Good Evening Band Family!
Week one of Band camp is rolling, new rhythms are settling in, and the kids are doing GREAT! We see them learning to march, and hit their dots, and soon you’ll be hearing them play parts of the show as you come to pick up. If you’re there early, feel free to come watch the end of rehearsal, there are always several parents sharing experiences, tips, and stories. We’d love to have you join us! 🎵🤝
Now to business:
Thank you Brenda Mitchell for getting our first round of spirit wear organized and distributed this week! Round two of spirit wear is now open! Take a look through, grab a shirt or a pair of comfy pants for you/your student. The jacket and backpack are both popular options with the students, and be sure to check for the availability to personalize with their name! 🩳🎒
https://www.paigeslettering.com/penn-marching-band
We will soon have a link for Bling Wear (yay sparkles!), plus round three with the show gear and design winners opened mid-August, then the Christmas shop opens November 1st! 👕
Remember the upcoming Oil Change Fundraiser is Monday, July 27th, from 1pm-3pm. This will take place, tentatively, on the North Parking Lot, with several mobile units set to change your oil right on site. This event is sponsored by Campbell Ford in Niles. 🖤💛 Just look for their vehicles as you bring your student to camp that day!
Next, we are kicking off the marching band season with a Parent Potluck next Thursday the 30th! The very beginning of marching band can feel very overwhelming and a little lonely if you haven’t tapped into the community yet. This is your opportunity to share your favorite dish, bring your most burning questions, and mingle! We will also be going over the details of football games, contests, and other frequently asked questions. 🍽😋
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-64861640-2026
Please use the sign-up to tell everyone what you are bringing in the appropriate category. You can bring more than one dish! Feel free to be lenient with your dish “category.” Make your dish for 10-20 people and bring your own serving utensils. We will provide plates, silverware and napkins. Please bring your own beverages. 🍗🥧
Also, next week July 27th-30th we will have the uniform committee in, getting all winds and percussion fitted. (Info on guard uniforms to come later.) If you are available to help out, there is a sign-up genius for uniform fittings next week. No experience necessary; we’ll teach you how to do it.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4CA9AC2BA7FB6-64813052-pmkuniform#/
There are cardboard boxes in the band room labeled with each section’s name. Please start bringing in your “fitting gear” no later than Friday, July 24th. Bring the following in a Ziplock bag labeled with your kid’s name and section:
• Deodorant
• Black long-sleeve compression shirt
• Black under-armor type shorts and/or biker shorts
• Solid Black, tall socks (no logos or designs)
• If long hair, hair tie to secure hair on top of head (boys and girls)
Returning students need to figure out if their shoes from last year fit. If not, they’ll be fitted in a new pair at fittings next week. $50 will be charged to the student’s Cuttime for new shoes. We only order shoes once during the season, so returners must know if they need to order new shoes prior to fittings. New students will be fitted for a pair of shoes. The first pair is free of charge.
Thank you, Cassie, for all that you do! 🖤💛
I think that is all we will cover tonight. Thank you for your time, and please let me know if you have any questions. I try to get to them as quickly as I can, and if I don’t have an answer, I will at least connect in someone who may. 😁
Have a lovely night!
Meghan Pozywio
425-503-6850
Good afternoon, Band Families!
Band Camp Starts Tomorrow!! I hope you are all ready, with snacks, giant water bottles, healthy/filling lunches, and sunscreen!! Have your kid set out tonight all the things they will need; it helps to be overprepared. 🕶
Reminder to wear/bring - athletic shorts, t-shirt, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, good socks, and comfortable, supportive shoes - they will do a LOT of walking. 👟 Absolutely NO sandals/crocs/boots, or jeans - we want these kids comfortable in the heat. 🚫👡
Have you turned in your kid’s physical on Aktivate… the link is in last week’s email. By now you should have that in, and the admin team has (hopefully) verified your form and approved your kid’s participation.
Also, have you given us your volunteer interest form AND background check? These need to be in so we can connect you to a committee if you are able to help out your kid/band, and to keep our kids safe with all of us! 🦺 Please let us know if you need the links again to the form or background check.
This week we will also have the uniform committee in, getting all our kids fitted to their uniform for the show. You’re about to hear all about Bibbers, Shakos, and learn six different ways to keep your kid’s hair up tightly.
If you are available to help out, there is a sign-up genius for uniform fittings this week. No experience necessary, we’ll teach you how to do it. 📏
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4CA9AC2BA7FB6-64813052-pmkuniform#/
Here are a few notes from our lead Uniform volunteer, Cassie:
The Uniform Committee will be fitting the Marching Band into their uniforms on July 27th-30th. There will be cardboard boxes in the band room labeled with each section’s name. Please start bringing in your “fitting gear” on Monday, July 20th, and no later than Friday, July 24th. Do NOT forget to label your bag!
Please bring the following in a Ziplock bag labeled with your kid’s name and section:
• deodorant
• black long sleeve compression shirt (once uniform shirts show up, students may switch to short sleeve compression shirt if they prefer)
• Black under-armor type shorts and/or biker shorts
• Pair of Solid Black, tall socks (no logos or designs)
• If long hair, hair tie to secure hair on top of head (boys and girls)
The uniforms are form-fitted, so for a proper fit, the students need close-fitting underclothes. They will wear these under their uniforms all season.
Returning students need to figure out if their shoes from last year fit. If not, they’ll be fitted in a new pair at fittings next week. $50 will be charged to the student’s Cuttime for new shoes. We only order shoes once during the season, so returners must know if they need to order new shoes prior to fittings. New students will be fitted for a pair of shoes. The first pair is free of charge.
Thank you, Cassie, for all that you do! 🖤💛
If you’ve asked for volunteer information, those committee leads will be reaching out to you as needed and when appropriate for each committee. Again, if you have time this week to help out with uniform fittings, please click on the above sign-up genius link. We’d be so grateful for a little more help.
Band Camp Week 1: July 20-24, 2pm-9pm
Monday-Friday 2-9pm in the auditorium lobby - Uniform Fittings
Band Camp Week 2: July 27-31, 2pm-9pm
Monday, July 27th, from 1pm-3pm in the north parking lot - Oil Change Fundraiser
Thursday, July 30th at 6:30pm in the Penn Cafeteria - Annual PMK Parent Potluck
Band Camp Week 3: Aug 3-6, 8am-5pm *(No Rehearsal Friday, Aug 7th) *
Band Camp Week 4: Aug 10-14, 8am-5pm
Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm at Freed Field (Penn) - Community Night Preview
That’s all we’re going to review today. Reach out to your boosters, your section parents, committee leads, or friends who’ve done this a time or two if you have any questions. We are all here for you! Band is a family, and we are so glad to have you as a part of it!
Meghan Pozywio
425-503-6850
“This one time, at band camp” is not just an iconic line from a 90’s movie, but it is what you are about to start hearing - non-stop - from your teen over the next few years… or the rest of their lives, that’s certainly possible.
Band Camp creates memories. Band Camp builds character. Band Camp cements lasting friendships. And Band Camp begins NEXT WEEK! 🤪 Starting Monday your kid will be out in the heat, standing on the asphalt, learning where their dots are, sweating like crazy, and loving every minute of it!
Band Camp Week 1: July 20-24, 2pm-9pm
Band Camp Week 2: July 27-31, 2pm-9pm
Band Camp Week 3: Aug 3-6, 8am-5pm *(No Rehearsal Friday, Aug 7th) *
Band Camp Week 4: Aug 10-14, 8am-5pm
Just a few items/reminders as you check off the list of things they need for camp:
* Have you completed your student’s registration on Aktivate (formerly Register-My-Athlete) if you have not signed in yet, click here for the PHM page explaining ALL extracurricular activities that sign up through Aktivate https://penn.phmschools.org/athletics/register-my-athlete/ Be sure you upload the Pre-Participation Physical that was sent to all parents and in the Band App in June. These MUST be signed by your Dr. and into the system prior to the start of Band Camp.
Have your student bring to Band Camp:
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Deodorant - just trust me
Hair Ties
Wear Comfortable, supportive Shoes - NO FLIP FLOPS or SANDALS!
Wear Shorts, but NOT Jean Shorts (denim) 🥵
After one day in jean shorts, your kid will be extra sweaty, smelly, and about as prickly as a cactus 😬🌵
Pack a Large, Healthy Lunch daily - Extras if you can, some kids eat a LOT
Send the LARGEST Water Bottle you can find - the bigger the better
64oz or even a full Gallon (128oz) is best!
Insulated keeps the water colder longer - yes, they are more expensive, but it is worth the cost to keep them hydrated and cooled down 🧊
Thursday, July 30th at 6:30pm in the Penn Cafeteria we will host the Annual PMK Parent Potluck! Be on the lookout for a Pot Luck sign up to come your way via SignUp Genius. We’d love to see as many families there as we can get! This is another opportunity to get to know your Section Parents, meet a few more band families, and even arrange some carpools through the season! There will also be another chance to learn about a few of the committees we have and find ways you can help keep PMK running smoothly. Sign up, make a dish, enjoy some delicious food, and meet your Band Boosters Board and committee coordinators.
At the end of Band Camp, there is a Community Preview night, where we get to celebrate the start of the season, and see how far the kids have come in the first four weeks. Please join us for the Family and Community Preview Show: Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm
We have set up an Oil Change Fundraiser for Monday, July 27th, from 1pm-3pm. This will take place, tentatively, on the North Parking Lot, with several mobile units set to change your oil right on site. This event is sponsored by Campbell Ford in Niles. Just look for their vehicles as you bring your student to camp that day!
Prices are great: $55 for a semi-synthetic oil, and $75 for a full synthetic oil change. Penn Bands will get money for every car serviced, and a bonus for every 50 cars we get. PLUS - anyone who does not want to wait in line for an oil change can purchase a coupon at the same price, good for 3 months! So take time to care for the vehicle that you rely on to get from point A to point B, and help the band at the same time. Tell your friends and families - all are welcome to the PMK Oil Change Fundraiser!
Once school starts the band will have regular rehearsals three days a week after school:
Mondays: 6:00-9:00pm (Full Ensemble)
Tuesdays: 3:45-6:30pm (Winds & Percussion only)
Tuesdays: 6:00-9:00pm (Color Guard Only)
Thursdays: 6:00-9:00pm (Full Ensemble)
Freshmen Parents - many of the students will stay after school on Mondays and Thursdays, get some homework done, walk to Subway or Culvers for food, and hang out around the band room till rehearsal. If your student asks about joining them, this is totally normal, and if you’re up for it, I guarantee your kid is ready. (I had the same thoughts last year… my kid survived, thrived, and got good grades in all his classes!)
Carnival of Bands, our annual marching band competition, is a BIG event and another great fundraiser for the band. 💰
Each year we offer families the opportunity to celebrate (embarrass 😉) their students through Shout Out “Ads” that can be purchased to be printed in the program. Attached is a form that must be filled out if you are purchasing an ad. It explains the options, pricing and directions on how to submit. You can submit payment via this Zeffy link. Be sure to choose “Other” and leave the contribution blank so you are not charged extra fees.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pmk-carnival-of-bands-shout-out-ad
Business ads are also included in the program. 20% of the ad sale goes to the student selling the business ad, so this is a good way for kids to earn money towards their band fees. Take this to your place of business, your cousin’s law firm, your next door neighbor’s auto body shop, your best friend’s restaurant, and ask if they will support the PMK by purchasing an ad. These forms are also attached.
You should be seeing regular emails from me over the next few months with info and reminders, and generally an Upcoming Events calendar at the bottom. Hopefully you find them informative and amusing, even if at times they can get a little long… 😉
Have a lovely night and let me know if you have questions! We’re here for you!
Meghan Pozywio
425-503-6850
Good Morning, PMK Parents!
Just a couple of notes from your Band Boosters as we end one year and begin another. 🎓 📚
June days are upon us! This week, Tues, Wed, Thurs from 6-9pm our students will be learning to march, meeting their sections, getting their music, and making memories for a whole new marching band season. Be ready for the stories to begin…
We will have the Parent Meeting at 7pm on Thursday, June 4, in the Auditorium. This meeting is VERY IMPORTANT. We will go over schedules and volunteer opportunities, meet your section parents (think room mom, but for band), see spirit wear, and give you lots of information. We are excited to see you there. 🙋♂️
One of the things we will go over is the Band App that Mr Landoll mentioned in his email yesterday. This will be our best method of communication with students and families. To join the parent group, please click this link:
https://band.us/n/abaebeC5gbq6D
We will also have this available via QR codes during the June Days meeting. 🎼
Another thing we will discuss is that all the kids will need to complete a physical exam before the start of band camp on July 20. This physical will need to be uploaded to the Aktivate database. There is a form to complete, Mr Landoll sent it in April, and we will have it again for you. It would be a good idea to reach out to your GP this week and make an appointment. Just tell them you need an Athletics Physical for school, and that you will have a form for them to sign, and they will know what you need. 🩺
Our Mattress Fundraiser is this coming Saturday, June 6th, from 10am-5pm in the Penn Cafeteria. Please help us spread the word. You can use this Facebook event page link or the attached PDF. 🛏 https://www.facebook.com/events/1417426139670220\
Can’t wait to see/meet you all on Thursday! ❤🎶
Meghan Pozywio
425-503-6850
Good afternoon PMK Families,
I am looking forward to getting the marching band together again this week! Here are a few reminders and clarifications as we prepare for this last week of school.
1) Our three rehearsals are from 6pm-9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. Students should be prepared to be outside on Wednesday and Thursday; this will mean having water, light clothing (no jeans), appropriate athletic shoes (no sandals), and a hat with a brim. We will reinforce these guidelines with students on Tuesday.
2) We will begin by gathering all students in the Auditorium at 6pm on Tuesday. From there, we will give instructions on where to go next, and where to start the following day.
3) There was some confusion over the day and time of the parent meeting, which was my fault as I proofread the information packet! We will have the parent meeting at 7pm on Thursday, June 4, in the Auditorium. We will end this meeting around 8:30 - in enough time for parents to watch the end of our rehearsal on the last day!
4) Over the summer and during the season, we will again use the Band App to communicate with students and families; after some discussion, it seemed like this met our needs better than creating another ParentSquare group. We will use separate groups for Students and Parents to keep things organized. To join the parent group, you may use this link:
https://band.us/n/abaebeC5gbq6D
We will make sure during the June Days meetings that everyone has access.
5) Don’t forget that our Mattress Fundraiser is this Saturday, from 10am-5pm in our Cafeteria. Please help us spread the word to anyone looking to purchase a mattress, pillow, bedding, or any of the other items offered. The Facebook event page to share is linked here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1417426139670220\
For student volunteers at this event: I am first going to reach out to the handful of families that still owe band fees from last year, and offer this as a way to “work off” a portion of those fees. After I do that, I will open up the volunteer opportunities to everyone else during the June days.
That’s all for now! Lots more info coming your way at our June Days this week.
With best wishes for a joyful end to your school years,
Mr. Landoll
Good Morning All!
“May-cember” is in full swing, and no one seems to have time to spare. But we’re all in this together… it’s all for the kids… just keep swimming… and all that jazz! You’ve got this, Parents! 😁
Things to squeeze into your calendar:
Monday, May 18th, at 7:00pm is our next Penn Band Boosters meeting. All parents/guardians are welcome to join. If you are ready to share your time and voice with us, get all the band news early, and make an impact in your kids’ favorite part of Penn, come be in the room where it happens. 😉 (Save my number, if you have any trouble getting in the building, text me from Door C!)
Executive Board will meet @5:30 before the Boosters meeting, too.
June Days is two weeks from now, June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th!! 🎵
Incoming Freshmen Parents - June Days full of information, team building, music, and how-to’s; your kids will have so much to tell you each day! 💕
Thursday, June 4th, at 7:00pm we will have a REQUIRED parent meeting in the Penn CPA. Please make time to be there. You will get to meet the other band parents who will be your lifeline through the PMK season! (Can you say carpools?) You will meet your Section Parents who will set up each section (trumpet, sax, percussion, etc) for a great season. You will learn about how you can volunteer. PMK is most successful when we have strong parent support. We will talk about all the things you already have questions about, and you will get answers! 🙌
Hope to see you all soon!
Meghan Pozywio
425-503-6850
Good afternoon Marching Kingsmen!
Because we have many recent registrants for marching band (and I learned that CutTime file uploads expire), I have linked here the upcoming Season Informational Packet and the Physical form which we need on file before band camp begins.
2026 Info Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tOQZYE14KGiYO9oxGuvvKGXrs60XDLD/view?usp=drive_link
Physical: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10vzi4rranvjoFzBtOteGxFQ7HPuAQA7N/view?usp=drive_link
Also: I have linked information and a schedule for the Memorial Day Parades here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KlbdXkBW8hv_NXxfN_enIWYAVreuzeks1vkHr2yhd8E/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.gjdgxs
We consider the parades a requirement for anyone who was in the Fall 2025 marching band, and are not inviting current 8th graders unless they were with us this past season. This is for “experienced” members only.
Happy to answer any questions you may have.
DJL
Good Evening, All!
🎶 Next weekend, Fri/Sat - April 24th/25th, and the following weekend, Fri/Sat - May 1st/2nd, Penn is hosting the ISSMA District contest, then the Qualifier contest. When we host events, they only run smoothly because of our fabulous parent and student volunteers. We ask your assistance for the upcoming two weekends; we need people to greet bands and give directions, be doorkeepers, hall monitors, and sell concessions.
Please check your calendars and sign up for a spot. Many hands make light work… Thank you in advance for being so giving of your time! 😊
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-63542176-issma for the SignUp Genius.
This is the sign-up for adult volunteers; the directors will have a separate sign-up for students. 🎶
PLUS - here are a couple of reminders for upcoming events:
🎌 Colorguard Auditions: April 21, 22, & 23 - 6-9pm
Please plan on attending all dates if you would like to be in PMK colorguard
Following Guard Auditions - We will have once weekly Full Guard Sectionals (Thursdays) and once weekly Weapon technique sectionals (Tuesdays).
Full Guard (6-9pm) - Apr 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28
Weapon Sectionals (6-9pm) - Apr 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26
🛏 Mattress Fundraiser: Are you considering buying a new mattress? On Saturday, June 6th we are hosting a mattress fundraiser. This is a great opportunity to get a good deal, help the band, AND earn money for your child’s Cuttime account. Wow! This is a full-service store that will come to Penn HS. Attached is a flier you can post on your social media. Make sure your friends mention your child’s name!
📅 April 20 – Band Booster Meeting
April 21, 22, & 23 – Color Guard Auditions
April 24 & 25 – ISSMA District Contest (Freshman Bands and Concert Band)
April 30 – Spring Concert
May 1 & 2 – ISSMA Qualifier (Symphonic Winds & Symphonic Band)
May 14 – Spring Jazz Concert in Ironworks Plaza
May 22 – Advanced Jazz performs at Concord Jazz Café
May 26 – Senior Recognition (Mr. Landoll will communicate with the families of seniors)
June 6 – Mattress Fundraiser
Thank you all so much! ❤
Meghan Pozywio
pozytivelyknit@gmail.com
425-503-6850
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EADAC2CA4F49-63542176-issma
The fall 2026 Marching Band season is ramping up! We need your help to make sure we have the funds to purchase the items that are required at the beginning of band camp and we need to order those items now. The payment timeline denotes that $400 total be paid by April 1. This will allow us to order production materials before the summer, including flags, uniform parts, and supplies for prop construction. Of course, any family with extenuating circumstances is encouraged to reach out to Mr. Landoll (several have already). Thank you! Questions? Mr. Landoll dlandoll@phm.k12.in.us
Mattress Fundraiser: Are you considering buying a new mattress? On Saturday, June 6th we are hosting a mattress fundraiser. This is a great opportunity to get a good deal, help the band, AND earn money for your child’s Cuttime account. Wow! This is a full-service store that will come to Penn HS. Attached is a flier you can post on your social media. Make sure your friends mention your child’s name!
Tuesday, 3/31/26 – Chicory Café Giveback Night
Come have a yummy meal at the Chicory Café’, 114 W. First St., Mishawaka, IN 46544 between 9 AM – 7 PM (all day!) and the Penn Band Boosters will receive 20% of all proceeds. https://www.chicorycafe.net/order-now Questions? Megan Meyers megan.meyers.611@me.com
**Colorguard Auditions: April 21, 22, & 23 - 6-9pm **
Register Here: https://forms.gle/s268EAZRfAGcx9pDA
Please plan on attending all dates if you would like to be in PMK colorguard
**Following Guard Auditions -**We will have once a week Full Guard Sectionals (Thursdays) and once week Weapon technique sectionals (Tuesdays).
Full Guard (6-9pm) - Apr 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28
Weapon Sectionals (6-9pm) - Apr 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26
Barnaby’s Coupons: Contact Megan Meyers megan.meyers.611@me.com
For all 2026 Marching Band members there is a kickoff and music reading session on Tuesday, April 14th from 6 - 9 PM. If you have questions, please email Mr. Landoll DLandoll@phm.k12.in.us
April 8 – 11 - WGI Championships - Dayton
April 20 – Band Booster Meeting
April 21, 22, & 23 – Color Guard Auditions
April 24 & 25 – ISSMA District Contest (Freshman Bands and Concert Band)
April 30 – Spring Concert
May 1 & 2 – ISSMA Qualifier (Symphonic Winds & Symphonic Band)
May 14 – Spring Jazz Concert in Ironworks Plaza
May 22 – Advanced Jazz perform at Concord Jazz Café
May 26 – Senior Recognition (Mr. Landoll will communicate to the families of seniors)
Sincerely,
Sheri Campeau mikeandsheri99@gmail.com
Good Evening!
Congratulations on the successful weekend Penn Guard!!
· Open Guard took 2nd place at WGI Chicago Regional this past Sunday.
· JV placed 7th in their Regional A round in the IHSCGA competition at Carrol.
The Winter Guard shows are really coming together. You are not going to want to miss seeing “The Grid” and “Weather the Storm” at the Guard Community night on March 13th!
THIS THURSDAY, March 5 -Join us at Wings Etc. Grill & Pub for a delicious way to support Penn Winter Guard! (See the attached flyer.) Dine in or carry out at 6502 Grape Rd. Mishawaka 46545. Food & soft drink sales help support our team. Grab your family, invite your friends, and enjoy wings for a great cause! Be sure to mention Penn Winter Guard when you order.
Look for Winter Guard Community Night and State sign-ups coming out soon on the Band app.
50/50 Sales Events: Questions? Email Kim Henry kimber413@aol.com
· March 5th at Wings Etc. on Grape Road (see attached flyer).
· March 13th at Community Night - it ends! Better get your tickets!
Barnaby’s Coupons: Contact Kim Henry kimber413@aol.com
For all 2026 Marching Band members there is a kickoff and music reading session on Tuesday, April 14th from 6 - 9 PM. If you have questions, please email Mr. Landoll DLandoll@phm.k12.in.us
March 7 – Winter Guard IHSCGA Prelims (JV & Varsity)
March 7 – Jazz ISSMA Qualifier at Goshen Middle School
March 13 – Guard Community Night (Pep Band performs as well)
March 14 – Winter Guard IHSCGA Regional A (JV) State
March 16 – Band Booster Meeting (officer elections)
March 20 & 21 – Junior High & Middle School ISSMA (students may be asked to work)
March 20 – Jazz ISSMA State finals
March 21 – Winter Guard IHSCGA Open State Finals
April 8 – 11 - WGI Championships -Dayton
April 20 – Band Booster Meeting
April 24 & 25 – ISSMA District Contest (Freshman Bands and Concert Band)
May 1 & 2 – ISSMA Qualifier (Symphonic Winds & Symphonic Band)
May 14 – Spring Jazz Concert in Ironworks Plaza
Late May – Senior Recognition (Mr. Landoll will communicate to the families of seniors)
Sincerely,
Sheri Campeau mikeandsheri99@gmail.com