All parents/guardians of musicians and guard in the WHS Band and Marching Arts Programs (Marching Band, Indoor Percussion and Indoor Guard) are members of the Westhill High School Band Parents Association (WHSBPA).
The Westhill Band and Guard programs - like all music and marching arts organizations throughout the United States - run on the backs of volunteerism. While the Directors and education team members work tirelessly to design, teach, detail, build, finance, and excecute each season and show for the students, it truly takes a village in order for a music department to run; Especially when that music department houses a nationally recognized marching arts organization.
Members of the WHSBPA attend parent meetings, support their children by attending performances and competitions, and volunteer in various ways to assist in the production of a season's show. Volunteer opportunities are listed below.
The WHSBPA Board handles the business end of band matters, including budgets, expenses, inventories, communications and logistics. We are excited to kick off a great season, and we look forward to working with you all! Please do not hesitate to contact any of us if you have any questions or concerns.
President: Jason Sliss (Jeremy Sliss): plethora@optonline.net
Co-President: OPEN - Join us! Contact Us: whsbandparentassn@gmail.com
Treasurer: Aida Palmer James Palmer): aidacpalmer@hotmail.com
Co-Treasurer: OPEN - Join us! Contact Us: whsbandparentassn@gmail.com
Secretary: Naomi Marks (Xavier Marks): naomijmarks@gmail.com
Co-Secretary: OPEN - Join us! Contact Us: whsbandparentassn@gmail.com
Directors: Darling Calvillo (Azael & Darling Rojas Calvillo) darling19ale@msn.com
DIRECTOR POSITIONS OPEN - Join us! Contact Us: whsbandparentassn@gmail.com
All parents/guardians are expected to sign up and volunteer for percussion and/or guard competition days. The options are:
Chaperone on the bus and at the competition site
Drive the equipment trucks (see below for requirements)
Additionally, all parents/guardians are asked to help load and unload the truck before and after a competition.
Two chaperones are usually assigned to each bus. At least one chaperone will have experience with the routine. Ms. Roberts provides chaperones with lists of students assigned to each bus.
Loading the bus with an emergency bag and emergency information for each student
Loading the bus with a foldable cart
Loading the bus with water and snacks
Checking student backpacks before climbing on the bus
Sharing phone numbers with other chaperones and Ms. Roberts
Communicating with each other at time of arrival about responsibilities such as location of chaperones and distribution of water and snacks.
Helping load equipment into the performance space as necessary
Helping students with basic first aid as needed, such as dispensing bandages, period products, and pain relievers (trained first aid providers are usually at competition sites for more serious issues)
Communicating with families about school arrival times after competition
Collect the phone number of the bus driver for the day to facilitate pick up at the end of the competition.
There will be other opportunities to help during the year. In general, we always need people who can take on:
Uniform fittings and sewing during Band Camp weeks
Translating parent communications into Spanish
Photography
Prop Building
Maintaining photo displays at school
Fundraising
Bake sales at concerts
Parade chaperoning
Snacks/Water: Families will be asked to sign up to donate snacks and small water bottles for competition days (Signup Genius will be distributed via Band app)
Rides: Families often give rides home to other students after rehearsal and to/from competitions. Please ask any Band Parent Board Member if you are having transportation issues or you would like someone to share rides with.
We are in need of volunteers to drive the equipment trucks to and from competitions. An experienced parent driver can provide training. No special license is needed. If you are interested in driving a truck, please contact WHS BPA board member Jason Sliss at plethora@optonline.net
Families are asked to assist with unloading the trucks on marching band andpercussion competition nights.
Truck arrival is usually 15-30 mins before the students return to school. There will be a Band app notification of estimated truck and bus arrival times, based on Ms. Roberts’s best estimation).
Unloading the trucks after the competition helps ensure the kids are released as soon as possible. Before anyone is dismissed, all equipment must be put away, the band room cleaned up and a quick wrap-up meeting held with Ms. Roberts.
The 2024 St. Leo’s Fair runs from August 27 to August 31.
All students and families are required to participate in St. Leo’s Fair, which is an annual event and our single largest fundraiser for our instrumental programs. St. Leo’s makes a contribution (Donation) to the band in return for our work.
Each family is expected to have at least one adult volunteer. Parents/guardians are asked to come and help during the setup and teardown, and work 2 shifts during the fair. There are many shifts available. Many hands make light work!
NEW! Parents who sign up for late-night shifts (8:00 pm onward) are eligible for a $35 credit per shift toward their child’s band dues. The credits are cumulative. If a parent works 5-6 late shifts, or two parents work 3 shifts each, this could cover their dues.
It is mandatory that students sign up to SET UP for St. Leo’s Fair on August 17 OR to TEAR DOWN on September 1st Adults are needed here as well. Lunch is provided for all volunteers during setup and teardown.
All students and adults are required to sign up for at least 2 shifts to help during the fair from August 27 to August 31st.
To learn more about our yearly commitment to the St. Leo's Fair, CLICK HERE
Questions about the St. Leo’s Fair? Contact Grace Valenzano at gmvalenzano@yahoo.com