IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Saturday, September 19 Local Competition at Mt. Lebanon HS
Saturday, October 10 Local Competition at Deer Lakes HS
Saturday, October 17 Local Competition at McKeesport HS
Saturday, October 24 - PIMBA Championships at Gateway HS
Thursday, December 17 - Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 - Spring Band Concert
REMINDERS:
Mandatory MABPO MEETING AND AWAY BAND CAMP TRIP MEETING – Thursday, July 23 – 7:00pm – MAHS Auditorium: Please enter the building via the Student, Main Office, or Natatorium Entrances.
Uniform Help Needed: We need help fitting all the students into their band uniforms. It will take place in the band room and no experience is necessary. We are looking for help with the following times: Tuesday 7/21 from 3-5 pm, Wednesday 7/22 from 3-5 pm, Thursday 7/23 from 3-5 pm, and Thursday 7/30 from 7-8 am, 11-12pm, and 3-4 pm. Please email Heather at uniforms@moonband.org if you can help for one or more of these time slots. Thanks!
Candygram Pre-Order: All orders are due during check-in for away band camp. NEW THIS YEAR! Turn your order form in at the MANDAORY Parent Meeting July 23rd. We will have a table set up for Candygram orders both days. Please use a separate block for each student you are sending a Candygram to. Payable with exact change/cash or checks made out to: MABPO.
Band Varsity Jackets: It’s time to order Band Varsity Jackets! Sophomores (Class of 2029), Freshmen who marched as 8th graders (Class of 2030), and upperclassmen who have completed one year of band are eligible to place an order. The DUE DATE for payment is WEDNESDAY JULY 29th, 2026. LATE ORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
Sign Up Genius for Away Band Camp: We need some help on Sunday, August 2nd at the high school to help get the kids out the door, and settled at W&J. And we also need LOTS of snack donations for camp. The kids are snacking a few times a day. We go through a LOT of fruit, salty snacks, etc. We also do a “late night snack” before they go back to the dorms at night. All donations can be brought Sunday morning, August 2nd when you bring your child to the high school for away band camp departure!
Please see the sign-up genius links included in the newsletter email. Please contact Beckie at Vpoperations@moonband.org with any questions.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP - Do you or a family member own your own business? Does your employer give donations to 501c's? If so, please pass along this year's Sponsorship Letter with our tiered donation opportunities. Reach out to Stephanie Haas at woogitrae@gmail.com with any questions.
FUNDRAISING: Please email Alyssa at fundraising@moonband.org with any questions.
FUNDRAISING – ARAMARK – PNC/Acrisure/PPG
If you’re interested in working games at PNC Park this season, please email Heather Park at hburakow@yahoo.com.
STUDENT ACCOUNTS
You are now able to apply your students’ credits to fees in Pesto. Under Finances, it lists My Fees, My Payments and My Credits. Click on My Credits, then select Apply Credits. Select the fee you would like to apply the credit to.
The First Payment of $210 is due Monday, July 27. I will be at a table outside of the auditorium collecting payments before the meeting on Thursday, July 23rd. You can also pay online through Presto or place a check in the mailbox in the band room. Please email Maria at treasurer@moonband.org if you have questions.
BAND DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Barthen
Summer Email #3 - Mega Form Email - was sent on Friday, July 10. If you have not received this email, please contact Mr. Barthen.
Mr. Barthen's 2026 Marching Band Season Welcome Letter - LINK
COLOR GUARD, PERCUSSION AND WIND MINI-CAMP – July 21-23 - If you are in town, you are expected to attend! Mini-Camps for the Color Guard, Percussion and Wind sections will be held on July 21-23 (check the calendar for specific times). If you are in town, and not on vacation, your child should attend these camps. MEMBERS SHOULD WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING TO ALL REHEARSALS – NO FLIP-FLOPS/SANDALS. BRING WATER!!
MANILLA ENVELOPE
At the July 21 rehearsal, an 8”x 12” manilla envelope containing forms will be distributed to students. Please make sure parents and students familiarize themselves with the material inside the packet. Please refer to the table below to understand what is in the envelope.
MABPO MEETING AND AWAY BAND CAMP TRIP MEETING – Thursday, July 23 – 7:00pm – MAHS Auditorium
The first MABPO Meeting and Band Camp Trip Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 7:00pm in the MAHS Auditorium. Please enter the building via the Student, Main Office, or Natatorium Entrances. This meeting will discuss the innerworkings of the band parent organization as well as serve as the mandatory trip meeting for away band camp. Please make every effort to attend this meeting!
COMPRESSION SHIRT ORDER – DUE JULY 23, 2026 - LINK
Our marching band uniforms utilize state of the art design and fabric technology. Lighter fabrics and new age construction techniques not only provides a tall, sleek line on each performer, but provides the performer a more comfortable experience while moving, playing and enduring warm weather conditions. With that in mind, ALL WIND AND PERCUSSION PERFORMERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR/PURCHASE THE MAHS MARCHING BAND COMPRESSION SHIRT. This shirt will protect the uniform in warm weather conditions as the perspiration is evenly distributed across the fabric, and also provide a uniformed look when we remove the jacket. The order form is included in the packet as well as posted in the PRESTO website in the MY FILES TAB. If you purchased a shirt(s) last year, you do NOT need to purchase the shirt again, unless you wish. (please make sure the shirt fits).
HOME BAND CAMP – July 27 – July 31 - MANDATORY ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED
Home Band Camp is scheduled for July 27 – July 31 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM for Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion Members; and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM for Color Guard Members.
WE WILL HAVE A FULL BAND REHEARSAL ON FRIDAY, JULY 31. Color Guard members as well as the Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion will report from 8AM-3PM on Friday, JULY 31.
Rehearsals will take place at the High School. Students will be responsible for bringing or buying their own lunch. Students may leave campus for their lunch break. Lunch will run from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Proper summer attire is required, shorts, light colored t-shirts, etc. FLIP-FLOPS OR SANDALS MAY NOT BE WORN TO THESE REHEARSALS!
Please be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. We will be outside! Water breaks will be given as needed and determined by the weather. THE BAND WILL NOT PROVIDE WATER AT REHEARSALS. ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BRING AT LEAST A ONE HALF (1/2) GALLON OF WATER TO EVERY REHEARSAL. STAY AWAY FROM CARBONATED BEVERAGES and make sure you EAT BREAKFAST before rehearsal.
DAILY HOME BAND CAMP SCHEDULE
8 AM – 11 AM – Field Rehearsal - Outside
11 AM – Noon – Lunch on own
Noon – 3 PM – Music Rehearsal - Inside and outside
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). All new parents will receive an email link to change their passwords and adjust information within their established account after you receive Summer E-Mail #3. DO NOT ERASE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN PRESTO, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE BAND UPDATES IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS IN PRESTO. Also, do not change your child’s email address in Presto. We do not email the students using this application. If you are having issues with your account, please contact Mr. Barthen for assistance. Our organizational code is: moonareahsband.
DIETARY/ALLERGY INFORMATION - LINK
To aid in the planning and preparation of the marching band season, please complete the form pertaining to your child’s Dietary needs as well as any allergies they may have. This information is confidential and will be used to ensure we meet your child’s needs during meals and/or snacks in which the band provides. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/0TSUwgJpCg
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.
UNIFORM FITTING SIGN-UP - LINK
We will fit the marching band uniforms beginning on Tuesday, July 22. Please sign up for an appointment via the link.
Here is the daily schedule:
PERCUSSION ONLY
July 22 – 3:10PM – 3:50PM
July 23 – 3:10PM – 3:50PM
July 24 – 3:10 – 3:50PM
WINDS ONLY
July 21 - Wind Seniors – 3:50PM – 5:00PM
July 22 - Wind Juniors - 3:50PM – 5:00PM
July 23 – Wind Sophomores and 2nd year Freshman - 3:50PM – 5:00PM
July 30 – Wind Freshman (1st & 2nd year) & 8th Graders – 7:00AM – 8:00AM; 11:00AM-12:00PM; 3:00PM-4:00PM
BAND PICTURE DAY
Band Picture Day has been scheduled on Wednesday, August 12 beginning at 8:00AM at MAHS. Forms will be distributed/made available closer to the date. All students must attend, even if they do not purchase pictures. We will take the large group pictures first, then move to the individual pictures. Individual Pictures historically conclude around 10AM.
Complete 2026 Season Marching Band Schedule - LINK
A CHECKLIST OF INFORMATION: (SAVE THIS LIST)
|
FORM |
LOCATION CAN BE FOUND |
DUE DATE |
|
MAHS Band First Letter
|
Presto/E-mail #3 - LINK
|
Nothing is due
|
|
Letter from Band Parent President |
Presto – LINK |
Nothing is due. |
|
Marching Band Fee Form |
Presto & Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 will be provided - LINK
|
Monday, July 27
|
|
Physical Examination Information
|
Presto & LINKS -LINK |
Monday, July 27
|
|
Chaperone Information
|
Presto & Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 will be provided - LINK Sign-up link will be emailed 7/20 |
Tuesday, August 3 |
|
Link to Dietary/Allergies Microsoft Form
|
LINK ONLY |
ASAP!! DUE BY 7/24 |
|
Band and Color Guard Shoe Order Form |
Presto & Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 will be provided - LINK |
During uniform fitting ORDER by July 31.
|
|
Band Handbook
|
Will be posted on 7/21.
|
|
|
Compression Shirt Order Form
|
Presto & Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 will be provided - LINK
|
Due July 23
|
|
Marching Band Uniform Fitting Appointment Sign-up |
ASAP!! Due by 7/20
|
|
|
Band Handbook Agreement Form Top ½ |
Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 ONLY - will be provided
|
Thursday, July 30
|
|
Field Trip Permission Form – Bottom ½ |
Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 ONLY - will be provided
|
Thursday, July 30
|
|
MAHS BAND Medical Form – completed and signed both sides |
Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 Only – will be provided |
Thursday, July 30
|
|
MAHS BAND OTC Self Medication Form
|
Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 Only – will be provided
|
Thursday, July 30
|
|
LICENSED PRESCRIBED MEDICATION FORM |
Presto and Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 – will be provided
|
Sunday, August 2 |
|
MASD Participation Waiver |
Presto & Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 – will be provided - LINK |
Thursday, July 30
|
|
MASD Transportation Waiver
|
Presto & Hard Copy in envelope on 7/21 – will be provided - LINK |
Thursday, July 30
|
|
Complete 2026 Season Marching Band Schedule - LINK |
||
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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: Heather Longstreth - secretary@moonband.org
Note: If the child's last name differs from the parent sending the clearances, please point that out in the email.
Per the updated MASD policy, Clearances are valid for 5 years
Under PA Law Act 153, The State of Pennsylvania is requiring all adults who volunteer in any capacity within the school to obtain background checks. This will include parents who volunteer to chaperone the MAHS Marching Band at football games, parades, band camps, and trips. Chaperones are required to complete the PA State Police Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse History, and FBI Fingerprints. The FBI Fingerprint is only if the volunteer has not been a state of PA resident for at least 10 years. Please visit http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov for additional information.
OR follow the steps below:
Child Abuse Clearance click HERE
1. Cost: Free
2. Create the account
3. Submit the required information
4. Print certificate and submit to MABPO Secretary
PA Criminal Background Check click HERE
1. Cost: Free
2. Click on "NEW RECORD CHECK" (Volunteers Only)
3. After the record check is complete, click on the blue control number
4. To view the certificate, click on the blue words "Certification Form"
5. Print the certificate and submit to the MABPO Secretary
FBI Fingerprinting click HERE
use service code 1KG6XN
Contact secretary@moonband.org if you have any questions about clearances.
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Questions, comments or suggestions contact communications@moonband.org