News & Events

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Saturday, September 13 - Local Show at Baldwin HS
Saturday, October 4 - Local Show at Mt. Lebanon HS
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:
We are still in need of a couple more strong bodies for the Baldwin competition on September 13.  Please reach out if you can help!  It’s a BIG hill, and we have a lot of equipment to move!  

If you have signed up to donate snacks for this Friday or Saturday, please drop off donations in the band room by this Thursday, September 11. Thank you!

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
Fox's Pizza Kits are still on sale until September 18. Chocolate Boutique brochures and order forms are in the band room. They are due back September 30. If you have any questions, please email Hope at fundraising@moonband.org.

Dine to Donate at Tropical Smoothie Café is scheduled for September 17 from 5pm-8pm. Please scan the QR code at the register or enter the promo code on the flyer at checkout when using the app or online to order. See the attached flyer.

PIMBA CHAMPIONSHIP APPAREL SALE (from the show host Deer Lakes HS)
PIMBA SPRINT SHOP 2025 is now open!
Shop Now: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/DTBgHZEnMW
Store Closes September 18th

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.

All volunteers must be 18+ any family member or friend can join.
Everyone has to complete the RAMP training per the PA LCB.
Ramp is valid for 2 years. Below is the link for the training.  The online training is $9. Please send HODA the certificates upon completion.
Acrisure Stadium LID Number is 97210
https://rserving.com/web/pscc_state.php?siteid=251&flag=bartender%20license&statecode=PA

Electronic Background checks:SOR (sex offender registry) and Volunteer List Disclosure need to be completed for ALL volunteers. (Hoda will email that separately) Aramark asks that volunteers fill out and e-mail back background check disclosure – (each volunteer receives through docusign), the other is for the sex offender registry check. ARAMARK needs them both. This is a REQUIREMENT for all volunteers.  Anyone who does not sign the background check disclosure (via docusign) or does not fill out the list for the sex offender registry check will not be permitted to volunteer. 

To volunteer at both PNC PARK AND ACRISURE you will need black pants. No leggings, no ripped jeans. Sometimes they run out of shirts, so if you have a plain black shirt that will be great. ACRISURE provides a smock for us to wear. They discount our parking when we work at PNC Park it is usually $10. There is a link to purchase the parking. If there is a group of us we carpool and share that fee and offer whoever drives gas money. Acrisure gives us parking and they deduct it from our payout. The parking is also $10. The parking is at Cardello Electric parking lot. They provide a free shuttle to and from Acrisure.

Here's a list of PNC Park Games/ Events:
Following homestand (Sept 15th – Sept 21st) numbers due: Sept 8^th  
Monday, September 15^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Tuesday, September 16^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Wednesday, September 17^th – 12:35pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 9:30am & Cashiers/Utility – 10am
Friday, September 19^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Saturday, September 20^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Sunday, September 21^st – 1:35pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 10:30am & Cashiers/Utility – 11am

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

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Barthen
ITINERARY
September 12 - Football Game @ West Allegheny HS - Away - Report time is 5:00 PM. - ​ITINERARY LINK
September 13 - PIMBA Competition at Baldwin HS - Report time is 1:30PM - Performance is 7:30PM - ITINERARY LINK

UPCOMING SCHEDULE CHANGES:
Due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 16 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 18 will be Parade only at 5PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 15 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.

PIMBA BAND COMPETITION AT BALDWIN – 9/13 – Please read the itinerary listed above for details.  Students should eat lunch before arriving at the MS Lot and should BRING DINNER TO EAT ON THE BUS!!  Students will not have time to stop at the concession stand.

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.

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 3-12 - LINK TO SPECIFIC TESTING DAYS
Music to be memorized included:
Star Spangled Banner
Alma Mater
Fight Song                                              
Some Nights
Timber                                                
Crazy In Love
ALL THREE MVTS OF IT START WITH A SPARK!

FLORIDA COMMITMENT FORM
The MAHS Marching Band and Orchestra will be traveling to Florida in February 2026 to perform at Walt Disney World.  The commitment form for the trip was emailed home 8/28 and distributed in a hard copy after the football game on 8/29.  This form is due on Thursday, 9/11, EVEN IF YOU CHILD IS NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE TRIP.  Link to FLA Commitment Form

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.

Band Dad Podcast
The Band Dad podcast is hosted by Scott Lang, a former music educator, current motivational speaker, and current Band Dad.  The show provides a funny take on what it is like being a competitive marching band Parent, and it is not only for Band Dads, but for Moms also.  It also offers Insite from some of the best directors across the country.  Check it out here: https://www.banddadspodcast.com/

PMEA Honor Band Festivals
PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) offers several different honor festivals for high school students throughout the year.  Please take a look at the linked document to see if your child may be interested in auditioning for these groups.  LINK

COMPLETE 2025 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE LINK

UPCOMING DATES
Mon. Sept. 8 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 9 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 10 - 
Thu. Sept. 11 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 12 - Football Game at West Allegheny HS - Report time is 5:00PM
Sat. Sept. 13 - PIMBA Competition at Baldwin HS - Report time 1:30PM - Performance is 7:30PM

Mon. Sept. 15 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM – MAHS
Tue. Sept. 16 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM – MAHS
Wed. Sept. 17 - 
Thu. Sept. 18 - FULL BAND HOMECOMING PARADE ONLY - 5PM-7PM – MAHS
Fri. Sept. 19 - Football Game vs. Seneca Valley HS - Homecoming - Report time is 5:30PM
Sat. Sept. 20 - Homecoming Weekend. - Band is Off

Mon. Sept. 22 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6pm-9pm – MAHS
Tue. Sept. 23 - Full Band Rehearsal - 6pm-9pm – MAHS
Wed. Sept. 24 -
Thu. Sept. 25 - FULL BAND Rehearsal - 6pm-9pm – MAHS
Fri. Sept. 26 - Football Game vs. Bethel Park - Report time is 5:30pm
Sat. Sept 27 - NONE

Mon. Sept. 29 - Percussion & Color Guard Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 30 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Oct. 1 - 
Thu. Oct. 2 - Full Band Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Oct. 3 - Football Game @ Peters Township HS - Report time is 4:30PM
Sat. Oct. 4 - PIMBA Competition at Mt. Lebanon - Report time estimated to be 1:30PM

Future Events
Sat. September 13 - Baldwin PIMBA Competition - Report time is 1:30PM
Sat. October 4 - Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition - Estimated report time is 1:30PM
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 estimated at 10:30AM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, September 13 - Local Show at Baldwin HS
Saturday, October 4 - Local Show at Mt. Lebanon HS
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:
There will be a props work night at the high school on Thursday, September 4th at 6:00pm for anyone who would like to help and attend. We will be finishing the five props that need mounted to the metal frames.

We could use a couple more strong bodies for the Baldwin competition on September 13.  Please reach out if you can help!  It’s a BIG hill, and we have a lot of equipment to move!  Thank you!

PIMBA CHAMPIONSHIP APPAREL SALE (from the show host Deer Lakes HS)
PIMBA SPRINT SHOP 2025 is now open!
Shop Now: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/DTBgHZEnMW
Store Closes September 18th

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 – 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.

All volunteers must be 18+ any family member or friend can join.
Everyone has to complete the RAMP training per the PA LCB.
Ramp is valid for 2 years.
Below is the link for the training.  The online training is $9. Please send HODA the certificates upon completion.
Acrisure Stadium LID Number is 97210
https://rserving.com/web/pscc_state.php?siteid=251&flag=bartender%20license&statecode=PA

Electronic Background checks:
SOR (sex offender registry) and Volunteer List Disclosure need to be completed for ALL volunteers. (Hoda will email that separately) Aramark asks that volunteers fill out and e-mail back background check disclosure – (each volunteer receives through docusign), the other is for the sex offender registry check. ARAMARK needs them both. This is a REQUIREMENT for all volunteers.  Anyone who does not sign the background check disclosure (via docusign) or does not fill out the list for the sex offender registry check will not be permitted to volunteer. To volunteer at both PNC PARKN AND ACRISURE you will need black pants. No leggings, no ripped jeans. Sometimes they run out of shirts, so if you have a plain black shirt that will be great. ACRISURE provides a smock for us to wear. 

They discount our parking when we work At PNC Park its usually $10. There is a link for that to purchase the parking. Sometimes if there's a group of us we car pool and share that fee and offer whoever drives gas money. Acrisure gives us parking and they deduct it from our payout. The parking is also $10. The parking is at Cardello Electric parking lot. They provide a free shuttle to and from Acrisure.

Here's a list of PNC Park Games/ Events:
Following homestand (Sept 2^nd  – Sept 7^th) numbers due: August 26^th
Tuesday, September 2^nd – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Wednesday, September 3^rd – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Thursday, September 4^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Friday, September 5^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Saturday, September 6^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Sunday, September 7^th – 1:35pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 10:30am & Cashiers/Utility – 11am
Following homestand (Sept 15th – Sept 21st) numbers due: Sept 8^th  
Monday, September 15^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Tuesday, September 16^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Wednesday, September 17^th – 12:35pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 9:30am & Cashiers/Utility – 10am
Friday, September 19^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Saturday, September 20^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Sunday, September 21^st – 1:35pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 10:30am & Cashiers/Utility – 11am

FUNDRAISING
Fox's Pizza Kits are now for sale. See the attached sheet for all the information. Next week, Chocolate Boutique sales start! If you have any questions, please email Hope at fundraising@moonband.org

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
The 2nd band fee payment of $100 was due on August 28th. If you pay by PayPal or Venmo pay $103 to cover the fees. For questions contact Maria at treasurer@moonband.org

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Barthen

ITINERARY September 5 - Football Game vs Penn-Trafford HS - Home - Report time is 5:30 PM. - ITINERARY LINK

UPCOMING SCHEDULE CHANGES:

REHEARSALS BEGIN AT 6PM and end at 9PM.
Percussion and Color Guard will not have rehearsal on Monday, September 1 due to Labor Day.  We will have FULL BAND Rehearsal on Tuesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 4 that week.  PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

Due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 16 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 18 will be Parade only at 5PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 15 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.
PIMBA BAND COMPETITION AT BALDWIN – 9/13 – I have not received information regarding the PIMBA Band competition on 9/13 at Baldwin HS.  I am estimating our report time to be at 12pm.  I will update as soon as I receive information.  Students will need to eat lunch before arriving and bring dinner to eat on the bus.
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.

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 3-12 - LINK TO SPECIFIC TESTING DAYS
Music to be memorized included:
Star Spangled Banner
Alma Mater
Fight Song                                              
Some Nights
Timber                                                
Crazy In Love
ALL THREE MVTS OF IT START WITH A SPARK!

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 second season using this application. All parents will receive an email link to create a PARENT account in mid-June and again in July.  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.

FLORIDA COMMITMENT FORM
The MAHS Marching Band and Orchestra will be traveling to Florida in February 2026 to perform at Walt Disney World.  The commitment form for the trip was emailed home 8/28 and distributed in a hard copy after the football game on 8/29.  This form is due on Thursday, 9/11, EVEN IF YOU CHILD IS NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE TRIP.  Link to FLA Commitment Form

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.

PMEA Honor Band Festivals
PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) offers several different honor festivals for high school students throughout the year.  Please take a look at the linked document to see if your child may be interested in auditioning for these groups.  LINK

BAND HANDBOOK  - ​​LINK​​
The band handbook will be available on July 28 on the Presto website in the Presto Files Area as well as linked in the MABPO Newsletter. The band handbook outlines the procedures and protocols that the band and its members follow throughout the entire school year.

COMPLETE 2025 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE LINK

UPCOMING DATES

Mon. Sept. 1 - NO REHEARSAL/NO SCHOOL
Tue. Sept. 2 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM – MAHS
Wed. Sept. 3 - 
Thu. Sept 4 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 5 - Home Football Game vs. Penn-Trafford - Report time is 5:30PM
____
Mon. Sept. 8 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 9 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 10 - 
Thu. Sept. 11 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 12 - Football Game at West Allegheny HS - Report time is 5:00PM
Sat. Sept. 13 - PIMBA Competition at Baldwin HS - Report time approx. 12PM, we are on first in show, do not know time yet.
___
Mon. Sept. 15 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 16 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 17 - 
Thu. Sept. 18 - FULL BAND HOMECOMING PARADE ONLY - 5PM-7PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 19 - Football Game vs. Seneca Valley HS - Homecoming - Report time is 5:30PM
Sat. Sept. 20 - Homecoming Weekend. - Band is Off.
____

Future Events
Sat. September 13 - Baldwin PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 4 - Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
Sat. October 25 – LMBA Championships at Erie Veteran Stadium

IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Saturday, September 13 - Local Show at Baldwin HS
Saturday, October 4 - Local Show at Mt. Lebanon HS
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: There will be a props work night at the high school on Thursday, August 28th at 6:00 pm for anyone who would like to help and attend. We will be working on attaching the vinyl backdrops onto metal frames and may possibly be working on affixing the vinyl to the other backdrop wood boards, as well.

We could use a couple more strong bodies for the Baldwin competition on September 13.  Please reach out if you can help!  It’s a BIG hill, and we have a lot of equipment to move!  Thank you!

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. Please see the attached PDF for a calendar with possible work dates.

All volunteers must be 18+ any family member or friend can join.
Everyone has to complete the RAMP training per the PA LCB.
Ramp is valid for 2 years.
Below is the link for the training.  The online training is $9. Please send HODA the certificates upon completion.
Acrisure Stadium LID Number is 97210
https://rserving.com/web/pscc_state.php?siteid=251&flag=bartender%20license&statecode=PA

Electronic Background checks:
SOR (sex offender registry) and Volunteer List Disclosure need to be completed for ALL volunteers. (Hoda will email that separately). Aramark asks that volunteers fill out and e-mail back background check disclosure – (each volunteer receives through docusign), the other is for the sex offender registry check. ARAMARK needs them both. This is a REQUIREMENT for all volunteers.  Anyone who does not sign the background check disclosure (via docusign) or does not fill out the list for the sex offender registry check will not be permitted to volunteer.
To volunteer at both PNC PARKN AND ACRISURE you will need black pants. No leggings, no ripped jeans. Sometimes they run out of shirts, so if you have a plain black shirt that will be great. ACRISURE provides a smock for us to wear. 

They discount our parking when we work At PNC Park its usually $10. There is a link for that to purchase the parking. Sometimes if there's a group of us we car pool and share that fee and offer whoever drives gas money. Acrisure gives us parking and they deduct it from our payout. The parking is also $10. The parking is at Cardello Electric parking lot. They provide a free shuttle to and from Acrisure.

Here's a list of PNC Park Games/ Events:
Mark your calendars- Savannah Bananas!!
Friday, August 29^th & Saturday, August 30^th
Remaining Pirate Home Games:
Savannah Bananas numbers due: August 19^th
Friday, August 29^th
Saturday, August 30^th
Following homestand (Sept 2^nd  – Sept 7^th) numbers due: August 26^th
Tuesday, September 2^nd – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Wednesday, September 3^rd – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Thursday, September 4^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Friday, September 5^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Saturday, September 6^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Sunday, September 7^th – 1:35pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 10:30am & Cashiers/Utility – 11am
Following homestand (Sept 15th – Sept 21st) numbers due: Sept 8^th  
Monday, September 15^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Tuesday, September 16^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 4pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4:30pm
Wednesday, September 17^th – 12:35pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 9:30am & Cashiers/Utility – 10am
Friday, September 19^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Saturday, September 20^th – 6:40pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 3:30pm & Cashiers/Utility – 4pm
Sunday, September 21^st – 1:35pm
SL & Grill Cooks- 10:30am & Cashiers/Utility – 11am

FUNDRAISING
Lottery tickets are due August 29 by the end of the football game! Next up, pizza kits and Chocolate boutique! If you have any questions, please email Hope at fundraising@moonband.org

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
The 2nd band fee payment of $100 is due on August 28th. If you pay by PayPal or Venmo pay $103 to cover the fees. For questions contact Maria at treasurer@moonband.org

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Barthen

ITINERARY
August 29- Football Game at Montour HS - Report time is 5:00 PM. - ITINERARY LINK

UPCOMING SCHEDULE CHANGES:
REHEARSALS BEGIN AT 6PM and end at 9PM.

Percussion and Color Guard will not have rehearsal on Monday, September 1 due to Labor Day.  We will have FULL BAND Rehearsal on Tuesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 4 that week.  PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

Due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 16 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 18 will be Parade only at 5PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 15 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.

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.

DOT BOOK CHECKS - There will be a graded dot-book check on August 28.  Students will have their dot-book collected after the 8/28 Rehearsals.  

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 3-12 - LINK TO SPECIFIC TESTING DAYS
Music to be memorized included:
Star Spangled Banner
Alma Mater
Fight Song                                              
Some Nights
Timber                                                
Crazy In Love
ALL THREE MVTS OF IT START WITH A SPARK!

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 second season using this application. All parents will receive an email link to create a PARENT account in mid-June and again in July.  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.

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.

BAND HANDBOOK  - ​LINK​
The band handbook will be available on July 28 on the Presto website in the Presto Files Area as well as linked in the MABPO Newsletter. The band handbook outlines the procedures and protocols that the band and its members follow throughout the entire school year.

PIMBA CHAMPIONSHIP APPAREL SALE (from the show host Deer Lakes HS)
PIMBA SPRINT SHOP 2025 is now open!
Find items that I've picked out specifically for our team.
There is also spiritwear available for your family and friends.
Check out the shop details below.
OUR SHOP DETAILS
Shop Now: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/DTBgHZEnMW

Store Open From: July 31 - August 29, 2025

COMPLETE 2025 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE ​LINK​

UPCOMING DATES

Mon. Aug 25 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Aug 26 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Aug. 27
Thu. Aug 28 - FULL Ensemble Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Aug 29 - Away Football Game @ Montour HS - Report time is 5:00PM
___
Mon. Sept. 1 - NO REHEARSAL/NO SCHOOL
Tue. Sept. 2 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM – MAHS
Wed. Sept. 3 - 
Thu. Sept 4 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 5 - Home Football Game vs. Penn-Trafford - Report time is 5:30PM
____
Mon. Sept. 8 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 9 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 10 - 
Thu. Sept. 11 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 12 - Football Game at West Allegheny HS - Report time is 5:00PM
Sat. Sept. 13 - PIMBA Competition at Baldwin HS - Report time approx. 12PM, we are on first in show, do not know time yet.
___
Mon. Sept. 15 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 16 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 17 - 
Thu. Sept. 18 - FULL BAND HOMECOMING PARADE ONLY - 5PM-7PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 19 - Football Game vs. Seneca Valley HS - Homecoming - Report time is 5:30PM
Sat. Sept. 20 - Homecoming Weekend. - Band is Off.
____

Future Events
Sat. September 13 - Baldwin PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 4 - Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
Sat. October 25 – LMBA Championships at Erie Veteran Stadium
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, September 13 - Local Show at Baldwin HS
Saturday, October 4 - Local Show at Mt. Lebanon HS
Saturday, October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
Saturday, October 25 – Band Competition
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:
Tour Shirt orders and payment are due no later than this Thursday night August 21 to the band room mailbox. Please see attached form.

Band parent meeting this Thursday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the band room.

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.

FUNDRAISING
Hoagie was orders will be delivered next Monday, August 25 at 4:00 at the high school cafeteria. You will need to use the door by the former central office entrance. DO NOT USE THE COURTYARD! 

Lottery tickets are due August 29 by the end of the football game! Next up, pizza kits and Chocolate boutique!

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

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

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Barthen

ITINERARY
August 22 - Football Game at Trinity Area HS - Report time is 4:15PM - Itinerary LINK

UPCOMING SCHEDULE CHANGES:

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK (Aug 18-22) OF 5PM-9PM REHEARSALS.  The week of August 25 we switch to 6pm-9pm for the year!

Percussion and Color Guard will not have rehearsal on Monday, September 1 due to Labor Day.  We will have FULL BAND Rehearsal on Tuesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 4 that week.  PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

Due to Homecoming, Tuesday. Sept. 16 will be a FULL BAND Rehearsal from 6-9PM; Thu. Sept. 18 will be Parade only at 5PM at MAHS. Monday, Sept. 15 will be percussion and color guard from 6-9pm as scheduled.

Band Performance at Opening Day In-Service for Teachers - Thursday, August 21 - 730AM - 8:15 AM - LINK

Our new superintendent, Dr. D'Alessio, has asked the band to perform for the teachers on the opening in-service day meetings at the HS Auditorium.  If you are available, please complete the form linked above.  We will be performing "Some Nights," "Timber," and "The Fight Song" in the auditorium.  Attire is shorts and a red moon shirt of your choosing.  Please complete the form if you can attend from 7:30 AM until 8:15 AM on Thursday, August 21. LINK

BAND PICTURES - Wednesday, August 20 - 8 AM-10 AM - REPORT TIME IS 7:30 AM - MAHS - Order Form Link

Band Pictures will be held on Wednesday, August 20, students report at 7:30 AM at MAHS.  Students must wear black socks (above their ankles), band shoes, and appropriate gym shorts (no jean shorts or cargo shorts).  Compression shirts and gloves will not be required for the picture.  Students will not wear hats, and students must have long hair pulled out of their faces.  Order forms were distributed after the 8/11 rehearsal and can be found HERE LINK

Hard copies will be available at the photo shoot.  The order of events is as follows:

MAHS MARCHING BAND PICTURE DAY SCHEDULE 

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 

All band students must participate in the group, section, and class pictures. 

Once the group pictures, section pictures, and class pictures are completed, students may change and leave. 

Students may opt to purchase individual pictures.  You must stay and wait for an additional individual picture to be taken.  Make sure you have your picture form ready. 

Please remember your black shoes and black socks for these pictures.   

Students are not permitted to wear jeans or jean shorts underneath uniforms.   

Students must have hair pulled out of their face. 

Students will not wear shakos (band hats) for pictures.  Students must “fix” their hair. 

Students will not wear gloves for this picture 

Students do not need to wear compression shirts for this picture. 

Jewelry, including earrings, watches, bracelets, and piercings, must be covered up or removed from the body.   

Students who do not follow guidelines and uniform etiquette will not be permitted to have their pictures taken in an MAHS Band uniform.

MONIES MUST BE BROUGHT AT THE TIME OF PICTURES. 

DOT BOOK CHECKS - There will be a graded dot-book check on August 28.  Students will have their dot-book collected after the 8/28 Rehearsals.  

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 3-12 - LINK TO SPECIFIC TESTING DAYS
Music to be memorized included:
Star Spangled Banner
Alma Mater
Fight Song                                              
Some Nights
Timber                                                
Crazy In Love
ALL THREE MVTS OF IT START WITH A SPARK!

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 second season using this application. All parents will receive an email link to create a PARENT account in mid-June and again in July.  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.

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.

BAND HANDBOOK  - ​LINK​
The band handbook will be available on July 28 on the Presto website in the Presto Files Area as well as linked in the MABPO Newsletter. The band handbook outlines the procedures and protocols that the band and its members follow throughout the entire school year.

PIMBA CHAMPIONSHIP APPAREL SALE (from the show host Deer Lakes HS)
PIMBA SPRINT SHOP 2025 is now open!
Find items that I've picked out specifically for our team.
There is also spiritwear available for your family and friends.
Check out the shop details below.
OUR SHOP DETAILS
Shop Now: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/DTBgHZEnMW

Store Open From: July 31 - August 29, 2025

COMPLETE 2025 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE ​LINK​

UPCOMING DATES

Mon. Aug. 18 - Percussion and Color Guard Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Aug. 19 - Wind Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Aug. 20 - Band Pictures for ALL - 8AM-10AM - MAHS
Thu. Aug. 21 - Full Ensemble Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM - MAHS   
In-Service Morning Performance - 7:30AM-8:15AM
Fri. Aug 22 - Away Football Game @ Trinity HS - Report time is 4:15PM
_______
Mon. Aug 25 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Aug 26 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Aug. 27
Thu. Aug 28 - FULL Ensemble Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Aug 29 - Away Football Game @ Montour HS - Report time is 5:00PM
___
Mon. Sept. 1 - NO REHEARSAL/NO SCHOOL
Tue. Sept. 2 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM – MAHS
Wed. Sept. 3 - 
Thu. Sept 4 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 5 - Home Football Game vs. Penn-Trafford - Report time is 5:30PM
____
Mon. Sept. 8 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 9 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 10 - 
Thu. Sept. 11 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 12 - Football Game at West Allegheny HS - Report time is 5:00PM
Sat. Sept. 13 - PIMBA Competition at Baldwin HS - Report time approx. 12PM, we are on first in show, do not know time yet.
___
Mon. Sept. 15 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Tue. Sept. 16 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS
Wed. Sept. 17 - 
Thu. Sept. 18 - FULL BAND HOMECOMING PARADE ONLY - 5PM-7PM - MAHS
Fri. Sept. 19 - Football Game vs. Seneca Valley HS - Homecoming -  Report time is 5:30PM
Sat. Sept. 20 - Homecoming Weekend. - Band is Off.
____

Future Events
Sat. September 13 - Baldwin PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 4 - Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition
Sat. October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
Sat. October 25 - Band Competition

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 REMINDERS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
August 16 - Production Rehearsal for All - 8AM-4PM
Saturday, September 13 - Local Show at Baldwin HS
Saturday, October 4 - Local Show at Mt. Lebanon HS
Saturday, October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
Saturday, October 25 – Band Competition
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

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.

FUNDRAISING

Hoagie orders are due this Thursday, August 14, to the band room mailbox.

September lottery tickets are still going until August 29!

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

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

BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:  Mr. Barthen

PRODUCTION REHEARSAL - SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 - 8 AM-4 PM - MANDATORY!!!

Kyle (our choreographer) will be in all day to teach the ballad and any other big-body moments (Mvt. 2). Lunch will be from 11:30-12:15. Students may leave campus at this time or pack lunch and eat inside the high school. This rehearsal is vital to our competitive season!

Band Performance at Opening Day In-Service for Teachers - Thursday, August 21 - 730AM - 8:15 AM - LINK

Our new superintendent, Dr. D'Alessio, has requested the band perform for the teachers on the opening in-service day meetings at the HS Auditorium.  If you are available, please complete the form linked above.  We will be performing "Some Nights," "Timber," and "The Fight Song" in the auditorium.  Attire is shorts and a red moon shirt of your choosing.  Please complete the form if you can attend from 7:30 AM until 8:15 AM on Thursday, August 21. LINK

BAND PICTURES - Wednesday, August 20 - 8 AM-10 AM - REPORT TIME IS 7:30 AM - MAHS - Order Form Link
Band Pictures will be held on Wednesday, August 20, students report at 7:30 AM at MAHS.  Students must wear black socks (above their ankles), band shoes, and appropriate gym shorts (no jean shorts or cargo shorts).  Compression shirts and gloves will not be required for the picture.  Students will not wear hats, and students must have long hair pulled out of their faces.  Order forms were distributed after the 8/11 rehearsal and can be found HERE LINK

Hard copies will be available at the photo shoot.  The order of events is as follows:

MAHS MARCHING BAND PICTURE DAY SCHEDULE 

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 

• All band students must participate in the group, section, and class pictures. 
• Once the group pictures, section pictures, and class pictures are completed, students may change and leave. 
• Students may opt to purchase individual pictures.  You must stay and wait for an additional individual picture to be taken.  Make sure you have your picture form ready. 
• Please remember your black shoes and black socks for these pictures.   
• Students are not permitted to wear jeans or jean shorts underneath uniforms.   
• Students must have hair pulled out of their face. 
• Students will not wear shakos (band hats) for pictures.  Students must “fix” their hair. 
• Students will not wear gloves for this picture 
• Students do not need to wear compression shirts for this picture. 
• Jewelry, including earrings, watches, bracelets, and piercings, must be covered up or removed from the body.   
• Students who do not follow guidelines and uniform etiquette will not be permitted to have their pictures taken in an MAHS Band uniform. 

MONIES MUST BE BROUGHT AT THE TIME OF PICTURES. 

DOT BOOK CHECKS - There will be a graded dot-book check on August 28.  Students will have their dot-book collected after the 8/28 Rehearsals.  

MUSIC MEMORIZATION TESTING WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 3-12
 - Music to be memorized included:
 - Star Spangled Banner  - Alma Mater - Fight Song- Some Nights - Timber - Crazy In Love
 - ALL THREE MVTS OF IT START WITH A SPARK!

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.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.

BAND HANDBOOK  - ​LINK​

The band handbook will be available on July 28 on the Presto website in the Presto Files Area as well as linked in the MABPO Newsletter. The band handbook outlines the procedures and protocols that the band and its members follow throughout the entire school year.

PIMBA CHAMPIONSHIP APPAREL SALE (from the show host Deer Lakes HS)

PIMBA SPRINT SHOP 2025 is now open!
Find items that I've picked out specifically for our team.
There is also spiritwear available for your family and friends.
Check out the shop details below.

OUR SHOP DETAILS
    - Shop Now: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/DTBgHZEnMW
    - Store Open From: July 31 - August 29, 2025

COMPLETE 2025 SUMMER/FALL MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE ​LINK​

UPCOMING DATES

Mon. Aug. 11 - Percussion and Color Guard Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM - MAHS

Tue. Aug. 12 - Wind Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM - MAHS

Wed. Aug. 13 - 

Thu. Aug. 14 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 5PM-9PM - MAHS

Fri. Aug. 15 - Color Guard Rehearsal with Kyle - 5PM-9PM

Sat. Aug. 16 - FULL ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL (PRODUCTIO REHEARSAL w/ KYLE) - 8AM-4PM – MAHS

____

Mon. Aug. 18 - Percussion and Color Guard Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM - MAHS

Tue. Aug. 19 - Wind Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM - MAHS

Wed. Aug. 20 - Band Pictures for ALL - 8AM-10AM - MAHS

Thu. Aug. 21 - Full Ensemble Rehearsal - 5PM-9PM - MAHS

Fri. Aug 22 - Away Football Game @ Trinity HS - Report time is 4:15PM

_____

Mon. Aug 25 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS

Tue. Aug 26 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS

Wed. Aug. 27

Thu. Aug 28 - FULL Ensemble Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS

Fri. Aug 29 - Away Football Game @ Montour HS - Report time is 5:00PM

___

Mon. Sept. 1 - NO REHEARSAL/NO SCHOOL

Tue. Sept. 2 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS

Wed. Sept. 3 - 

Thu. Sept 4 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS

Fri. Sept. 5 - Home Football Game vs. Penn-Trafford - Report time is 5:30PM

____

Mon. Sept. 8 - Color Guard & Percussion Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS

Tue. Sept. 9 - Wind Rehearsal - 6PM-9PM - MAHS

Wed. Sept. 10 - 

Thu. Sept. 11 - FULL BAND REHEARSAL - 6PM-9PM - MAHS

Fri. Sept. 12 - Football Game at West Allegheny HS - Report time is 5:00PM

Sat. Sept. 13 - PIMBA Competition at Baldwin HS - Report time approx. 12PM, we are on first in show, do not know time yet.

Future Events

• Sat. September 13 - Baldwin PIMBA Competition
• Sat. October 4 - Mt. Lebanon PIMBA Competition
• Sat. October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
• Sat. October 25 - Band Competition

Important Upcoming Dates
August 3 - 8 - Away Band Camp at W&J
August 16 - Production Rehearsal for All - 8AM-4PM
Saturday, September 13 - Local Show at Baldwin HS
Saturday, October 4 - Local Show at Mt. Lebanon HS
Saturday, October 18 - PIMBA Championships at Deer Lakes HS
Saturday, October 25 – Band Competition
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 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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