AFM Weekly Newsletter               September 11, 2014

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AVHS Music Website    

 

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It's never too late to start earning rebates using scrip. Sign up today at www.shopwithscrip.com. The enrollment code for AFM is 3361367C9842. If you have any questions please contact Lorry Epps.
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The Road Warriors need lots of help this year!  Road Warriors (RW) are the volunteers who help get the props and front ensemble equipment out onto the field at competitions.  See the show up close and personal as an RW!  For more information, contact Nickolas J. Lombardo.
 
 

AFM Executive Board is looking for a 1st Vice President. This person will serve as an active aide to the President; become acquainted with affairs of AFM and oversee and act as Board Liaison for Fundraising Functions. We are looking for someone to join our board that wants to have input and see the music program at AVHS remain world class. We have already identified key people to chair our major events. You would be working within a group, with lots of support and ideas and overseeing our ongoing Fundraisers.  We just need the "go-to" person!  If you are interested in discussing this position further please contact  Kristen Dean. 


Welcome Back!

 

To say the year is off to a great start is an understatement. With 330 members on the field, the Marching Band & Color Guard is a force to be seen and heard. I am so proud of the work the students are doing. They are professional, respectful, focused, and determined. If you ever wondered what some of the best kids on campus are capable of, please do know you are always invited to attend the last 30 minutes of our practices to see the show develop. Plus it teaches you, the Sea of Purple, where to cheer and clap the loudest!

 

I truly appreciate the time, energy, and financial support each of you gives to the band program. Amador Valley is the band it is fully because of the support you provide. Without your generosity, the band in its current state would cease to exist. I feel confident in saying that this will be a season to remember for the band family, and that includes you, so thank you!

 

I hope the start of the school year finds you settling into a comfortable routine  with your family. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Deepest appreciation,

Mr. Grantham  

 
Hello Amador Friends  
of Music!

 

Marching Season is well underway! We are gearing up for our first performances. Drill is being learned, music is being memorized . . . your kids have been fitted for uniforms, instruments have been purchased and registration forms are being turned in. It's all been really exciting and fun!

 

. . . And then there's always that one area that's not so fun, but that we have to talk about . . . the money. We need to speak frankly about donations and their direct impact on the program. Statements have been sent out, and if you have any questions about the suggested donation amount, please ask. Donations are vital for our program to succeed. We pay for entrance fees to competitions, buses, staff, hotels and food for students, additional uniforms, instrumentation, and so much more. Without your donation this program does not work. It costs money to move the kids around, keep them safe, and afford them the musical education experience that being a part of our Marching Band gives them. This program is a win-win. Not only does it give them unparalleled performance experience and music education, it gives them so much more. The life lessons being a part of this group teaches them are immeasurable.

 

The Music Directors of AVHS and the AFM board work tirelessly to make sure every penny we ask for is absolutely needed. We do not take lightly the impact the donation ask has on a family. You may make your donation in one lump sum, a partial amount (whatever you can give now and the rest later), or--if it works best for your family--we have set up a monthly payment plan that you can commit to by clicking the "donate" link on the homepage of our website. You may make your donation in cash, check (made out to AFM) or credit card.

 

We need to see a large part of our donations come in at the beginning of the season, if at all possible. If you haven't made your donation yet and are able to do so, please do.

 

Working together I know we can reach our budget goals and fund this world-class program.

 

I invite you to attend our General Membership meeting on Monday, September 15th at 7pm in the band room. We will re-cap the beginning of the season, expenditures so far, and provide an overview of what's to come. This is an opportunity for you to hear from the AFM board and the Music Directors of the program and have a say in your organization. In addition, we will be discussing several fundraising avenues we are considering to benefit the music program at AVHS. There will be lots of ways for you to be involved this year. So, mark your calendars! I hope to see you there!

   

Kristen Dean

AFM-President 
MR. GRANTHAM ASKS "CAN YOU HELP?"

We are building a small forest of tree props for our field show.  In order to make the props look realistic we are in need of A LOT of newspaper to paper mache the tree frames. This will make them look three-dimensional and very realistic. 
15 trees...that's a lot of newspaper!

 

If you can send in any old newspapers (no glossy inserts please) that you collect in the coming days that would be much appreciated!

News from RA Land!   

  

Our first couple football games are just around the corner and you don't want to miss out!    

  

The first one is September 19th and will include the Pigskin Roast.  There will be lots of spirit wear to purchase so bring your $$ and BUY PURPLE!  The next one is September 26th--Homecoming weekend.  Lots of fun activities attached to both of these games, so don't miss out!     

   

Your help as an RA at either game is greatly appreciated.  We are especially in need of folks to set up chairs for our students.  It is just a couple of hours, close to home, and you get to see how hard our students have been working already! 

 

Want to signup? Click hereYou can also sign up directly from our calendar at the website.  Just click on this link to the website, go to the calendar, and then click on the yellow hand on September 19th or September 26th. 

      

Couple of other reminders:

 

1) Still need donations of cups-450 count/5 oz from Costco.

2) ALL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS that your student may need on our overnight trips, MUST to be turned into me, along with the proper forms signed by their physician, by OCTOBER 1st.  I can meet you at a practice to make the exchange or you are welcome to drop by my house.  Just email me and we can work that out. 

 

Thanks everyone!

 

Barb Kennedy-Head RA  

Mark Your Calendars!

On October 4th the Marching Band and Colorguard practice will conclude with a performance for families and friends. Please join us after the performance for a picnic that will offer a perfect opportunity to meet new and veteran band families. More information will be coming soon, along with opportunities to volunteer. The volunteer opportunities will be listed on Charms. 
 
Tuesday Night Snacks!

 

The students always look forward to their hard-earned treats on Tuesday nights after band practice. Thanks again to all parents who have been donating the yummies!  Keep them coming!

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
  Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!
 

 

Allison Cox 

New Uniform Uniform Update 

 

Thanks to some a-mazing "uniform angels," students can begin picking up hemmed marching band pants in the lobby!  The remaining pants should in the lobby by next Tuesday night.  Also, look for marching band shoes this week. Students without jackets should bring their garment bag to school this week.  Questions? Email Gale Naylor.

 

 Uniform Inspections   

Want to help make sure our marching band students look their best?  Come help at uniform inspections, Friday, Sept. 26th, before the football game and again, Friday October 3rd, before pictures.    

 

Click here to sign up.

Wash Those Pants!  

   

MANY marching band pants have been seen with dirt/mud on them.  Yuck.  ASAP, please WASH ALL BAND PANTS before the football game on the 26th.  (Cold water, permanent press cycle, cool dryer - take them out right away and they probably won't even need to be ironed!)


Water Bottle Duty for  

Football Games and Competitions

(Clean, Fill, Ice, and Deliver--very easy!)

 

Want to volunteer and just can't figure out what to do??????  

 

Have I got the job for you!!!!!!!

 

This is an essential parent volunteer duty that we vitally need and is a great opportunity for 3-4 families to share this responsibility.  

 

Please contact Mary Ann Boyle if you can volunteer for this job.

 

Home Football Games (on 9/19, 9/26, 10/31, and 11/7).  We need 3 volunteers per game.             

 

Marching Band Competitions - drop bottles at #1 bus at Amador - need 2 volunteers per competition.

           

Gilroy High  10/11

               Ayala in So. Cal 10/17

               Dublin  11/1

               Logan   11/15

               WBA Championships  11/22           

 

eScrip

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Just a reminder that you will need to RENEW your commitment to the eScrip program by November 1st.   A percentage of the contributions from the eScrip program and Raley's will be credited to your student's account. If you were enrolled in eScrip through another school or organization, you must change to Amador Friends of Music in order to receive ANY credit to your student's account.  (I am not able to do that for you.)

  

Go to escrip to renew, update or register your Safeway card, Gene's card, Fresh & Easy friends card, debit accounts and credit cards to your eScrip account. Our group ID# is 137117495. Take advantage of the eScrip Dining program as well as the eScrip Online Mall.

 

  Apply and enroll your Raley's Something Extra card at raleys.com/extracredit and designate Amador Friends of Music as your support group. If you already have a card and have registered it, let me know the number so that your student will be credited for your contributions.

Feel free to email Doris Lem If you have any questions or

or need a Lucky S.H.A.R.E.S card or Fresh&Easy Friends card.