Frequently Asked Questions
All parents and guardians of MHS Band and Color Guard students are automatically members of the McLean High School Band Parents Association (MHSBPA), which meets at least three times each year. MHSBPA is a tax-exempt charitable organization within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Copies of our Form 990 “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” filed with the Internal Revenue Service are available upon request. We make our governing documents - Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, financial statements, tax returns, and other policy documents - available to the public upon request. Send any requests to Mr. Weise at CMWeise@fcps.edu.
The Officers and board of Directors make up the Band Executive Board. They meet at 7:30pm on the Second Tuesday each month of the school year in the Career Center in the Guidance Office at MHS, and meetings are open to all band parents. Attendance is a good way to keep up with Band activities.
Students typically begin in either Concert Band or Wind Ensemble, with Wind Ensemble playing more advanced music than Concert Band. As students become more advanced in their skills, they audition for placement in the Symphonic Band, which plays the most advanced music.
All Symphonic Band and percussion class members are required to participate in Marching Band.
Marching Band is optional, but encouraged for Concert Band and Wind Ensemble members.
Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic band all have different practice schedules. Check with your student or the Band Calendar for the schedule!
Fairfax County Public Schools mandates that marching band is required for Symphonic Band students only. It is optional (but encouraged) for Wind Ensemble and Concert Band students.
Band families pay for transportation, food and lodging for overnight trips, uniform rental, and in some cases, instrument rental.
Certain uniform parts must be purchased, such as marching band shoes (Dinkles) and parts of the concert season formal wear uniforms.
Families may also have to pay a separate transportation fee to help cover the cost of buses to marching competitions.
Band members will be issued marching band and concert uniforms. Marching Uniform fittings occur during the summer marching program (band camp). They will not require alterations other than hemming. Concert Uniforms are fitted at the end of Tag Day in September.
Get Involved! There are many opportunities to volunteer and support your kids and this organization.
Most communication is from the band director in class and through email, via the Charms database. Please keep your contact information up-to-date.
Daily activities are posted on Facebook and Twitter, so please follow McLeanHighSchoolBand on Facebook and @McLeanBand on Twitter.
The calendar schedule and contact information can be found on the band website www.mcleanband.org. Additionally, the McLean Band Parents Association Executive Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month during the school year, while the General Membership meets three times throughout the year. Check the Calendar for times and location. Attending any of these meetings is a great way to stay informed!