MOUNTAIN RIDGE BAND PARENTS ASSOCIATION (BPA)
The MRHS BPA exists to support all band programs at the school; help to organize events such as concerts, receptions, fundraisers, and field trips; and provide parent volunteers to help make sure everything runs smoothly. These volunteers do everything from staffing concessions to chaperoning trips, building props, and cleaning uniforms. Without the support of generous volunteer parents, the band program would not be able to function at its current level of excellence.
The MRHS BPA manages the funding and budgets for the Marching Band, Concert Band, MRJO, String Orchestra, & Winterguard programs. Each year, the Association provides almost $60,000 dollars of additional funding to these programs, and hundreds of hours of volunteer time! Therefore, it is important that all band and guard parents attend meetings to participate in funding decisions. We strongly encourage all parents to attend these meetings to represent the interests of your students and the marching band as a whole.
Band Parent meetings are traditionally held on the third Thursday of every month at 6pm. All parents are encouraged to attend to receive important and timely information. It is to be used as an opportunity to provide the Director & Executive Board with feedback and vote on agenda items requiring a consensus.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
- Attend Meetings: Attending meetings is the best way to stay aware on all the happenings of the instrumental programs, as well as an opportunity to share suggestions and ask questions.
- Concessions: Working concessions at MRHS sporting events! It is a privilege for the Band program to have this opportunity. We must work together to maintain it.
- Concession Committee: Help to manage concessions, including stocking, scheduling workers, etc.
- Band Chaperones: As various student groups participate in competitions and performances throughout the year, chaperones are needed to accompany the groups. We require a minimum of three chaperones per bus. One chaperone sits at the back, one in the middle and one at the front of the bus. For competitions chaperones may get a hand stamp (free entry), but these are limited and not guaranteed. Please be prepared to pay for a ticket to get into each event.
- Band Camp Volunteers: Parents are needed to provide assistance at band camp. Responsibilities include preparing and serving food during our morning snack break or during dinner included in our 8am-8pm week.
- Uniform Committee: This group works to make sure the uniforms are properly taken care of. The band members all have to be measured in the beginning of the year (during band camp). Special uniform accessories are often part of the show. If you have good organizational skills or just a desire to help, this could be your spot.
- Fundraising Volunteers: The MRHS Band needs volunteers to coordinate our fundraising campaigns. If you would like to chair one of our fundraisers or would like to help out one of our fundraisers, please let us know.
COMMUNICATION
- www.mountainridgeband.com The MRHS Band website is the primary hub for all band communications. The site includes links to most everything students and families need to know, including schedules, photos, forms, this Band Handbook, information about the directors and Band Parents Association, guard and percussion information, Frequently Asked Questions, and more.
- Facebook private group page: MRHS Instrumental Music
- Band App - MRHS Marching Band
- http://www.mountainridgehigh.com/
BPA Executive Board Contact Info
Derek Shank, Director of Bands derek.shank@acpsmd.org (301)687-8030
Shelly Winebrenner, President scrawford2213@icloud.com
Rachel Hogan, Treasurer rachelhogan625@gmail.com
Nikki Pearce, Secretary limegreenbaby4@hotmail.com