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Introducing Friends of WLHS Band (FOWLB) & Marching Band Fundraising Goals

Dear Marching Band Families,

We are excited to welcome new and returning families to another incredible season with the WLHS Marching Band!

Our band’s success wouldn’t be possible without the support of our booster group, Friends of WLHS Band (FOWLB). FOWLB is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works behind the scenes to provide the resources and support that make our marching season and school year band events run smoothly.  We work closely with Mr. Green to make sure he and the Band Leadership Team have what they need to succeed each year.

Each marching band student (marching band student refers to both Wind Ensemble musicians & Color Guard) benefited from approximately $250 in support from FOWLB throughout last season. This covered everything from food, shoes, gloves, expenses to maintain uniforms and equipment, marching band staff, color guard staff, drill writing, music arrangement and rights and so much more. This season we are projected to spend over $300 per student, with some larger purchases needed to give our students the best experience possible.

While the marching band fee is $150 per student, that only covers a portion of what’s needed to give our students the tools to be successful.  HCPSS provides no direct financial support for Marching Bands.

Marching Band Fundraiser:

To help bridge the gap, we are launching a March-A-Thon fundraiser this season. The students typically march 40-50 miles during their nine days of band camp.  Cheer them on by spreading the word or donating today!  All donors will be recognized in the Fall Pops concert program.  The funds raised will go toward our big needs for the season:

  • New plumes for the band’s shakos – $16 each, totaling $1,400

  • New speakers to enhance rehearsals and performances – $4,000

  • Drum Major podium stands – $1,000

These are just a few items within our anticipated total budget of $27,000 for the 2025 marching season. Any amount raised beyond the cost of those items will help support routine seasonal costs.  Please share the fundraiser to everyone you can think of (friends, family members, music lovers) and share across your social media platforms…Click here!

Volunteers Needed:  We are looking for volunteers to help FOWLB this year!  Game and event volunteer signups will be sent out as soon as they are finalized, but we have several FOWLB positions that we need filled.  Many hands make light work!  Please reach out to Kathleen at president@wlhsband.com if you're able to help or would like more information.

  • Fundraising Chair (Work with and manage the team of fundraising volunteers)

  • Business Sponsorships Coordinator(s) (2-3 people, solicit sponsorships from local businesses through emails and/or in-person visits)

  • Village Center Coordinator (request sponsorships and reach out when we need things posted on their social media)

  • Bingo Committee Member (3-4 needed…February event so bulk of work is Dec-Feb)

  • Jazz Cabaret Committee Member (3-4 needed…May event so bulk of work is Mar-May)

  • UMD Concessions Group Leaders (2-4 needed….New fundraising opportunity to earn a percentage of concessions…we provide the labor at basketball games and we get a check in return)

Marching Band Fees: The fee for each student is $150.00, payable through our website (processing fees apply) or fee-free with cash, check (made out to Friends of WLHS Band) or via Zelle to treasurer@wlhsband.com.   The fee is due by the first game, September 5.  Need financial assistance or a little longer to pay?  Please fill out this Google Form by August 31 to request a Full or Partial Scholarship or set up a payment plan.  There will be an opportunity to pay in person at the Marching Band Kickoff on August 22.  Students can also drop off cash and check payments in the secure black lockbox in the band room.

Band Jackets:  Band Jackets will be on sale for $95.00 through September 7.  Due to the personalization process we will cut off orders at that time.  Place your order online (processing fees apply) or fill out the Google Form  and send in (fee-free) cash or check (made out to Friends of WLHS Band), or send Zelle to treasurer@wlhsband.com with comment Jacket-and the student name.  Ordering and sample jackets will be available at Marching Band Kickoff on August 22.

Amazon Wish List:  Help support the band program directly by ordering something off the Amazon Wish List.  All items are shipped to the home of the FOWLB President and promptly delivered to the WL Band room.

Thank you for being a part of our amazing band community  and for helping us keep the WLHS Marching Band strong, spirited, and successful!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @friendsofwlhsband

Student run band instagram @wildelakeband

Student run color guard instagram @wildelakeguard

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