Welcome to the 2021–22 school year! Friends of Cleveland Bands (FOCB) is a parent-led, non-profit organization providing support for the CHS band program through volunteer service and financial assistance. To achieve this goal, we work closely with Band Director Gary Riler and many dedicated volunteers throughout the year.

Our school year got off to a great start in August with the successful return of our annual car wash, where new and returning students, and parent volunteers were able to safely socialize and raise funds for our program. There are many other ways you can participate—help out at a specific event like the annual Play-a-Thon, or join the FOCB Board and help fundraise and plan upcoming events. More opportunities will become available, as we navigate a safe and practical way for any and all parents and supporters of our student musicians to participate.

100% of the Cleveland High School Band program’s budget comes from fundraising. The CHS Bands receive zero funds from the PPS District. FOCB provides funds for sheet music, instrument purchase and maintenance, extra musical coaching and clinician support, event entry fees, transportation costs, and student scholarships. FOCB funds help ensure that all students can participate in band regardless of financial status, and support a high quality musical experience for all.

Visit our page at https://www.clevelandbandspdx.com/friends-of-chs-band/ to learn more about our organization and how you can participate. Watch for more information soon about our exciting and largest fundraiser of the year: the Play-a-Thon on October 15th!

Karen Stark
FOCB Vice President

We are still working on a plan for pep band at football games. A survey was sent out Friday afternoon to the students so Mr. Riler can get a better idea of availability.

Please remember that school instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Trombone) are intended for families that cannot afford to rent or purchase these instruments.

In several cases, there are students using some of these instruments as secondary instruments for jazz band or pep band. This is okay. This rule is for students that are using these instruments as a primary instrument in band.

The supplies are currently low, because some band programs have been added to the district. Unfortunately, new programs did not necessarily equate to the purchase of more instruments.

If your child is currently using a school instrument that is listed above and you can afford to rent or purchase, it would help us free up these instruments for those in need if you would rent or purchase one.

If your child has been assigned a school instrument, you will need to complete this digital contract for the 2021-22 school year.

Due to the odd nature of the schedule, please do not bring instruments on Wednesday, September 1st. Start bringing them Thursday and Friday of that week.

Due to the football team playing a JV schedule this year, we will see what we can accomplish for at least one of the games. Mr. Riler will survey the band about availability for two Thursday afternoon home games.

The games are from 4:30 pm–7:00 pm, which means that pep band would meet right after school to prepare for the game. Mr. Riler will keep everyone posted so calendars can be updated ASAP.

This year’s photo album can be found at this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/d5qnrehtN8CJYuLs8

If you have photos and videos you’d like share, please upload them in the album, we love them! The more the better.

From fundraising to transportation to event setup and cleanup, volunteers are critical to the success of Cleveland High School Bands. Friends of Cleveland Bands have a couple of of positions open, let us know if you are interested by filling out our volunteer form, or by emailing Heather Randol at hmsrandol@hotmail.com.

The Mini Camp starts today and ends on Wednesday, August 25, from 9:30am – 11:30am.

• We will meet in the band room.
• Entrance is off of 28th by the portables.
• Walk to the breezeway at the end of the alley and turn left.
• Someone will be at the door to let you in.

What to bring:

1. Bring your instrument w/bell covers if you got them last year
2. Bring a mask
3. Drummers bring sticks and drum pads

Monday & Tuesday are 9th and 10th grade students.

Wednesday is for EVERYONE in Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble.

**Guitar, Piano and Bass players from Jazz groups will not need to attend these mini camps, as we will be focusing on wind and percussion instruments.**

The annual family potluck is back this year! The event is on Thursday, August 26, 6:00pm–8:00pm, please see details in the below link.

ATTACHED IS AN IMPORTANT FLYER EXPLAINING THE POTLUCK, AND WHAT TO BRING.

Bring chairs and/or a blanket to have a comfortable place to sit and eat. To help curb waste, bringing your own utensils is also encouraged.

This is also an opportunity to hear about our AMAZING Friends of Cleveland Band parent group that is a HUGE support to our band program at Cleveland High School.

We are looking forward to meeting everyone this coming week. We know that some are not able to attend these events, but it is always a great opportunity to meet in a more casual and comfortable environment before school begins. We know we will meet all of you eventually.

A big thank you to Burgerville who generously donated the use of their spigot & water for the car wash.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped or had their cars wash. Thanks also to Heather Randol for coordinating the event.