North Penn Music

Who are the Music Aides?  What is the typical pratice schedule during the school year?  Do I have to sell candy?  Is band going on a trip this year? 

1.  Who are the Music Aides and what do they do? 

The North Penn Music Aides (NPMA) is the parent booster organization established in 1973 that helps the Marching Knights and the North Penn High School music programs (i.e. Visual Ensemble, Indoor Percussion, Concert Percussion, Jazz Band, Lab Band and Wind Ensemble).  The NPMA provides financial support (i.e. staff salary, purchase equipment, etc.) and performs services such as running the snack stand at football games, making props, sewing flags, providing lunches during band camp, and transporting equipment to and from events.   

2.  How do we get routine information? 

The Marching Knights and Music Aides use e-mail extensively to communicate information.  During the Marching Knight season a weekly bulletin will be distributed to your child.  It will also be available via e-mail and the website (www.northpennmusic.com).   You need to ask you child for the bulletin and check your e-mail regularly.   Be sure to let us know of any changes to your e-mail address.  It is critically important that you review the weekly bulletin to stay up to date during the season. 

3.  What is the practice schedule? 

For most weeks during the fall season the schedule will look something like the following:

Monday:                 Practice 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday:                Practice 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Winds only)                             
                            (Guard & Percussion 6:30 PM– 9:00 PM)
Wednesday:            No Practice
Thursday:               Practice 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday:                    Football Game 4:30 - 10:30 PM
Saturday:               Practice 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (tentative times)
                            Band Competition 6:30 - 11:30 PM (illustrative times)
Sunday:                 No Practice  

Be advised that different sections may practice at different times.  Practices and performances may be scheduled on non-school days. All practice times are at the discretion of the Band Director.  

4.  Do we have fundraising or can I just write a check? 

Fundraising is an important part of the North Penn Music Aides.  Funds pay for quite a few services necessary to support a championship band.  It is strongly encouraged that all students participate in the fundraising activities.  For example, we will sell WaWa hoagie coupons, GL Scrip, candles, pizza kits, cookie dough, entertainment books and host events like the Knight of Sound and NPMA Beef and Beverage.  Please encourage your students to participate when the Fundraising Flyers come home.  Every dollar earned helps the organization. Many of the fundraisers provide profit for the student’s expenses (i.e. bus fee, gloves, etc.) but others directly benefit the North Penn Music Aides.   The Great Lakes Scrip program allows you to purchase scrip for everyday expenses like food, clothing, and entertainment while earning a percentage of each dollar of scrip purchased back in revenue.  The most common Scrip (pre-paid gift cards) are Kohl’s, Giant, Acme and Home Depot.  The cards are extremely convenient and can be purchased through our website.  A NPMA representative sells WaWa hoagie coupons and takes Scrip orders during Hospitality Nights and other nights during the practice season. Beginning this year, we will explore the possibility of a “Buy-Out” provision for most of the fundraisers.   Please speak to the NPMA Executive Board Members, Sandy and Al Sica for further information. The North Penn Music Aides, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.  Our Tax Identification Number is 23-7392834. 

Please consider a monetary donation with your company match.  Many local employers will match the donation. Some companies provide reimbursement to charitable organizations for volunteer hours.   Companies like Aetna, Verizon and Rohm & Haas offer dollars for doers which help our organization.  Please consider volunteering for an event in our organization so we may receive a company donation. 

5.  Do I have to volunteer? The short answer is YES and here is why…..In order to maintain our championship organization, parent volunteers are necessary and welcome. There are many types of tasks available such as helping to sew uniforms, build props, selling refreshments during football games and serving as a chaperone. Some only involve a few hours of time whereas others involve taking charge of a major activity. Some can be done from home. If you are interested, feel free to attend a meeting or contact a NPMA Executive Officer.  This is a great way to get acquainted with other Marching Knight parents and make a meaningful contribution to the Marching Knights and other music organizations.  We look forward to your assistance at our many events. 

6.  Do I need to attend the football games and competitions? 

It is great for the kids to see the parents sitting together as a group in the stands cheering them on during their performance.  Parents are encouraged to attend since we have fun at the events. For some of the competitions a parent bus will be available making it convenient to attend the event. 

7.  Do the Music Aides have meetings? 

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the regular general membership meetings. They are usually held at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of every month at NPHS (although the schedule can vary!). Check your copy of the official North Penn School District Calendar or the calendar on the website (www.northpennmusic.com).  This is great way to hear the most current information and speak to other parents and the Band Director.  Your active participation is encouraged and greatly appreciated. 

8.  Who do I contact if I have questions? 

There are a number ways to get answers to your questions:·         Contact any NPMA Executive Board Member·         Attend Hospitality Knight (Thursday nights during the season)·         Speak with your Parent Section Captain·         Attend the monthly NPMA General Meeting·         Review the NPMK Parent Handbook 

9.  Does my child have to be at every practice and performance? 

Being a Marching Knight requires a high level of commitment and dedication. As you can imagine, once the marching routine is established, it is very difficult to perform well if there are blank spaces. Athletic coaches are able to substitute for injured or missing players---the Marching Knights do not have this option since all members play at every performance!  Attendance is expected at all practices and performances unless there is a valid personal reason, such as illness or family emergency. If you are aware in advance of a potential problem, please speak with the Band Director,  Bryan Clayton.  

10.              We heard this is a trip year, so what does that mean? 

The Marching Knights usually take a major trip every third year and 2009 is the year!  The trip is planned to the Bands of America Super Regional in Atlanta, GA in late October, 2009.  This gives each student a chance to travel at least once during his or her tenure with the Marching Knights.  Trip expenses are the responsibility of each individual student, although they will have numerous opportunities to engage in fundraising for this trip.  Families are also welcome to attend the event at their own expense.   The NPMA Executive Board will provide more about the trip during the monthly general meetings.   Also, since it is a trip year, the band will be focused on their performance so attendance at practice will be extremely important.