2023 Mighty Lion Band Newsletter

Summer 2023

2023 Marching Show

Inside This Year’s Issue:

• Meet Your Directors

• Football Game Schedule

• Band Camp Information

• Uniform Information

• Band Picture Information

• Charms Office

• Regular School Year Expectations

• Band Travel Information

• Mighty Lion Band Booster Information (MLBBF)

Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year. The Lafayette High Band is gearing up for a great year. The Marching Band is already hard at work. June Camp was a huge success, and our newest members were welcomed by a fantastic group of band leaders. The full band is already making great sounds. This year’s marching show is called Immortal Journey and is going to be a space theme with some exciting modern sounds and a unique show design.

office 337.521.7980

email wrgleason@lpssonline.com ajguidry@lpssonline.com

As in recent years, the band will wear competition tops that will reflect the theme of the show. Students have been sized for their competition tops. They will cost $113.00 Payment in the form of a check or money order is due July 28th and should be made payable to MLBBF. NO CASH

• Parent Volunteer Opportunities

• Bandboree Information

• LHS Band Event List

• Band Camp Supply List

• LHS Colorguard Specific Information

For the latest information regarding dates and times, go to your Charms account.

Don’t see something you need, go to the MLBBF website

www.mightylionbandboosterfoundation.org

The tradition continues….

www.mightylionbandboosterfoundation.org

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

Newsletter for the Lafayette High School Mighty Lion Marching Band

Meet Your Directors

Ronnie Gleason is in his 29th year of teaching instrumental music and his second tenure at Lafayette High School. Mr. Gleason was the Associate Director of Bands at Lafayette High School from 2006-2015. Mr. Gleason was then the Director of Bands at Kaplan High School in Kaplan, Louisiana. Mr. Gleason received his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1993.

Throughout his teaching career, Mr. Gleason’s bands have consistently received superior ratings in marching, concert, and jazz festivals at local, state, and national events. In 2008 and 2011, Mr. Gleason’s band performed at the National Concert Band and Orchestra Festival held at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and in 2013 his Lafayette High School Symphonic band was selected to perform at the National Concert Band Festival held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Gleason has performed with many ensembles over the years including the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Acadian Wind Symphony, and the Skyliners Big Band. His professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu, National Association for Music Education, Louisiana Music Educators Association (which he currently serves as the Band Division Chairman), Southwestern Louisiana Band Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha.

Welcome Mr. Avery Guidry! We aresoexcited to haveyoubackin the LHS Mighty Lion Band Family.

Avery Guidry is entering his 3rd year in music education. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 2016 and went on to earn his Bachelors in Instrumental Music Education (K-12) in 2021 at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He was the Band Director at Kaplan High School for the last two years, a program which has earned consistent superior ratings both in concert and marching settings. As an alumnus of the LHS band, Mr. Guidry is excited to continue the excellence and tradition embedded within the program.

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

2023 Football Season

Friday “Home” Game Plan

Students will not go home after school on game days. They will be given time to eat (on their own) before departing for the game. Instructions will be posted in Charms. Approximate time of dismissal after the game is 10:30 PM from Lafayette High School. We are not yet sure about home game locations. We will let you know soon as we know.

Welcome to the Fall 2023 football season. The Lafayette High Band gets the crowd excited and supports the Mighty Lion Football team by playing exciting music and some classic chants throughout the football game. During the hot part of the season, students will wear jeans and their band shirts. The band parents will supply the students with water throughout the game and a drink at halftime. Due to construction at Lafayette High, we are not yet sure where home games will be played. We will communicate that information as soon as we get it.

Day Date Game

to your Charms account.

Ensemble Location

Friday September 1 LHS vs. HL Bourgeois Full Marching Band Home Stadium

Other Information

Friday September 8 LHS vs. Comeaux Full Marching Band Home Stadium 8th Grade Night

Friday September 15 LHS at Sulphur TBA Sulphur

Friday September 22 LHS at Acadiana Full Marching Band Acadiana

Friday September 29 LHS at St Martinville TBA St. Martinville

Friday October 6 LHS at Carencro Full Marching Band Carencro

Friday October 13 LHS vs. Sam Houston Full Marching Band Home Stadium Homecoming

Friday October 20 LHS at Barbe TBA Barbe

Friday October 27 LHS vs Southside Full Marching Band Home Stadium

Friday November 3 LHS vs New Iberia Full Marching Band Home Stadium

A more comprehensive list of band dates can be found on pages 7 and 8

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

Times for performances will vary based on distance and special activities. For the latest information regarding dates and times, refer

Important Parking Information: Please park in the English lot and enter through building 100 (front circle on Congress St).All students will be dropped off and picked up in the front circle. No one may park in the back gravel parking lots.

LHS Band Camp Starts July 17th

Band Camp Checklist

Water (insulated jug)

Sunscreen

Bug Spray

Hat and Sunglasses

Instrument

Appropriate Shoes

Reeds, Valve Oil, etc.

Flip Folder/Lyre

Dot Book

Pencil

Great Attitude

Band camp is our most powerful tool for creating a great marching show. It is the time to develop our marching skills, our playing skills, and our relationships with each other. This is an important time to build trust, respect, and friendship within our sections and within the entire band. I encourage each band member to prepare themselves mentally and physically. Be a part of a team that supports and builds up each other Your efforts will pay off. This year’s band camp will be July 17-28.

There is a complete schedule on page 7. Pay careful attention to the who, what, when, and where information throughout these two weeks. During these two weeks we also have uniform fittings, freshman trainings and activities, band pictures, and a parent performance and pool party at the end. The band camp fee is $200.00 and is due July 17 and 18 You should also turn in your $113.00 competition top money at that time. Finally, please refer to the supply list on page 9 to know what you need to bring to the first day of band camp.

Parents: Please make plans to attend the parent performance on July 28th @ 6:30 PM at Clark Field. Parents may also purchase booster club shirts and show t-shirts. Items go on sale at 6:00 PM. Quantities are limited.

Tips For Having a Great Band Camp

1. Remember that we are all here to learn. When an instructor instructs, remember this important thought: This is information, not criticism.

2. Be positive Everyone is hot. Complaining won’t cool you off but do be aware of your health. If you feel nausea or dizziness, tell your section leader.

3. Remain silent when the directors, instructors, or field staff are talking. It is distracting for others who are trying to learn.

4. Keep all of your drill sheets, music, etc. safe and secure. Have a routine for storing all of your materials so you do not lose them.

5. Take self-discipline seriously. A marching band that snaps to attention precisely together is an incredible sight to see. Furthermore, you will find that these skills can be applied to everyday life.

6. The band has a variety of motivational activities and rituals. Embrace them. We are all working together for ONE common goal: EXCELLENCE!

7. Lay off soft drinks prior to camp. Increase your water and electrolyte intake. Drink 6-8 glasses daily. Caffeine acts as a diuretic and causes mild dehydration.

8. Eat a great breakfast before you come. Lay off of junk food.

9. Apply sunscreen before you leave your house. Sunscreen is more effective if it has time to soak in.

10. Wear deodorant and bring extra to band camp. No aerosol spray EVER.

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

Other Important Information

Uniforms

There are multiple configurations for the LHS Band uniform.

1. July 28 Parent Performance Uniform – School solid black shorts and band shirt

2. Full formal uniform – Black Dinkles*, black socks (long, up to the calf), black lightweight shorts, and band shirt under the provided traditional uniform pants and jacket.

3. Competition Uniform – Black Dinkles*, black socks (long, up to the calf), black lightweight shorts, and band shirt under the provided black uniform pants and show theme jacket.

4. Away Game Attire – Dark shoes and socks, nice jeans, black belt, and band shirt.

*Dinkle shoe fitting will be July 27th for those that need to purchase a new pair. Please bring a $44.00 check payable to Lafayette Music Company. This cost will include 1 pair of performance gloves. Mr. Green from Lafayette Music will do the fitting.

Students should contact Emily Stutes or Kameryn Bonnet, uniform captains, about any uniform related questions or concerns.

Band Pictures

• Students will take individual pictures when they are fitted for their uniform (see schedule on page 7).

• Full band and sibling pictures will be taken on Saturday, July 22rd in the auditorium. Students will wear their full formal uniform. Order forms will be available when students arrive.

Charms Office www.charmsoffice.com

Charms Office is the cloud-based tool that the LHS Band uses for information, financial, scheduling, library, and document management. Charms will be your primary source for rehearsal information, students’ financial account information, and document storage (i.e., the band handbook). The School Login: lafayette. Each student has an individual password. New members will receive their passwords in the very near future.

Rehearsals During the Regular School Year (August – November)

In general, the LHS band will rehearse Mondays, Thursdays, and some Saturdays. Mondays will be at Clark Field (5:30PM -8:30PM). Thursdays will be at LHS (4:00 – 7:30) Saturday rehearsals will be 1:00PM8:00 PM. Check Charms for the latest information about rehearsals.

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

Don’t see something you need, go to www.mightylionbandboosterfoundation.org

MLBBF – Mighty Lion Band Booster Foundation

The Mighty Lion Band Booster Foundation (MLBBF) is a group of band parents and supporters that want to see our students succeed in the Lafayette High School Band. We wear many hats to make that happen. We work hard, we have fun, we support the entire band program. We provide chaperones, medical help, and funding. We build things, we clean things, we move equipment, we do whatever is needed to help the students do their best and allow the directors to do what only they can do. The MLBBF also provides different opportunities for parents to earn money for theirchild’s band account.

WeworkUL-Lafayettebaseball, softball, and football games. We work Cajundome events and Festivale Internationale de Louisiane.Allmoneyearned by parents, students, and family working these different events goes into the student’s band account to pay for band family fees, trip expenses, and other band-incurred fees.

MLBBF Board Members

President Lisa Valentin

Vice-

President Trisha Darbonne

Treasurer Adam Swann

Secretary Donna Domingue

Board Member Lauren Ashurst

Board Member Jeremy Boyette

Board Member Renee Boyette

Board Member Moira Evanco

Join the MLBBF and take an active role in helping the Mighty Lion Band achieve their goals! Be a part of your child’s musical journey. Make new friends. You will gain new insights into the Mighty Lion Band.

Parent Volunteers Needed Throughout theSchool Year

The LHS Band relies on numerous parent volunteers throughout the school year for a variety of activities and tasks. Whatever your skill set, there is a job for you. Please sign up today to help. Some of the events and volunteer opportunitiesinclude:

• Band Camp

• FootballGame Chaperone

• Medical Assistant

• Flag/Accessory Construction

• Prop Construction

• Family Clean Up Day

• General Volunteer

• Alumni Night

• Assist The Uniform Crew

• LA ConcertBand Invitational (LCBI)

• Bandboree

• Ye OldeChristmasFeast

• Transportation

• Costumes

• Senior Night

Director

Director

Don’t see something you need, go to www.mightylionbandboosterfoundation.org

Board Member April Lafleur

Board Member Joey Lafleur

Board Member Kayla Leger

Board Member Meghan Mixon

Board Member Steven Musumeche

Board Member Adrienne Musumeche

Board Member Jennifer Swann

Board Member Elias Valentin

Ronnie Gleason,

Avery Guidry, Asst.

LafayetteHighSchoolMightyLionBandSchedule(asofJuly1,2023)

Colorguard, please review page 10 for your specific times.

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

Don’t see something you need, go to www.mightylionbandboosterfoundation.org

2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR DATES

THIS CALENDAR DOES NOT INCLUDE REGULAR REHEARSALS (DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR). Check Charms for up-to-date rehearsal information.

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

Don’t see something you need, go to www.mightylionbandboosterfoundation.org

NEW TRAILER!!!

https://www.mightylionbandboosterfound

With the help of outstanding donors and support from the Mighty Lion Band Booster Foundation, The Lafayette High Band has a new equipment trailer. The Directors and students are so grateful for the generosity of everyone who donated.

ation.org/trailer-fundraiser

Band Camp 2023 Supply List - By Section

Students bring the items listed for their Marching Band section. Drop-off is during the first week of band camp on Monday, July 17 & Tuesday, July 18

Parents will be in the English Parking Lot just prior to the beginning of band camp start times for you do deliver them. Please only purchase products that DO NOT contain peanuts or peanut products!

Drum Majors

• 2 - 12 packs Diet Coca Cola Canned Drinks

• 4 - 250 Count packs of Napkins

• 1 large box or 2 small boxes of granola bars (Sam’s or Super One have large boxes)

Flutes

• 2 - 12 packs Dr. Pepper Canned Drinks

• 2 rolls of 2-ply paper towels

• 1 Large container of Powerade powder Mix

Clarinets

• 1 - 12 pack Sprite canned drinks

• 1 bag of store-sealed cookies (Oreos, Chips Ahoy or Chewy Chips Ahoy)

• 1 large box or 2 small boxes of granola bars (Sam’s or Super One have large boxes)

• 1 Large container of Powerade powder Mix

Saxophones

• 2 - 12 packs Coca Cola Canned Drinks

• 100 Pack (Styrofoam disposable plates)

• 100 Flavor-Ice brand “freeze-at-home” popsicles

• 50 Plastic cups (16 or 18 oz. not clear, not Styrofoam)

Trumpets

• 1 - 12 pack Dr. Pepper Canned Drinks

• 1 - 22 pack of Frito Lay individual bags of Chips (Purple Assorted bag)

• 1 bag of store-sealed cookies (Oreos, Chips Ahoy or Chewy Chips Ahoy)

• 50 Plastic cups (16 or 18 oz. not clear, not Styrofoam)

Horns

• 1 - 12 pack Diet Coke Canned Drinks

• 1 - 12 pack Sunkist Canned Drinks

• 1 bag of store-sealed cookies (Oreos, Chips Ahoy or Chewy Chips Ahoy)

• 1 - 22 pack of Frito Lay individual bags of Chips (Purple Assorted bag)

Trombones

• 2 - 12 packs Sunkist canned drinks

• 1 bag of store-sealed cookies (Oreos, Chips Ahoy or Chewy Chips Ahoy)

• 50 Plastic cups (16 or 18 oz. not clear, not Styrofoam)

• 1 – 19oz Country Time Lemonade Mix Powder (makes 8 quarts)

Baritones

• 2 - 12 packs Sunkist Canned Drinks

• 1 large box Kleenex (can buy generic)

• 50 Plastic cups (16 or 18 oz. not clear, not Styrofoam)

• 1 – 19oz Country Time Lemonade Mix Powder (makes 8 quarts)

Tuba

• 2 - cases of bottled water (24-32 Bottles/16.9 oz. each)

• 1 bag of store-sealed cookies (Oreos, Chips Ahoy or Chewy Chips Ahoy)

• 1- 12 pack Coca Cola Canned Drinks

Percussion/Drumline and Front Ensemble

• 1 - 12 pack Coca Cola Canned Drinks

• 1 - 22 pack of Frito Lay individual bags of Chips (Purple Assorted bag)

• 1 bag of store-sealed cookies (Oreos, Chips Ahoy or Chewy Chips Ahoy)

• 50 Plastic cups (16 or 18 oz. not clear, not Styrofoam)

Color Guard

• 2 - cases of bottled water (24-32 Bottles/16.9 oz. each)

• 1 bag of store-sealed cookies (Oreos, Chips Ahoy or Chewy Chips Ahoy)

• 50 Plastic cups (16 or 18 oz. not clear, not Styrofoam)

Band Wish List – If you can contribute any of the following items, it would be appreciated!

- Disposable Razors

- Bobby Pins

- Ponytail Holders

- Safety Pins

- White/Black Electrical Tape

- Make-up Remover

- Feminine Products

- Over the Ankle Black Socks

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

Don’t see something you need, go to www.mightylionbandboosterfoundation.org

- Cotton Balls

- Nail Polish remover

- Insect Repellant

2023 FINAL SUMMER PAYMENT INFORMATION AND REMINDERS

YOUR FINAL COSTUME PAYMENT HAS BEEN DETERMINED AND IS:

$55.00 AND IS DUE JULY 18TH. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING CASH OR MONEY ORDER. PLEASE PLACE ALL FEES IN AN ENVELOPE WITH YOUR NAME AND THE PAYMENT'S PURPOSE ON THE ENVELOPE.

JUST A HEADS UP, YOUR WIND SUIT ORDER IS DUE AUGUST 21. VETS, IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOMETHING, YOU MUST ORDER NOW. IF YOU NEED A NEW ORDER FORM, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

THANK YOU FOR KEEPING UP YOUR PAYMENTS.

PRE-CAMP (WEEK 1)

JULY 17-20, 1:00-7:00 @ LHS CAFETERIA AND GIRL'S GYM

1-4-CAFE AND 4-7 GIRL’S GYM

JULY 21

NEWBIES AND SENIORS WILL NEED TO BE AT LHS AT 8 AM FOR A FRESHMAN EVENT FROM 8-10 IN THE BANDROOM.

ALL GUARD 1:00-3:00 PM @ LHS BAND FUNDAY (WE WILL NOT REHEARSE THIS DAY, BUT WE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE FUNDAY.)

JULY 22

PICTURE DAY 7-12P (COME WITH YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP DONE; WE WILL ISSUE JUMPERS THAT MORNING.)

BAND CAMP (WEEK 2) GUARD ONLY

JULY 24-28 12:30P-4:30P DINNER 430p-5:15p @ (BARANCO ELEMENTARY GYM ACROSS FROM CLARK FIELD)

5:30p-9:30P @ CLARK FIELD

JULY 29 PARENT PERFORMANCE @ 6:30P @ CLARK FIELD (MEETING AT CLARK FIELD TBD)

LHS BAND POOL PARTY @ CRAWFISH AQUATICS 8:00P-10:00P

THANK YOU!

GUARD STAFF

Ronnie Gleason, Director Avery Guidry, Asst. Director

Don’t see something you need, go to www.mightylionbandboosterfoundation.org