GBBPA JANUARY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

February 25 – Jazz Concert GBHS Auditorium 7:30 P.M.

February 26 – Scrip orders due to green mailbox by 1 P.M.

February 27 – All VA Band and Orchestra Auditions

March 3 – GBBPA Board Meeting, Band Room 7:30 P.M.

March 9 – GBBPA General Membership Meeting, Band Room, 7:30 P.M.

March 11-13 – VBODA District IV Band Festival – GBHS

March 12 – Scrip orders due to green mailbox by 1 P.M.

March 26 - Scrip orders due to green mailbox by 1 P.M.

March 27 – Chili Cook Off – GBHS Commons Area

Prez Says - Spring is here – well, maybe not so much with the recent weather.  Things are not slowing down for the GBHS band program or GBBPA.  There are many events coming up – check out the calendar in Charms.  It is also GBBPA “fundraising season.”  It began this past weekend with the Annual Craft Show.  Huge thanks to DUANE LORD our wonderful, outstanding, incredibly awesome chair!! Duane and his team devoted most of Friday evening and Saturday to this event.  Thanks also to Kathleen Kimball, bake sale coordinator and Mark and Sheri Woodward who ran concessions – again!!  There were so many parents there to support this event – thanks to each of you for taking time from your busy schedules to help.  Your efforts are greatly appreciated!!!

Speaking of fundraising, the Chili Cook-off and Silent Auction (March 27^th) is just around the corner.  Jill Westberry is heading up this event, but could really use some assistance.  Our Silent Auction Chair from last year has a commitment the same weekend and will not be able to return.  We are looking for a parent (or two) to coordinate this portion of the event.  Please contact either Beth Hulse (1stvp@gbhs.org) or Jeanette Shaw (2ndvp@gbhs.org) or Jill Westberry (westberrys5@cox.net) if you are interested.

We are also looking ahead to next year.  Our nominating committee has been formed to identify people who would like to serve in the GBBPA.  Look down in the newsletter to see the positions available and let Beth, Jeanette or myself know if you are interested. 

Speaking of next year, if you have missed the past meetings, you have missed the plans being made to bring our band to the next level.  Mr. Carroll has outlined some specific goals involving the marching style, the membership, fundraising goals and trips.  We are very fortunate to have a director like Rob Carroll to lead our band.  He has a commitment to our students which is difficult for other directors to match.  Come to the next general meeting to hear firsthand the plans being made and executed. 

Students, don’t forget to check out the information sheets in the band room about the competition for a new marching band logo. See if you can beat Mr. Carroll and design a new logo for the band program!!

I continue to be humbled to serve as your president.  This organization is amazing.  So many parents - so many talents to share, you never cease to amaze me.  There is always someone to step up and help!  We are looking forward to a wonderful spring – time to meet up with our parents at the many spring events.  See you around!!

Katy Lunsford, GBBPA President

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT COMPLETE - Thank you to James Lawrence for building tent boxes!  James belongs to Troop 1 in Suffolk and has built eight (8) large wooden boxes and two metal carts to transport and store the seven tent large tents used during band camp.  The eighth box is to store the misting system, also used during band camp.  Last year when loading the tents, it was determined there was a safety issue due to the deterioration of the cardboard boxes which were original to the tents.  The new boxes allow for a much safer (and organized) manner in which to utilize and store these tents.  Thanks again to James for the new tent boxes. 

CALLING ALL PARENT VOLUNTEERS - We are looking forward to next year – yes, it is that time!  Below are the current positions and vacancies..  We are looking for a few parents to step up and help.  Please see below and let Beth or Jeanette know if you are willing to add your name to the list.  If you are unsure, contact the current parent and get all the details.  You won’t be disappointed – it will be very rewarding and a lot of fun!

Craft Show Update – Once again, we had an incredibly successful craft show! Here are the early numbers as of Saturday evening:

Concessions:       $ 540.00

Raffle:               $ 232.00

Bake Sale:         $ 355.00

Hospitality:        $     4.00

Color Guard:      $    72.26

Crafter Fees:    $5760.00

                               

We will have some hospitality and custodial expenses but final profit numbers will be available at the March General Membership Meeting. 

Bake Sale Thanks – A BIG thanks to all those who baked goods and helped out at the bake sale table. We raised $355.00. Our bake sale was even more successful than last year and it couldn't have been done without your participation. Just a reminder, if you left any baskets or containers behind, your son or daughter can find it in the band room.

Thanks, again,

 Kathleen Kimball

Chili Cook Off Update - The Chili Cook Off is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 .

We need help for our silent auction.  If you can help collect money, help set up 

the day of the event, or man the silent auction table,  please call Jill Westberry @ 

482-3202 or westberrys5@cox.net .

Wildcat Bingo Update - Our largest band fundraiser is still marching along!   Our January numbers reflect the positive results of our hard working small group of volunteers--positive results, even with the bingo hall being closed one weekend due to the snow (a very unusual occurrence!)  Our player numbers ranged from 166-196, volunteer numbers from 11 (!) to 18, weekly deposits of $2168- $4205. 

Join the team--make a difference!  We need you!  Once a month, once a season, once a year-- a few hour of your time goes a long way for the band!  For more positive information, contact Meg Boone mgboone38@yahoo.com  or Beth Hulse hulsesix@aol.com

SCRIP Reminder - Scrip would love to have you join our Savings Team ~ Help the Band Program and Help YOUR wallet! Check out   www.glscrip.com  to see all of the retailers who offer gift cards and the savings percentage you can earn! (Example: On a Gift Card that offers 12% - YOU earn 6% - and the Band Program earns 6%) Call or email any of the Ladies on the Scrip Committee and we can help you get started!!