few details but wanted everyone to be able to get this on their calendars!

Mr. Magic Car Wash Fundraiser
The Car Wash Fundraiser is going on throughout the month of November. Car Wash coupons can be purchased for $20 each ($25 value) are not only good for the Magic Shine Wash at any Mr. Magic location but also never expire.  The general fund will receive 50% from each car wash purchased. These make great stocking stuffers and gifts.
Please share the graphic and/or the link on all social media platforms as well as send it to family and friends. 
Car Wash 

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The next big event on our horizon is the 13th Annual Pancake Breakfast and Cookie Walk, being held Sunday 12/15 from 8am-Noon at the HS Cafeteria. Cookie sign-ups will be out later this week.
Ticket prices, instructions, and total donation needs are forthcoming!

DONATIONS NEEDED
MABPO is in need of donations for the basket raffle held during the pancake breakfast. If you are interested in donating a basket or have individual components that could be used to create a basket (i.e. new candles, board games, gift cards or certificates, Steelers/Pirates/Penguins items, etc), please email Amy at president@moonband.org. Thank you for your help and donations!

Volunteer Needed
We are looking for an undergraduate parent or pair of parents to shadow/work the cookie walk for the purpose of taking it over next year.  Must be available for both the Saturday set up and Sunday during the event.  Reach out to Kelli at secretary@moonband.org if interested.

FUNDRAISING.
Hoagie orders are due Thursday, November 14.
Sarris candy and tumbler orders are due Friday, November 15. 
See order forms attached to the emails.
If you have questions contact 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 for those on the payment plan that the fifth payment of $100 is due November 22nd.  For questions contact Ralph at treasurer@moonband.org

December 20 – final payment

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Nick Barthen
WINTER CONCERT  REHEARSALS (WINDS & PERCUSSIONISTS) – ADJUSTED
Wednesday, December 11 - Rehearsal for Concert Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
Wednesday, December 11 - Rehearsal for Symphonic Band - 6:30 - 9:00PM
Tuesday, December 17 - Rehearsal for Concert Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
Tuesday, December 17 - Rehearsal for Symphonic Band - 6:30 - 9:00PM
Wednesday, December 18 - Winter Band Concert - 7pm - MAHS Auditorium

SMALL ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS FOR HOLIDAYS (Flute, Clarinet, Sax, Brass)
Monday, November 25 - 2:20 - 3:30PM
Wednesday, December 4 - 2:20 - 3:30PM

8^th Grade Winter Guard Audition Information
November 19, 20, and 21 6:00-8:00PM – MAHS School Band Room
No prior experience is needed!

2025 Marching Band Summer Rehearsal Dates

• July 22, 23, 24 - Mini Camps for Winds, Percussion, & Color Guard
• July 28 - August 1 - Home Band Camp for ALL
• August 3 - 8 - Away Band Camp at W&J
• August 16 - Production Rehearsal for All - 8AM-4PM

IMPORTANT REMINDERS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Tuesday, October 29^th – Trunk or Treat
Thursday, November 14^th - Band Parent Meeting 7PM
Thursday, December 12^th - Band Parent Meeting 7PM
Sunday, December 15^th – Pancake Breakfast and Cookie Walk
Wednesday, December 18^th – Winter Band Concert

VOLUNTEER SIGN UPS
Away Football Game Volunteers

DINE TO DONATE
The next dine to donate is at Primanti Brothers on Wednesday, November 6^th from 11AM to 11PM.  Remember to use the flyer when ordering in the restaurant.  If you’re ordering online you can use the code “DINE2DONATE”.  Thank you!  Please, share the flyer with friends and family!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The next big event on our horizon is the 13th Annual Pancake Breakfast and Cookie Walk, being held Sunday 12/15 from 8am-Noon at the HS Cafeteria. This is another big pillar in our annual fundraising budget, and while ticket and cookie box prices are being finalized, we can all start by thinking ahead about the baking donations that we'll need from our families.
The community knows about the quality of our cookie walk and looks forward each year; oftentimes we are nearly sold out of cookies by 11am. Start thinking now about those family favorite recipes and their ingredients so you can share the deliciousness with everyone!
Ticket prices, instructions, and total donation needs are forthcoming!

Volunteers needed
If anyone would be interested in heading up the raffle baskets for the pancake breakfast to please let Amy know president@moonband.org . Volunteers can work in groups, a couple of friends, a husband and wife, or someone solo.

FUNDRAISING
Hoagie and Pies are now on sale. Pies are due November 7. Hoagie orders are due November 14. Both will be delivered November 26.  See order forms attached to the email.

Sarris Candy and Tumblers are now able to be sold. Please read the instruction sheets for both attached to the emails. Both will be due back to the band room mailbox on November15 with delivery December 13. 
If you have questions contact 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 for those on the payment plan that the fourth payment of $100 was due October 25th.  For questions contact Ralph at treasurer@moonband.org

November 22^nd – 5^th payment
December 20 – final payment

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Nick Barthen
Thank You!
I would like to Thank all of the volunteers, chaperones, truck crew, medical, parents, and most importantly the students on an excellent marching band season.  The students persevered, worked hard, and represented the MAHS Band program as well as MASD through their excellent performances.  In the last three weeks, our students have performed in front of thousands of people not only locally, but all over the east coast.  Thank you to all that helped to make these performances stellar.  THANK YOU!

ITINERARY FOR November 1 - Football Play-off Game #1 @ Penn Hills HS  - LINK - Report 4:30 - Depart 5:15 - Kick-off 7:00PM

TRUNK OR TREAT – 10/29 – 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 7:15pm 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 (Tue. OR Thu. pending weather from 6pm-7:00pm while the team is in the play-offs.

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!

WINTER CONCERT  REHEARSALS (WINDS & PERCUSSIONISTS)
Tuesday, December 10 - Rehearsal for Concert Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
Wednesday, December 11 - Rehearsal for Symphonic Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
Tuesday, December 17 - Rehearsal for Concert Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
Tuesday, December 17 - Rehearsal for Symphonic Band - 6:30 - 9:00PM
Wednesday, December 18 - Winter Band Concert - 7pm - MAHS Auditorium

SMALL ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS FOR HOLIDAYS (Flute, Clarinet, Sax, Brass)
Monday, November 25 - 2:20 - 3:30PM
Wednesday, December 4 - 2:20 - 3:30PM

PIMBA Championships at Gateway High School
Action shots of the students to purchase - hollphotography.gotphoto.com

BOA - Delaware 
Action shots of the students to purchase. - https://www.teamphotonetwork.com/QPPlus/Proofs.aspx

MASD LEGAL NOTICE: This email message is intended to be received only by persons entitled to receive the confidential information it may contain. Email messages to or from clients of Moon Area School District may contain information that is confidential and legally privileged. Please do not read, copy, forward, or store this message unless you are an intended recipient of it. If you have received this message in error, please forward it to the sender and delete it completely from your computer system.

Upcoming Events
Mon. Oct. 28 - PMEA Honors Jazz Auditions at Frankling Regional HS
Tue. Oct. 29 - Full Band Rehearsal 6pm-7pm
                             Trunk or Treat - 7:00pm
Fri. Nov. 1 - WPIAL Play-off Football Game at Penn-Hills HS - 4:30 Report
Sat. Nov. 2 - Pep Band at Walk-a-thon at HS - 8AM
-------------------------------------
Fri. Nov. 8 - Possible WPIAL Play-off Football Game at USC HS
-------------------------------------
Thu. Nov. 14 - Possible Full Band rehearsal for Play-off Games - 6-7pm
Fri. Nov. 15 - Possible WPIAL Play-off Game - Neutral Site
-------------------------------------
Thu. Nov. 21 - Possible Full Band rehearsal for Play-off Games - 6-7pm
Fri. Nov. 22 - PMEA HONORS BAND at North Hills HS
Sat. Nov. 23 - Possible WPIAL Championships at Heinz Field
                             PMEA HONORS BAND at North Hills HS

Important Upcoming Dates
December 10 - Rehearsal for Concert Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
December 11 - Rehearsal for Symphonic Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
December 17 - Rehearsal for Concert Band - 2:30 - 4:00PM
December 17 - Rehearsal for Symphonic Band - 6:30 - 9:00PM
December 18 - Winter Band Concert - 7pm - MAHS Auditorium

IMPORTANT REMINDERS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Friday, October 25^th – Football – Home vs. South Fayette HS – Senior Rec Night 
Saturday, October 26^th – PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS
Tuesday, October 29^th – Trunk or Treat
Thursday, November 14^th - Band Parent Meeting 7PM
Thursday, December 12^th - Band Parent Meeting 7PM
Sunday, December 15^th – Pancake Breakfast and Cookie Walk
Wednesday, December 18^th – Winter Band Concert

BOA Thank you
Thank you to all of our volunteers this weekend.
Uniforms team, truck crew, chaperones, medical staff, truck drivers, photographers and staff all helped tremendously to make this weekend a smooth success.
Tina and DJ Foremsky
Shawn Rosensteel
Debbie Walker
Edgardo and Sarah Schmitz
Amy and Jay Patterson
Eric and Stephanie Haas
Matt and Hope Lepczyk
Mason Withee
Hoda Lichwala
Robyn Neft
Rachel Jones
Kelli Bookbinder
Linda Konley
Chris Grimes
Maria Sacherich
Kathie Thomas
Heather Park
Gail Bischoff
Megan Feeser
Ted Merklin
A special Thank you to Elena Jones who arranged and organized the stay with the hotel in Delaware.  She was instrumental in the planning and communication with the hotel to make sure it all ran smoothly.
Also, thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Balaski for their help at the hotel.
 
Football Volunteer Thank you
A huge thank you to the volunteers who helped out Friday night’s away game!
Kelli Bookbinder
Linda Konley
Natalie Wolfe
Megan Feeser
Asha Sharma
Pamela White
Kari Coulter
Eric Fogle
Kathryn Fogle
Danielle Mcpherson
Gail Bischoff
Ben Sacherich
Tina Foremsky
Meghan Aitken
Johanna Brown
Kim Joyce

SMUG MUG REMINDER
Reminder to submit your photos from the football games and competitions.  These will be uploaded to the site for the Band Parents to share and enjoy. Send to pictures@moonband.org or contact Ted to submit.
Photos and Videos of the many events, fundraisers, and competitions can be found on our photo site.  https://moon-instrumental.smugmug.com/
Passwords are in the email.

MABPO Parent/Volunteers-Photo
This is an invitation to anyone who has volunteered this season – concessions, sewing, uniforms, chaperones, truck crew, drivers, medical crew, senior rec, etc. to come to the student entrance Thursday 10/24 at 6:00PM.  We will be taking a group photo of MABPO to replace the one that’s been on our website since 2016.  Be sure to wear your Moon Area Marching Band Tiger pride!

SENIOR NIGHT - OCTOBER 25
Donations are needed for the Senior Night reception.  Donations can be dropped off before practice on Thursday October 24 at the Natatorium entrance or on Friday October 25 at 4:00 at the High School Cafeteria. Please sign up at Senior Night Donations
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 sign up at Senior Night Volunteers
If you have any questions, please reach out to Keri Merklin at seniorrec@moonband.org

Senior Parents
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@moonbang.org if you have any questions.

VOLUNTEER SIGN UPS
Home Football Game Volunteers
Competition Volunteers - BOA listed separately

Volunteers needed
If anyone would be interested in heading up the raffle baskets for the pancake breakfast to please let Amy know president@moonband.org . Volunteers can work in groups, a couple of friends, a husband and wife, or someone solo.

FUNDRAISING
Pickup for Pizza Kits, popcorn and coffee is this Wednesday, October 23 at The Student Entrance Lobby! from 5:00 to 6:00. Also if anyone is able to help srt at 4:30, please email me. I appreciate any and all help!

Sarris Candy and Tumblers are now able to be sold. Please read the instruction sheets for both attached to the email. Sarris Candy brochures will be in the band room tomorrow night or you can print what is attached. Both will be due back to the band room mailbox on November15 with delivery December 13. 
If you have questions contact 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 for those on the payment plan that the fourth payment of $100 is due October 25th.  For questions contact Ralph at treasurer@moonband.org

November 22^nd – 5^th payment
December 20 – final payment

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Nick Barthen
TINERARY FOR October 25 - Football vs. South Fayette HS - LINK - Report 5:30 - Seniors at 4:20 in uniforms for pictures
PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS - LINK - Report time is 2:00PM; Performance is 7:45PM

Parents Guide to Marching Band Competition - LINK

TRUNK OR TREAT – 10/29 – 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 7:15pm 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 (Tue. OR Thu. pending weather from 6pm-7:00pm while the team is in the play-offs.

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!

PARENT REMIND 101 - In the past, our old Band management app allowed the directors to text parents with updates when we traveled. Presto does not have that feature yet. I have created a Remind 101 group for parents. I will use this app (instead of email) when the band travels to update parents on our return times and other updates. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT JOIN THIS GROUP!   Text 81010        Class Code: @f782h8g

BAND HANDBOOK  - LINK
The band handbook is available for download on the Presto website in the Presto Files Area as well as linked in the MABPO Newsletter. 

PRESTO-ASSISTANT
The band is utilizing a NEW database management system, Presto-Assistant.  Every student/parent has an account set up.  You will receive a welcome email to the address this email has been sent to set up a PARENT Account.  DO NOT SET-UP YOUR STUDENT’S ACCOUNT, their information is already set-up into the system.  After you set up your parent account, you will be able to access the site at this web address: https://app.presto-assistant.com/
 
This site will be used for News, the band calendar, files and handouts for the year, student band financial account information, etc.  The calendar is updated frequently and can be synced to your Google/i-cal.   

EXCUSES FOR NOT ATTENDING REHEARSAL 
If a student must miss a rehearsal, an e-mail or written note from THE PARENT is required.  Microsoft Teams chats or student e-mails are not valid forms of excuses. 
 
PLEASE NOTE: If a student is absent when the group is learning drill, the student must learn the missed material on their own.  We do not have time to reteach material due to absences.  The student will be held out of the production until they have shown competency on the segment.
 
2024 Marching Band Saturday Performance Schedule

• Saturday, October 26 - PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS – Report time is 2:00PM at MS Parking Lot