Committees

Several area high schools, and sometimes colleges, are invited to perform at the Ken Dukes Stadium on the grounds of Medina High School. Different bands attend each year. Not all bands are competitive – some are show bands and their theatrical maneuvers are as delightful as the precision of those who compete.

As the host of this spectacular event, the Medina Musical Bees competitive marching band performs last as the hosting band. This is a terrific opportunity for the Band to perform its first “official” presentation before heading off to competitions. The Band Show is also one of the biggest fundraisers.

As parents, you have many fun opportunities to volunteer here – concessions, band escorts, runners, decorations, tickets, 50/50 raffle, pre and post cleanups, etc. Some time commitments are larger than others. Trophies are given for participation. Proceeds go to the Band Parents Association whose primary focus is to support the Band Program.

Opening ceremonies begin at 7:00 p.m. and after the flag rising, the bands play their selections with each band given roughly fifteen minutes to perform. A standard concession is provided, with hot dogs, pizza, nachos and cheese, pop and hot chocolate. Medina Band Spirit wear is also offered for sale so you can stock up for Christmas gift giving. A 50/50 Raffle is held. The winning ticket collects half of the “take” and it is usually a fairly substantial amount! A ten-minute intermission allows you to use the facilities or purchase food without missing a beat of the wonderful music!

Tag Day has been a Medina Band tradition for over 50 years. Traditionally, students would canvas the community and also stand in front of local businesses collecting money donations for the band program. In recent years, we have moved to an online version so that students can reach people in our community as well as include family and friends in other places. Students enjoy friendly competition between sections to see who can bring in the most donations! This campaign typically begins in late August. The directors will share more information during band camp.

What better way to show your support for our awesome Musical Bees, Spiritwear! From blankets to seat pads to clothing, you can advertise your love and take comfort, too! They make terrific gifts also, so remember that Spiritwear is for sale during Dessert Kick- Off and at every home game.

Make sure you purchase your yard sign signifying which section of the band your child plays in too – show your band pride! Opportunities to order will be announced – you won’t miss it!

Students should ask their section leaders if Spiritwear for their particular instrument section will be made available. These can be big hits when offered!!

Lots to know here! Medina High School musicians not only sound great, they look great too!

Here are some of the basics of uniform wear and care. Marching Band Uniforms and Concert Formal Wear Attire are the property of the Medina Band Parents Association (MBPA) – your children rent them. All uniforms and/or parts of uniforms issued by the MBPA remain the property of the MBPA regardless of repair and/or replacement thereof. You and your child(ren) sign a Participation Contract which is mailed to the (MBPA) with payment of fees by the deadline stated in the contract. No Marching Uniform or Concert Attire is issued to your child(ren) until all fees are paid. Additional accessories must be purchased through the MBPA as part of the uniform or Concert Attire and are the property of your child(ren). See Contract for the required list of accessories. Please note that failure to submit the contract and fees results in your child(ren) being ineligible to perform.

Participation Fees – used for rental, cleaning and maintenance of the marching uniforms and concert attire - are separate from the Pay-To-Play fees charged by Medina High School. Students are fitted for Marching Band Uniforms and Concert Formal Wear Attire during Music Camp in July/August. They are mandatory scheduled fittings by appointment. Any alterations to the Uniforms or Concert Attire are to be made by the Uniform Committee – no parent is to make or arrange for alterations. Marching Band members are fitted for a uniform, consisting of a coat, pants and gauntlets (2 pair – 1 green and 1 black) as well as a raincoat, raincoat bag, hat and hatbag. Marching Band raincoats are sent home with students and it is the responsibility of the student to take the utmost care of their raincoat while it is in their possession.

The next two weeks are called Band Camp and marching begins. Specific maneuvers are learned along with accompanying music - it is an intensive process and takes place in the parking lot outside the Performing Arts Center. Parents often gather near the end of the evening practice to cheer the children on as the show is perfected during the second week. While the schedule is changeable, in general, practice for all is from 8am to noon, with Check Offs in the afternoon and more practice from 6:00-8:30pm.

Band Camp is mandatory.

Socks and tennis shoes are required. Students bring side-walk chalk for marking their positions, as well as sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. Make sure your son or daughter has plenty of water and snacks, or money to purchase some. It gets very hot being on the asphalt for three to four hours a day.

A celebration for our hard working students and directors! It is held at Medina Assembly of God picnic area, usually on a Thursday around 6:00 p.m., the last week of Band Camp. This event is chaperoned and students are “given the evening off” in order to celebrate with food, games and socializing. Usually pizza, pop, music and good times are enjoyed for a job well done and a disc jockey provides the tunes. Parents are more than welcome to provide snacks, desserts and side dishes.

The Picnic is funded by the Band Parents Association, donations (both monetary and other) from local businesses and Band Parent volunteers and/or their donations. If you want to participate, volunteers are always needed to be on this committee – and its fun, too! You can contact the Chairperson or just sign up at the Dessert Kick-Off!

This beautiful, catered event is held at the end of the season at Medina Senior High School. Reservations must be made and the money is collected before this special event. After a delicious meal everyone moves to the Performing Arts Theatre where highlights of the Marching Band season are reviewed. Individuals are recognized for contributions as the Band Directors present participation and individual awards.

Then, the kids take over! Student Band Officers present humorous awards to students. Then, a retrospective slide show, put together by a group of parents, is shown and available for purchase at a nominal fee. A terrific evening! Don’t miss this!