Attending Concerts

Band students get free admission to all BHSN band concerts! They can also get "Concert Review Credit" by signing in at all kinds of concert events at North (including Honor Band concerts and concerts by guest artists and groups). Students need one concert review credit per 6 weeks.

There is a small admission charge for family and friends. The Boosters use these monies toward the general band budget. Concert tickets are generally Adults $5, Students & Senior Citizens $2, 5 & under free, Families $12 max.
Any family members that would not attend due to this cost should ask for free admission at the ticket table, as we want all families to be able to enjoy their child's concerts.

Email List

The band directors and boosters rely heavily on the North Bands email list to convey important information to parents and students. Often information is time-sensitive and the email list is the only way to update band families quickly, so be sure to subscribe ASAP!

To subscribe, go to the MCCSC Mailing Lists webpage. Click on bhsnbands, fill out the online form, and click the Submit button. Be sure to list all email addresses to which messages should be sent (home, work, student, etc.).

If you change email addresses, please follow instructions on the Mailing Lists webpage or send a message to the Band Listserv manager asking to be unsubscribed at the old address and subscribed at the new address. To UNSUBSCRIBE, follow instructions at the bottom of any email message.

Note: The Bands email list is moderated. Only the directors and a few members of the band board are authorized to send messages to the list. You do not need to worry about spam or email unrelated to the band program. Note also that the BAND email list is different from the BHSN DAILY ANNOUNCMENT email list. Both lists are very helpful tools for parents and students, but you must subscribe to them separately.

Questions? Problems? Contact the BHSN Listserv manager (see the Boosters - Leadership page).

Student Band Accounts

The Bloomington High School North Band Boosters have multiple bank accounts serving different purposes related to band activities. One of these accounts holds money allocated to individual students. Students earn money through certain fundraising activities (e.g., selling ads for the yearbook and using grocery/gift cards -- see the "Band Bucks" paragraph on the Boosters - Fundraising page) and that money can then be used for that student's travel expenses or other band-related needs.

It is up to the individual student (or parent) to periodically check with the Band Booster Treasurer to determine their account balance and use the money productively during their band years. Money is not ever taken from the account automatically. To help in accounting for deposits and withdrawals to this account, please put requests to use account money in writing; an email to the account treasurer will suffice. Also, communicate any concerns or information necessary to keep your account in good standing with the band directors and the account treasurer.

Use of Funds

Because of the tax-exempt status of the BHSN Band Boosters, there are restrictions on what student account money can be used for. Permitted uses include paying for band-sponsored trips, marching band/guard fees and uniform expenses, tuxedo rental fees, school instrument rental, solo & ensemble fees, and All-State or All-District participation fees. We cannot use band account money to purchase or repair instruments owned by students, to purchase reeds, mouthpieces, etc. or clothing. Simple rule: If you can keep it, student accounts cannot be used to buy it. Account balances will also not be used for Band Booster dues, as dues are meant to be a means to raise additional funds.

Remaining Balances

All student account money actually belongs to the Band Boosters, not to individual students or families. On leaving the BHSN Band program, either through graduation or withdrawal, student account balances are forfeited. In the spring of each school year the account treasurer will have prepared a list of accounts that are to be closed and the Boosters will then vote on whether those funds will go to the Endowment Fund or the Scholarship Fund.

However, balances may be held for a younger sibling for one “gap” year. For example: A current senior has a current 7th grade sibling. Upon the senior’s graduation, that student’s account balance will be held for the next school year, until the younger sibling reaches high school.

Once again, because of the tax-exempt status of the Band Boosters, money earned through fund raising activities, grocery certificate money or donations is not refundable or transferable to a non-family member. This money was donated to BHSN Band Boosters.

Approved at BHSN Band Booster Meeting on January 13, 2010

Code of Ethics

The BHSN Band Code of Ethics states that

1. Participating in band activities is a privilege.
2. All school rules must be followed and any infractions will be handled by the band directors, student’s parents, and the BHSN administration.
3. The rules apply to all students regardless of grade level or age.
4. During trips, curfews must be adhered to.
5. Directors, students, and chaperones should treat each other with respect at all times.
6. During overnight trips, hotel room doors will remain in a fully-opened position if there is mixed company within a room.

As a representatives of their bands, how students act reflect on all of the other students and on the directors. Participating in band activities is a privilege, and in order to participate in any band activity except for regularly scheduled classes, students and their parents or guardians must sign a copy of the Code of Ethics.

Authorization for Medical Treatment for Minors

ALL students in the band program need to have an authorization form on file that allows emergency medical care while away from North. Once submitted, the forms are good throughout the time the student is involved in the band program.

Band Letters

Band letters (school letters) are earned based on credits:

• 5 Credits = Numerals
• 10 Credits = "B" Letter

Credits are earned as follows:

• 1 per semester in a band course
• 4 per marching season (5 if perfect attendance)
• 1-2 for participation in Basketball Band (based on number of games attended)
• 1 for every 6 hours of volunteer work (Jazz Festival, Solo and Ensemble Contest, etc.)
• 1/3 credit per Solo & Ensemble event
• 1/3 credit for filling in with a band at a concert or festival or performing at a volunteer community event
• 1 for marching in the Bloomington 4th of July Parade
• 1 for playing in the pit orchestra for school musicals
• 1 for playing with the Bloomington North Symphony Orchestra

Additionally, Marching Band Juniors are awarded an Instrument/Guard Pin
and Marching Band Seniors receive a Senior Plaque.

Private Lessons

These teachers have indicated an interest in teaching students in the Bloomington North band program. Rates are negotiated with the individual teachers.   All teachers are highly qualified and ARE endorsed by the BHSN band directors. Ask the band directors for updates and phone numbers.