Band Updates - Week of July 14

UPDATES TO BLOG Thanks to our VP, Michele McDonald, the blog now has quick links on the right-hand navigation to many of our frequently visited sites. If you have suggestions for what you'd like to see linked, please let us know. 

PARENT BOOSTER MEETING

The first parent booster meeting of the 2025-26 school year is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, at 7:00pm. We have important updates for the fall season and will be reviewing the budget for fall. This is everyone’s opportunity to be heard and we look forward to seeing you there.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE - WEEK OF JULY 24

• Tuesday, July 15, 5:00-8:00pm - full band

• Thursday, July 17, 5:00-8:00pm - full band 

• Friday, July 18, 7:30am - 8:00pm - full band (meal served)

• Saturday, July 19, 7:30am - 8:00pm - full band (meal served)

PARENT WORK DAY - SATURDAY, JULY 19

This coming Saturday is the second parent work day of the season. We will be starting at 7:30am when rehearsal starts and will be onsite until everything is finished. 

• Those who helped with props yesterday were able to complete about half of the mini stages so this Saturday we will need assistance again to get them completed. 

• We will also be moving concessions equipment back up into football.

• If anyone has a very, very tall extension ladder and is comfortable with heights, we are in need of someone to help us place trophies on the tall shelves in the band room. 

BAND MEALS - JULY 

The band boosters will be preparing and serving meals to students as part of band camp on the following dates in July. At $7/meal, the total meal cost for July is $35. Payments can be made via Givebacks, personal check, or cash with your student. Please include your student’s name and designate the money as being for meals in the memo line. 

• July 18

• July 19

• July 21

• July 22

• July 24

PEACHES DELIVERY

Peaches will be delivered on Monday, July 14. We need 2-3 parents to assist with unloading, sorting, and pick up. 

• Helpers are needed from 5:30 - 7:30. 

• Peach pick up is scheduled from 6:00-7:30pm. 

• Please note that we absolutely cannot hold peaches after this time. 

ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE

Here is a photo taken yesterday of the can trailer. I am confident that we can make a strong push to get this trailer full before September 1. Keep all of your beverage cans and drop off your cans to support the band.

CAN CHALLENGE

Did you know the band has a trailer in the high school parking lot to collect aluminum cans? The last time we emptied it, the band got FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS! All those soda cans (or anything in an aluminum can) are accepted so keep the cans and help the band! I am issuing a personal challenge to fill the trailer again by August 31. We will keep track of the trailer’s status and provide updates between now and then.

PEACHES DELIVERY

The peaches are scheduled for delivery on Monday, July 14 from 5:30 - 7:30pm. We cannot hold peaches at the school so they must be picked up. We are also looking for 5 parents to help with sorting and distribution. The time can be submitted toward the 25 hours of volunteering for the dues credit at the end of the season. If you can help out, please reply to this email.  

CAR WASH

The band’s next fundraiser is a car wash scheduled for Saturday, July 12 from 9:00am - 1:00pm at West Wilson Middle School. The kids had a blast at the last car wash and we raised more than $700. We are in need of both parents and students to sign up to help out. We will have all of the necessary items - soap, sponges, towels, etc. We could, however, use 1-2 more pressure washers if anyone would be willing to lend them to the band for the day. Here is a link to sign up: July Car Wash Sign Up

PROP CONSTRUCTION

Also on Saturday, July 12, we are in need of adults to help make the propa that will be used for the fall show, Spot On. We will have materials pre-purchased and two dads who have taken the lead on design. What we need now are hands who are willing to cut, drill, screw, and assemble the mini stages. 

END OF CAMP COOKOUT

Calling all families! The Booster Board is hosting an End of Camp Cookout for all parents and families on the last day of band camp, July 24. We will be providing the hot dogs and hamburgers and asking everyone to bring something to share. From 6:00 - 7:30 pm we will have time to mix and mingle. At 7:30pm, we will gather to watch the band’s final rehearsal of band camp and at 8:00pm we all get together (including students) to have desserts and slushy drinks to cool off.

SWAG STORE - NEW MERCH IDEAS WELCOME

The Band of Gold has their very own swag store filled with cool merchandise for students, parents, and families. If you have an idea for something that you’d like to see in the Swag Store, please reach out and let me know. 

FUNDRAISER - FALL SPONSORSHIPS

Obtaining sponsors is an excellent way to support the band and assist with paying dues. The flyer provides information about each sponsorship level and explains the promotion the band will provide in exchange. 50% of each level of sponsorship will go directly toward student dues. The deadline for forms, payment, and company logo is July 24. This is a firm deadline. Blank forms are available to be picked up in the band room. Click here for the sponsorship flyer.

NEW - FAMILY FACEBOOK GROUP

We have made a new family Facebook group for the 2025-26 season. This group is intended for students and immediate family members to help share important information throughout the season. If you are not already a member, we encourage you to join and please answer the questions when requesting access. 

Band Updates - Week of June 23

BAND ROOM CLEAN OUT

Thank you to those who came and assisted with the cleaning band room tonight in

preparation for the floors to be waxed. According to Mr. Cox, we set a new

record of cleaning the room out in 38 minutes and we did it without AC on the hottest

day of 2025 so far! For those who were there, do not forget to report your volunteer hours.

END OF CAMP COOKOUT Calling all families! The Booster Board is hosting an End of Camp Cookout for all parents and families on the last day of band camp, July 24. We will be providing the hot dogs and hamburgers and asking everyone to bring something to share. From 6:00 - 7:30 pm we will have time to mix and mingle. At 7:30pm, we will gather to watch the band’s final rehearsal of band camp and at 8:00pm we all get together (including students) to have desserts and slushy drinks to cool off.

DUES PAYMENT SCHEDULE For those on the regular payment schedule for dues, there was a $300 payment due on June 5 and the next payment, also $300, is due July 17. Dues can be paid via check and left in the white box on Mr. Cox’s wall or paid via Givebacks. 

PROP DAY - JULY 12 On Saturday, July 12, we need those who are handing with a saw, hammer, and measuring tape to meet and put the field props together for the fall show. The “blueprints” have been made and we just need all hands on deck to “hammer out” some mini stages. #SpotOn

PARENT WORK DAY - JULY 19 Saturday, July 19th, we are having our second Parent Work Day. We will be starting at 7:3am and working until around noon (or sooner if the work gets done). On the task list is moving all concessions items from the band room and up to football concessions. We will have a full to-do list as we get closer. If you are able to help at any point that morning, we’d be greatly appreciative! All time spent helping count toward volunteer hours needed to reduce band dues. 

PEACHES FUNDRAISER The delivery date for the peaches fundraiser is still scheduled for mid-July. Once we have a confirmed delivery date, we will share it and reach out for volunteers to assist with distribution. 

RETURN TO SUMMER BAND We will be returning to summer rehearsals the week of July 15. The dates and times are listed below:

• 7/15/2025 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm

• 7/17/2025 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm

• 7/18/2025 - 7:30am - 8:00pm

• 7/19/2025 - 7:30am - 8:00pm

• 7/19/2025 - 7:30am - 12:00pm

DCI NASHVILLE We are excited to announce that tickets for the DCI Nashville show are on sale! If our Band of Gold families are planning to attend this event this year we have been invited to purchase our tickets using the code for Music CIty Drum Corps, Nashville's local World Class drum corps. This is a great opportunity to support the corps while enjoying an unforgettable night of drum corps at Nissan Stadium on July 25th.

This years line up includes:

Blue Devils | Blue Stars | Bluecoats | Carolina Crown | Mandarins | Music City | Troopers

Purchase Tickets Here:

DCI Nashville Tickets - SeatGeek

Important Details:

• Nissan Stadium uses SeatGeek for all ticketing needs—this is the legitimate and official ticketing platform. We always caution against secondary market sites, but SeatGeek is a trusted partner.

• To ensure your purchase supports Music City Drum Corps, click the “Access Code” button located above the seat listings on the left side of the page and enter the code: MC09BOLD.

Band of Gold - Week of June 16

FUNDRAISER - FALL SPONSORSHIPS

Obtaining sponsors is an excellent way to support the band and assist with paying dues. The flyer provides information about each sponsorship level and explains the promotion the band will provide in exchange. 50% of each level of sponsorship will go directly toward student dues. The deadline for forms, payment, and company logo is July 24. This is a firm deadline. Blank forms are available to be picked up in the band room. Click here for the sponsorship flyer.

PROP HELP - JULY 12
Calling all of those who can handle power tools: we need help on Saturday, July 12 at the school to cut and assemble the props for the fall show. The design has already been finalized and we just need hands to get them completed. Click this link to sign up and we will email more details before the date. 

PARENT WORK DAY - JULY 19
Saturday, July 19th will be our second Parent Work Day. We start at 7:30am and go until noon (or earlier if the work gets done). To prepare for football season, we will move equipment and supplies from the band room and basketball concessions down to football. Mr. Cox is also great at giving us a list of other activities to do for the day!  This is an excellent way to meet parents and get acquainted before the fall season gets into full swing. Even if you cannot be there for the whole day - or you’re like me and normally not an early riser - you can join us for an hour or two!

NEW - FAMILY FACEBOOK GROUP
We have made a new family Facebook group for the 2025-26 season. This group is intended for students and immediate family members to help share important information throughout the season. If you are not already a member, we encourage you to join and please answer the questions when requesting access. 

PEACHES FUNDRAISER
Our peaches fundraiser is still underway. This is a very good fundraiser for students to assist with paying for dues. 75% of profit from each box sold will be applied as a credit to student accounts. Orders are due June 20th. The peaches will be delivered in July and a finalized delivery date will be determined as we get closer, based on weather and crop. All orders should be submitted as one payment and recorded on this Google form. The flyer can be found by clicking HERE. If you have any questions, please contact our Fundraising Chair, Stephanie Hall, at mjbogfundraising@gmail.com.

Band of Gold - Week of June 9

 Hello and Happy June!

I hope you are having a wonderful summer and enjoying the warmer temps we’ve been having. Even though the band isn’t meeting right now, I have a few updates to provide. 

Here is a quick recap to keep you in the know.

PEACHES FUNDRAISER

Our peaches fundraiser is still underway. This is a very good fundraiser for students to assist with paying for dues. 75% of profit from each box sold will be applied as a credit to student accounts. Orders are due June 20th. The peaches will be delivered in July and a finalized delivery date will be determined as we get closer, based on weather and crop. All orders should be submitted as one payment and recorded on this Google form. The flyer can be found by clicking HERE. If you have any questions, please contact our Fundraising Chair, Stephanie Hall, at mjbogfundraising@gmail.com.

CAR WASH

We are requesting permission to do another car wash fundraiser at West Wilson Middle School on Saturday, July 12, from 9:00 - 1:00pm. We raised more than $800 at the last car wash and a fun time was had by everyone who participated. Once we have final approval, I will be sending out a link to sign up. We will need both parents and students to help out. We had such a great turnout at the last one that we need to be able to have enough hands to do multiple wash and dry stations.

PARENT WORK DAY

Saturday, July 19th will be our second Parent Work Day. We start at 7:30am and go until noon (or earlier when the work gets done). To prepare for football season, we will move equipment and supplies from the band room and basketball concessions down to football. Mr. Cox is also great at giving us a list of other activities to do for the day!  This is an excellent way to meet parents and get acquainted before the fall season gets into full swing. Even if you cannot be there for the whole day - or you’re like me and normally not an early riser - you can joins us for an hour or two!

END OF CAMP COOKOUT

On July 24th, the Booster Board is holding an end of camp cookout to celebrate and thank everyone for making it through summer band camp. More details will be coming but this event is prepared to make a splash (hint, hint) and will provide entertainment for both families and students.

Band Camp Survivors!

We survived Week 1 of band camp!! I remember the first band camp for our rising junior and I was so proud of his perseverance and dedication despite the long days and tired muscles. What they are learning during this time goes far beyond the sheet music and the drill. 

A big shout out to parents and families for feeding, transporting, and supporting our band students through this first week. Getting their tired and aching bodies out of bed and to camp each day deserves special recognition.  

We take the next few weeks off with rehearsals and band camp starting again in July. Click this link to see the band’s Google calendar which also includes information about how to sync to your phone. 

REGISTRATION REMINDER

If you have not already done so, please register your student(s) here: 2025-26 Registration Link. The $100 deposit is also due now and can be paid via check to MJ Band Boosters dropped in the white box in Mr. Cox’s office, or via Givebacks.

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

• July 15, 17, 18, and 19: band rehearsal

• July 17: Booster Meeting (parents and families) - 7:00pm at the high school

• July 19: Parent work day

• July 21, 22, 23, and 24: band camp

• July 24: End of Camp Cookout - more details coming soon

SPIRIT STICK WINNERS

Legacy of the Spirit Stick 

• Tuesday: front ensemble

• Thursday: rookies

• Friday: band PARENTS - way to go!!

• Saturday: Meagan McPherson (of the famous Meagan block)

PEACHES FUNDRAISER

The peaches fundraiser is still ongoing. Students will receive 75% of the profit from the sale of peaches to assist with paying dues. The order deadline is June 20th. Please submit your final orders via the Google form linked on the flyer and one payment for the full amount. View and/or print the flyer and order form HERE. Questions can be directed to the Fundraising Chairperson, Stephanie Hall, at mjbogfundraising@gmail.com. 

FALL SPONSORSHIPS

Obtaining corporate sponsors is an excellent way to support the band and assist with paying dues. The flyer provides information about each sponsorship level and explains the promotion the band will provide in exchange. 50% of each level of sponsorship will go directly toward student dues. The deadline for forms, payment, and company logo is July 24. This is a firm deadline. Blank forms are available to be picked up in the band room.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEER - CONCESSIONS CO-CHAIR

At our May Board meeting, the Booster Board amended the Booster Bylaws. One of the outcomes was to split the Concessions Chairperson into two co-chair positions. Running concessions is a tremendous amount of work for just one person and we really need to cross-train a second person as our current chair has been doing it for several years and her son is a senior this year. 

This co-chair position is a non-voting member of the Booster Board. They will be responsible for cross-training for all duties but will primarily manage the process for creating and maintaining a system for inventory and ordering. This a full-year position and will cover football, competitions, basketball, and any other special events the band hosts. It is an excellent opportunity to begin volunteering with the band - and the concessions team has a lot of fun!

If you or someone you know that is a booster member would be interested in learning more about this position, please have them email me at mjbogboosterpresident@gmail.com by no later than June 27. The board will be reviewing candidates and make a decision in July. 

HOW TO REPORT VOLUNTEER HOURS

Beginning immediately, parents and families can use this Google form to report volunteer hours to go toward the $250 credit at the end of the season. There is also a link to the form from the Band of Gold website under the Parents section.