Marching Band Competitions - Fall 2026

Clearances
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: 
All necessary instructions and links to apply for these certifications can be found HERE

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
1. Cost: $27.50
2. Required for volunteers who have lived outside of PA in the last 10 years
3. Register on website
4. Take form to Cogent Fingerprinting location
5. Receive clearance and contact MABPO Secretary to arrange for original to be copied.

Contact secretary@moonband.org if you have any questions.

Corporate Partnership
The Moon Area Band Parent Organization, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit corporation, and corporations can support MABPO through tax-deductible monetary or in-kind donations. Corporate donations will give the students access to equipment that would otherwise not be available and help keep costs at a minimum for each student.

Do you know of a business or organization that might have an interest in financially supporting the Moon Area Instrumental Music Program? If so, please contact our VP of Corporate Partnership at  corporatepartnership@moonband.org

We will then contact that business and provide them with our donation opportunities.

Thank you!

Fundraising FAQ
Why Do We Fundraise? Each year, the Moon Area Band and Orchestra Parent Organization coordinates a series of fundraising events to assist the Instrumental Music Program with various expenses throughout the school year. We offer each student in the Band or Orchestra the opportunity to contribute to these costs by providing financial support to our outstanding Instrumental Music Program at Moon Area High School—at both the organization and individual level.
 

Where Does the Money Go? Money raised from fundraising events is allocated to our two funds:  the General Fund and your individual Student Account Fund.

What is the General Fund? The General Fund contributes toward the expenses or events in which the entire Band and Orchestra benefits. For example, the General Fund contributes to bi-annual and other trips, which will directly lower the cost for each student to attend. Other items the General Fund covers (either in part or in full) include additional Band Camp staff, the annual Instrumental Banquet, Senior gifts, and Scholarships just to name a few.

What is a Student Account? As a member of the Band or Orchestra, your student is registered with an individual Student Account. When you participate in events designated as such, the profit your student earns is placed in his or her Student Account. These funds can be used to pay for trips (such as Orlando and Cedar Point), attire (such as gowns, tuxedos, and shoes), Band Camp, or any other expense where an individual contribution is needed. The most current balance of your Student Account is always posted on the bulletin board in the MAHS Band Room, as well as online when you register at moonband.org.

Is Participation Required? There are typically three General Fund Events planned for the school year in which participation is required:  1) a Lottery Ticket Raffle in August, 2) a Black Friday Gift Card Basket Raffle in November, and 3) a Spring Fling Gift Card Basket Raffle in March. These events will raise money to offset activity costs, and we ask that everyone participates to make the overall cost more affordable for each student.
 

How Will I Know When a Fundraising Event is Happening? Our website, moonband.org, is your main source of information for all of the fundraising events throughout the school year. All of the forms, instructions, and details of each event will always be available in the weekly newsletter. Make sure you are on the distribution list for the weekly newsletter alerts by completing the Communications Form. Please visit moonband.org often. Information is always available on the website.
 

How Can I Participate with Aramark? A unique way to earn money for both the General Fund and your Student Account Fund is by participating in our Aramark Concession program at PNC Park and Heinz Field. This program requires a quick training seminar and certification. Once trained, you can sign up to work at home games in addition to any other major events (like concerts) that are held at these venues. The weekly newsletter lists all available training dates. For more information, visit moonband.org or Contact our Aramark Coordinators.

What if I Still Have Questions? Attend our monthly meetings!  Check out moonband.org!  If you still have questions, please email our VP of Fundraising—Georganna Palmer. She can be reached at fundraising@moonband.org.

Scrip Fundraising
Scrip fundraising is a no-selling program that allows families to raise money for their non-profit organization (NPO). Scrip is just another way to pay for everyday purchases using gift cards in place of cash, checks, and credit cards.
 

You purchase gift cards from your organization at face value, and your coordinator orders those cards from Great Lakes Scrip Center at a reduced price. The difference is an instant rebate for your organization. It’s really that simple!
 

When you use scrip gift cards at your favorite retailers, you’re fundraising while you shop. Great Lakes Scrip Center offers over 300 of the country’s biggest brands, including grocery, department stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels, home improvement, and more. Just by using scrip to pay for your normal weekly purchases, you can easily raise $500 or more per year. It’s time to put your shopping dollars to work!

Moon Area Band Alumni Association
For questions contact Cindy Bartus @ (724) 494-4038 or alumni@moonband.org  Go to SHOPWITHSCRIP.COM for over 700 other retailers and sign up to keep up on the latest scrip news and special promotions.