Dear band families,

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we want to start this message with our gratitude to all of our volunteers who make the band program possible, for all of the parents who support their band students, for all of the students who work so hard, and for all of our fantastic music staff who make those students a priority. For our marching families, we look forward to celebrating the end of the season with you at our annual potluck banquet (sign up). Finally, please see the final note of this email for a plea for a co-coordinator for our practice-a-thon (our early spring fundraiser). 

TL;DR:

  • Nov 30: Marching Band Banquet – sign up to volunteer and for potluck dishes
  • Dec 8: Lebanese Taverna Gift Card Fundraiser
  • Dec 12: Booster Meeting: Spring Trip and Practice-A-Thon Q&A
  • Dec 14: Winter Band Concert – NEW DATE
  • Spring Trip – a wicked good time – ACTION REQUIRED
  • Practice-A-Thon seeks co-coordinator

Marching Band Potluck Banquet – Nov 30

Gratitude to our marching families and staff

Our annual end-of-season marching band banquet will be held on November 30. Students and their families are invited to join us for a semi-formal evening to celebrate our 2023 season. Please sign up for your potluck dish (and to volunteer). Contact Susie Wallin with questions.

Lebanese Taverna Gift Card Fundraiser – Dec 8

Gratitude for our friends, neighbors, and community

We’re partnering with our local friends (and Yorktown alum and current parents) to help you with your gift giving this holiday season. Lebanese Taverna gift cards will be available on December 8 with 20% of the proceeds donated to YHS Bands! Gift cards are good at all Lebanese Taverna locations including the Market making them great gifts for any of your DMV friends (or back-up dinner plans for those busy holiday nights). All purchases will be made online on December 8 at https://bit.ly/lebtav-giftcard (use promo code YORKTOWN).

Winter Band Concert – Dec 14

Gratitude to our students for beautiful music

NEW DATE – the winter band concert has been moved and combined with the YHS Orchestra for a full evening of music. The Concert Band, String Orchestra, and Jazz Band will perform at 7 p.m. and the Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. Treats will be available for the performance to benefit both the YHS Band and Orchestra Boosters. More info to come.

Spring Trip – YHS Bands go to Boston

Gratitude to our director for growth opportunities for our students

It’s official – we’re going to Boston! The YHS Band will travel by charter bus April 25 – 28, 2024.

Action Required: RESPOND by Wednesday, November 29 to indicate if you are planning to attend (non-binding but we need to get a better idea of attendance to finalize pricing details). 

Planned highlights of the trip include:

  • An ensemble performance clinic
  • Boston Symphony Orchestra Concert
  • Boston Harbor historic sightseeing tour
  • Excursion to Salem
  • Paul Revere House
  • Freedom Trail Walk Into History Tour

Practice-A-Thon Co-Coordinator Needed

Gratitude to our volunteers who make everything possible

Our newest annual tradition, the practice-a-thon, needs a co-coordinator. This fundraiser is managed and administered online. Duties generally include working with the rallyup website, communicating with students, and raising awareness. Expected time commitment is a meeting before January and then 1-2 hours per week in January. This is a great way to have a big impact in a short period of time. Contact Lisa Backer to find out more. 

We hope you all enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Lisa Backer and Daniel Test
Yorktown Band Booster co-Presidents
https://yorktownband.org/