August 4th Newsletter

COUNCIL ROCK NORTH BAND PARENTS ASSOCIATION

AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER

BAND CAMP IS COMING…

Believe it or not…it’s time for Band Camp…I didn’t realize it was so close…

Hello musicians and families of the Council Rock North Marching Band!

I hope your summer vacation is going well, and everyone is well rested. In ONE WEEK, Band Camp 2025 arrives! The following information, dates, and expectations will help you get ready for the 2025 Marching Season.

This year, we will be keeping these newsletters to about once a month as Mr. Boccuti will communicate directly with important updates. Please read this newsletter in its entirety as there is a lot of information for the month of August.

My goal is to ensure that all families have all the necessary information to participate in all the activities. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to crnbpa@gmail.com

Be sure to subscribe the CRNMB Calendar for last minute updates:

CLICK HERE to view the CRNMB calendar.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the CRNMB calendar.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming:

August Schedule

*Student leaders report 30 minutes prior to band camp and rehearsals*

Important Dates:

This Week:

• Tuesday, August 5th – Color Guard Pre-Camp 2:30 – 5:30
• Tuesday, August 5th – Visual Pre-Camp 6 – 8:30
• Wednesday, August 6th – Color Guard Pre-Camp 2:30 – 5:30
• Wednesday, August 6th – Visual Pre-Camp 6 – 8:30
• Thursday, August 7th – Color Guard Pre-Camp 2:30 – 5:30
• Thursday, August 7th – Visual Pre-Camp 6 – 8:30

Week of August 11th – 16th

The start of the MANDATORY Band Camp – 10am – 9pm

• Monday, August 11th – Marching Band Camp – New Marchers Camp – 10 – 2pm
• Monday, August 11th – Returning Marchers & New Marchers – 2 – 9pm
• Monday, August 11th – MANDATORY Parent Meeting 7:30pm in Band Room
• Tuesday, August 12th – Marching Band Camp 10am – 9pm
• Wednesday, August 13th – Marching Band Camp 10am – 9pm
• Thursday, August 14th – Marching Band Camp 10am – 9pm
• Friday, August 15th – Marching Band Camp 10am – 9pm
• Saturday, August 16th – Marching Band Car Wash 10-2pm
• Week of August 18th – 22nd – Band Camp – 9am – 4pm
• Monday, August 18th – Marching Band Camp 9am – 4pm
• Monday, August 18th – Uniform Fitting for Sophomores & Freshmen 6-8:30pm in Band Room (Arrive with a parent by 8:00pm)
• Tuesday, August 19th – Marching Band Camp 9am – 4pm
• Tuesday, August 19th – Uniform Fitting for 6-8:30 pm in Band Room – Seniors & Juniors (Arrive with a parent by 8:00pm)
• Wednesday, August 20th – Marching Band Camp 9am – 4pm
• Thursday, August 21st – Marching Band Camp 9am – 4pm (FRESHMAN: Attend the freshman orientation at your designated time and/or return to Band Camp before or after your time, e.g., if your orientation is 9am go directly to the orientation, if it’s 10:15, report to band camp at 9am and then go to orientation at 10:15)
• Thursday, August 21st – Band Picnic at Core Creek Park 6pm – 7:30PM
• Friday, August 22nd – Marching Band Camp 9am – 4pm

Week of August 25th – August 29th

• Monday, August 25th – Marching Band Rehearsal 3pm – 6pm
• Tuesday, August 26th – Marching Band Rehearsal 3pm – 6pm
• Wednesday, August 27th – Preview Night – 8 – 9:30pm – Walt Snyder Stadium

For the more visual-spatial individuals: 

BAND CAMP PREPARATION GUIDELINES

1. We operate as an organization with the concept of “To be on time, is to be late”. We pride ourselves on being precise with our time, and efficient with our efforts. That said, please drop off your child approximately 10 to 15 minutes prior to any listed start time to ensure we begin on schedule. We take great pride in operating on schedule, so we WILL be finished at the listed end times. It generally takes the students no more than 10 to 15 minutes to clean up at the end of practices.

2. Please see the list below under “What things do I need to bring with me to Band Camp?” for a full list of supplies. We strongly suggest using a backpack or cinch sack to carry around all that you’ll need.

3. Sneakers! Movement occurs at all rehearsals! Sandals, flip-flops, etc. are perfect……for AFTER practice (or during breaks).

4. Clothing considerations: Since we move…A LOT…clothing that allows you to perform excessive movements (shorts, t-shirts, athletic/breathable materials, etc.) is essential. Jeans aren’t advised! Also, having a bag with a change of clothes, extra socks, extra shirts, etc. is advised, given the August weather. Regarding rain, we will not put students in harm’s way in terms of thunder and lightning, nor will we work if rain is steady and strong, but we WILL work through drizzles, misty rain, etc. Hats are essential to shade faces and protect the wind players’ lips! Also, a towel wouldn’t be a bad idea to wipe sweat and freshen up.

5. Water bottles and/or Water jugs: required! We STRONGLY recommend that you bring a 1-gallon water jug with a handle. Staying hydrated during rehearsal is VITAL to performing at your best.

Remember these? Perfect for Band Camp!

6. We will do our best to schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day and heavy rain. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly and consider bringing lip balm with SPF to protect your lips as well.

7. Food & Meals: Start each day of band camp with a nutritious breakfast and pack a lunch that won’t spoil easily. We will have a lunch break every day. Students are not allowed to leave campus during lunch break, as per CRN Administration. Parents may choose to drop off food to students for lunch if you so choose, but please remember that the lunch time may be slightly altered depending on the weather. Students should bring healthy snacks to eat during the day. (And water…always more water!).

New this year! – During the first week of Band Camp we will be doing Family Dinners at 5pm. 

Each night will be hosted by parents of a different section. Please look out for an email from the person organizing your section. Here are the nightly themes:

• Monday, August 11th – “A Taste of Philly” hosted by the Winds Section and organized by Kari Montgomery & Taneise Marshall
• Tuesday, August 12th – “Marching Taco Tuesday” hosted by the Brass Section and organized by Bonnie Transue & Janet Miller
• Wednesday, August 13th– “Pasta Power-Up!” hosted by the Color Guard & Drum Majors and organized by Laura Laurenzano & Becky Van Lieu
• Thursday, August 14th – “The BBQ Pit” hosted by the Pit and organized by Craig Meyers
• Friday, August 15th – “Percussion Pizza Party” hosted by the Percussion Section and organized by Tim Graham.

What should I do NOW?

Habits that you start now will help you through camp and beyond:

·       Practice your music

·       Listen to the show on repeat

·       Start waking up earlier

·       Start going to bed earlier

·       Spend time outside to acclimate to the heat of the summer.

·       Hydrate…especially the night before band camp.

What things do I need to bring with me to Band Camp?

·       Instrument and/or equipment

·       Your music

·       Water (preferably in a 1-gallon jug)

·       Lunch (healthy options preferred)

·       Athletic clothes (light colors, t-shirts, shorts, breathable materials, and extra changes if you sweat or in case of rain)

·       Sneakers and extra socks

·       Deodorant (PLEASE!)

·       Sunscreen (lip sunscreen is also helpful)

·       Sunglasses

·       Other sun protection (hat, etc.)

·       A positive attitude

·       An open mind

·       A smile

UNIFORMS 

SUMMER UNIFORMS are in! New polos, khakis, etc. that were ordered last June will be distributed to parents at the meeting on August 11th. Now is a good time to check that everything fits.  Please keep in mind that all new khakis come un-hemmed. 

Please have your summer uniform khakis HEMMED and ready to wear by our Preview Night Performance on Wednesday, August 27.

 

  

FORMAL MARCHING BAND UNIFORM FITTINGS 

 

During the second week of Band Camp, August 18th & 19th, members will be fitted into their formal uniforms. It is very exciting because it’s the first time our musicians will get into their Formal Uniforms this season!  Musicians should wear shorts/t-shirts as the uniforms will be tried on over top. These nights are your only opportunity to try on and order the required Dinkles shoes which are worn with both the Summer Uniform and the Formal Marching Band Uniform.

A parent should attend with each student to pay the dues and purchase any additional uniform components, such as gloves, Dinkles, or belts.  Cash, Venmo, or checks (payable to CRBPA) will be accepted.  If you have a schedule conflict, you may attend either night.

The following groups will report to the band room on their designated evening between 6:00 and 8:30 PM (please arrive by 8:00) for a 15-20 minute fitting:

~ Monday, August 18th   6:00-8:30 PM (arrive by 8:00)   ALL Freshmen & Sophomores

~ Tuesday August 19th   6:00-8:30 PM (arrive by 8:00)   ALL Seniors & Juniors

FITTING NIGHT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

These nights are some of the most important of the entire year and set the tone for the season, so parents please, please consider lending a hand! The jobs are simple!

If you are able to volunteer one evening, please click on the link below and sign up today: 

CRN Band Parent Association: Formal Uniform Fittings (signupgenius.com)

Jennifer Hitchner, Denise Meyers, and Katie Kaufman, CRNBPA Uniform Chairs

Any questions about uniform, email Jennifer

 

 

WORKING AT THE CAR WASH!

Our annual Car Wash Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, August 16th from 10am – 2pm at Newtown Ambulance, 2651 South Eagle Road. Tell all friends, families, and neighbors to attend!

Please sign up for a shift to help out: Car Wash Sign-Up Genius

 

PICNIC

The annual picnic will be held Thursday, August 21st at Pavillion #11 in Core Creek Park. The picnic is free to attend and you can bring your own meals.

If you would like a boxed meal from Colonial Farms, the deadline to order is this Thursday, August 14th. The boxed meal comes with a sandwich (choose from the 6 options, see below), potato chips, fruit salad, a beverage, & a cookie. All that food for $15 is really a great deal!

Colonial Farms Boxed Lunch Menu:

* Turkey & Cheddar on Kaiser, L, T

* Ham & Cheese on Kaiser, L, T

* Italian Hoagie, L, T, S&P, Oregano, (O&V on the side)

* Chicken Salad Wrap, L, T

* Hummus Roasted Vegetable Wrap (Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy Free Option)

* Fresh Tomato Mozzarella Basil on a Baguette (Vegetarian Option)

_*ALL Sandwiches can be made Gluten Free_

ALL BOXES INCLUDE:

* Bag of Chips

* Fresh Fruit Salad 

* Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie

* Beverage

* Napkin, Fork, Knife, Mayo, Mustard Packet (sandwiches only)

 Note: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Vegan will have a different type

of cookie

 

PENNY WARS

It is once again time for the sections to duke it out for bragging rights and the chance to “serve” pies to their instructors.

Just in case you’re wondering why your Marching Band or Color Guard member might be breaking open their piggy bank or searching the couches for loose change, our friendly Penny Wars competition runs during the first week of Band Camp. Here’s what you need to know.  

 

Please feel free to reach out to anyone from the CRNBPA Leadership Team with any questions.

2025-2026 CRNBPA Leadership

Executive Board

Bonnie Transue, President

Tim Graham, Vice President

Julie Daily, Secretary

Jane Larkin, Treasurer

Committee Chairs

Kari Montgomery, Activities Chair

Craig Meyers, Communications Chair

Laura Laurenzano, Fundraising Chair

Jim Montgomery, Programs Chair

Jennifer Hitchner, Denise Meyers, and Katie Kaufman, CRNBPA Uniform Chairs

Becky Van Leiu, Color Guard Chair