The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are the most famous bagpipe band on the planet! They are a Celtic Rock band from Scotland. The band’s lineup features three highland bagpipers and a traditional marching snare, backed by a five- to seven-piece band. The LHSGBOPC encourage all families to attend the Red Hot Chilli Pipers concert at the State Theatre on Thursday, March 10th
in which the Pipes and Drums will participate. For more information visit the ticket sale page.
LHSGBOPC Meeting Minutes—November 16, 2021
LHSGBOPC General Meeting
11/16/2021
In attendance…Tina Martucci, Cory Daily, Nikki Giannaras, Colleen Weaver, Allen Frank, Bill Lennox
Tina (President)
Welcome to everyone! I want to take a moment to thank everyone for reaching out during a very difficult time in my life. My husband passed away two weeks ago, and it has been hard. Thanks to all of you for being there for our family. I want to thank everyone for the calls, texts, checks, and good will. Nikki will now talk about the minutes from the last meeting.
Nikki (Secretary)
Hello! Are there any questions about the minutes from the last meeting? (No questions) Two votes passed the minutes.
Current fundraisers…
WaWa
Grocery Cards
Gertrude Hawk Candy
Online quota was updated November 1st. If your balance is $0…your fair share has been deducted. Call Meg with questions. Winter flowers will be delivered on December 11 in the Science Lot.
Colleen (Treasurer)
Any questions concerning the Treasurer’s Report? (No questions)
Mr. Frank
Question…Can we know in advance when there are gigs so that our kids can be prepared?
Kids were told about the ceremony at the Sands Casino way in advance. I will try to post things for parents because kids sometimes don’t tell their parents.
I want to shout out Mr. Lennox for the Social Media presence! The word that is out in the community is awesome! Thank you! Also…Mr. Lennox is now engaged! Congrats!
Marching season was awesome! Thank you so very much for all of the band parents that helped during the marching season! We appreciate everything that was donated and all of the help and support. Thank you! It was a great season!
A lot of the focus now goes to the orchestra. If your child is in choir or orchestra…there are 8 rehearsals left.
12/16–Rehearsal
Concert is two days…12/17 and 12/19.
Tuxes and gowns are being fitted for the concert. Choir is already done. Orchestra should be done by Thursday. All the kids need are black shoes. Everything else is provided.
Orchestra…Early morning rehearsals will start on 12/2 at 7 AM. It may be just sectionals. We will let you know. Practice will only be on orchestra days.
We had some Pipers playing for Veteran’s Day Ceremonies, etc. We appreciate their hard work and dedication.
Concert band has started. No early morning rehearsals for band right now. We will let you know when rehearsals start up again. We put an all-call out to the students because we are in need of tuba players for next year. If you know anyone who is interested in playing tuba….please let us know.
This evening, we met with Stu Wamington via Zoom. He will be coming 4/3-4/9 in order to help the drummers/percussion students rehearse for the concert. There may be an evening when the parents can meet Stu as well.
Question…Is the concert going to be in the auditorium? Yes. We will probably use every other row and balcony like was done during the school play. The spring concert may look different as well. We will try our best to get as many people to attend the concert as well.
Question…How much does a uniform cost? Each regular uniform is between $700-$1,000. Then it goes up from there for the Pipers and any specialty uniforms. We are up for new uniforms next year. We are looking to buy some good quality synthetic bear skin hats.
Question…Will we be buying any larger uniforms for the kids? We need to take into consideration that not all kids are a size 6. We need uniforms to fit our kids. We need taller and bigger uniforms. It is cool that our uniforms are like the Queen’s Military…but general sizing needs to be thought about when fitting the students. We hope to get bigger sizes to fit all students.
Next meeting is 12/14. That is the week of the concert.
Mrs. Zettlemoyer
We are almost finished handing out orchestra and choir uniforms for the concert.
New October Fundraisers
The LHSGBOPC has just started two new fundraisers: Krispy Kreme Donuts and Strudel. Please click on the links for more information. Also, on the grocery store gift cards, we are now offering Shop Rite cards.
Apple dumplings fundraiser
We just kicked off a new fundraiser, Apple Dumplings from The Farm Bakery. See the sale page for more details.
Schedule for First Football Game
Congrats on wrapping up Summer Band 2021!!
Info for Aug. 27, 2021:
3:30 pm – rehearse (Wearing band trousers. Tunics and bearskins stay inside)
4:15 pm – load truck
5 pm – depart
6:40 pm – perform
7 pm – Kickoff
Snacks and water will be provided during the 3rd quarter. I would recommended packing something to eat for the bus ride.
I will post on band app when we depart after the game so parents can plan for pick-up. Please do NOT pick up in the small lot by the pool doors. Pick up on Grenny or in the big teacher lot.
A few more reminders and information about tonight:
1) Please wear your new band shirt under the tunic! That is part of the uniform from here on out.
2) Don’t forget your berets!! Those go to every game, as well.
3) As mentioned yesterday, you will be provided with a snack and water at the game, but you may want to pack something for the bus ride.
4) Masks MUST be worn on the bus. Bring masks with you, please!
5) For parents wanting to travel to the game, the address for East Stroudsburg South is 279 North Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
6) We will go rain or shine.
Thank you!
Mr. Frank
Fall Fundraiser Kickoff
The following fundraisers are now live, please see the sale pages for more details:
Band Picture Day, August 13
![](https://lhsgbopc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/LibertyHS-Band-ReminderCard-232x300.jpg)
Summer Band Letter
Dear Grenadiers and Families,
As we approach the beginning of the band season on Monday, we wanted to get some information out to you that will hopefully answer some questions and make the transition back to in-person band smooth for everybody. We know that the transition into high school band can be overwhelming for new members. This year, more than ever, we are all in the same boat as we come out of a year with limited musical opportunities and hybrid learning. We have done our best trying to put all of the puzzle pieces together, but realize there will need to be a grace period to ensure we have everybody on board and get all members and families up to speed. Please read the information in this letter to better understand what you will be embarking on as a member of the Grenadier Band. More information for parents will be given out at the first parent meeting scheduled for August 10 at 7:30pm in the LHS Auditorium.
Rehearsal Schedule
The Liberty High School Grenadier Band (LHSGB) begins rehearsals on Monday, August 2nd. This first week is a shortened week, with rehearsals running from 8am-noon Monday-Thursday. We are using this week as a “ramp up” week to refresh marching basics, ensemble playing, and simply just getting everybody back together.
The weeks of August 9th & 16th will be the full day rehearsal going from 8am-3pm.
We then go to a mixed schedule the week of August 23rd, due to the beginning of the teacher in-services.
The full August schedule is attached, so please be sure to look it over.
It is expected that all students attend all rehearsals as members of the LHSGB. We can only prepare the band to its full potential when we have everybody there. Timely parental communication for absences is essential, when possible.
What about lunch during band camp?
Starting the week of August 9th, our district food service provides lunch for the band and athletes. Lunch is free and provided each day for students choosing this option. Students are also welcome to pack their own lunch.
What should I bring to Band each day?
It is important that students come prepared each day to rehearsal. Along with their instruments/equipment and music, students should also bring:
- Pencil
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hats (if desired)
- Flip folders and lyres are strongly encouraged for each instrument
What should I wear to Band each day?
Dress for the activity. We will be outside a lot during rehearsals, so dress accordingly. Also, it is important that students wear proper footwear for marching! Students MUST wear sneakers/tennis shoes or something similar. Your shoes should have a flexible sole. Sandals, Crocks, or any other open toe/heel shoes are not permitted. This is for the safety of everybody as they march.
Though we encourage you to dress for hot weather, please be reminded that this is a school function and that dress codes do apply. Please wear shirts that are appropriate and cover your body. Tank tops are permitted.
I’m an athlete. How does that work with Band?
There is always strong communication between the directors and the coaches. Once the athletic season starts on August 16th, student athletes will be splitting their time between Band and their sport. Student athletes should inform us of their sport and their practice times so we can fully prepare each rehearsal. It is our goal to never put a student in the middle of a scheduling conflict. Liberty takes pride in allowing students to participate in multiple activities.
Once the season starts, we operate under a simple rule: Performances take precedent over practices, games take precedent over rehearsals.
Communication
Communication is ESSENTIAL! We rely heavily on the BAND app. We ask that ALL students and families download this app to receive all notifications. Announcements about schedule changes, reminders about rehearsals and performances, as well as miscellaneous information all go out through the BAND app.
Information will also be sent out through the Band Parent organization in email and/or posted on the website at lhsgbopc.org.
COVID Precautions
As we begin the new season, we do have to acknowledge that we are still dealing with a pandemic. Though we are moving to a more normal way of making music, we are still in need of following some safety procedures. We are following directives set forth by the BASD, the Bethlehem Health Bureau, the CDC, as well as guidelines specific to musical instruments outlined by numerous comprehensive studies.
- Students will be masked in the building. Students can be unmasked outside.
- Any student who is not vaccinated should remain masked outside when we are doing field work.
- Bell covers are still recommended when playing indoors. If you still have a bell cover from last year, please continue to use it. If you do not, you can create a makeshift cover with a piece of cloth and a rubber band.
- Flutes will not be required to use face shields.
- Indoor music rehearsals will be taking place inside of the auxiliary gym. Chairs will be spaced out with students having their own stand.
We must remain dedicated to creating the safest possible methods for doing Band. Please follow all guidelines at all times and remember that this isn’t just about you, but also those around you.
Uniforms
Most students have been fitted for uniforms by now. If you have not received a uniform, you will be fitted during the first week of rehearsals. Along with the uniforms issued by the school, all band members (except majorettes) need to have black shoes. These shoes should be a solid black dress shoe that is fit for marching. No hard soles, heavy boots, or sneakers. If you need further clarity on what kind of shoe is needed, please reach out. If anybody cannot provide their own shoes, the Band does have a small supply of shoes from former members. White gloves will also need to be purchased from Mrs. Z. We will have those available during rehearsals.
More in-depth uniform care and maintenance will be discussed with the students during rehearsals.
Pictures
Band picture day is Friday, August 13th at 8am. We will do a large group picture, as well as specific small group shots. This year we are offering individual pictures for anybody interested. Students do not have to get an individual picture taken, but they will be available. Order forms for individual pictures will be available through Christmas City Studios.
August Performances
We are hitting the ground in a full sprint this year, with preparations for performances already having started. If you have missed the news about these performances, here it is:
Saturday, August 14th
On Aug. 14th, the LHSGB will be joining the Freedom Patriot Band in being part of the filming for the movie The Hail Mary. Lehigh Valley native and Hollywood actor, Daniel Roebuck, has been filming The Hail Mary in the area for the past couple of weeks now. On that Saturday night, we will be filming in the BASD Stadium. The filming should be taking place between 7-11pm. Like any movie shoot, we will need to remain flexible.
This will be in full uniform. They are also asking that as many family members and friends we can have to fill the stands, the better.
Friday, August 20th
This night will be the official LHSGB preview night in combination with the 100th Anniversary Kick-off event. The band will perform much of pregame and halftime during this event. This will be the Band’s first opportunity to march and perform for the community in over a year and a half!
Tuesday, August 24th
The LHSGB and Freedom Patriot Bands will once again be teaming up to perform at the district-wide faculty and staff convocation. This year, convocation will be taking place in the BASD stadium at 8am. The bands will perform the Star-Spangled Banner, as well as pep tunes throughout the event.
I know that is a lot to digest right now, so please take the time to read it over a couple of times, write things down, and get physically and mentally prepared for the next few weeks, and beyond. There are so many more events to look forward to as the season goes on, but we need to focus on everything coming up in the next few weeks.
We will hold our first parent meeting on Tuesday, August 10th at 7:30pm in the LHS Auditorium. More information will be discussed at that meeting.
In the meantime, please join us for a more social gathering on Wednesday, August 4th at 7pm for a viewing of the Emmy Award winning PBS documentary about the LHSGB entitled “Second To None.”
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to the directors with any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you all and bringing music back to Liberty and the Bethlehem community!
Sincerely,
Mr. Allen Frank (afrank@basdschools.org)
Mr. William Lennox (wlennox@basdschools.org)
Uniform Fittings for New Students
Uniform fittings for new students will take place on Wednesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 15 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Liberty band room. Use the link to sign up for a fitting time slot. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4BA4A723A3F94-uniform3
Time slots are fifteen minutes each. Please send an email to Meg (band-vp@lhsgbopc.org) if you are unable to make one of the available days.
Midsummer Information from the Directors
Dear Band and Orchestra Students and Parents/Guardians,
I hope this finds you well and enjoying your summer so far! As we approach the end of June, I am always surprised at how fast the time goes. I wanted to send this out to all of you with a few updates and things to look forward to. Before we know it, the band will be back on the field!
Welcome to Mr. Lennox!
As most of have hopefully seen, we have officially welcomed our new assistant director, Mr. William Lennox. He has been getting settled in and has already met quite a few of the students so far. Mr. Lennox brings a great deal of experience and we are excited to have him join the Liberty family.
Music and Instrument Pick-Up
All school-owned instruments have been set aside for incoming students that have requested them. We are doing some final cleanings and maintenance checks. I will post a date and times for pick-up of those instruments.
Music packets are also being compiled. A list of part assignments, along with music packets will be available when the instruments are picked up.
For the time being, a Google Drive has been created with some of the music. More music will be added as it is prepared, but this will give students an opportunity to start looking things over. The Google Drive can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ce_5MOM6zy35zwmlP_5mPJv215TmN_Vq?usp=sharing
2021-22 Performance Calendar
The full calendar for the music department is attached. Everything listed is what we anticipate throughout the year. Events are always subject to change, and we will do everything in our power to keep you notified in a timely manner. As you can see, we are back in full swing…not only with the regular football season, but with the 100th anniversary celebrations and a few other performances. Great things to look forward to!
Lights, Camera, Action!
As was announced in the Morning Call last week, the Liberty Grenadier and Freedom Patriot bands are being given a unique opportunity to be in a movie! In August, the Liberty and Freedom bands will be combining to do a film shoot for Daniel Roebuck. Mr. Roebuck is a Lehigh Valley native who has had quite a successful career in film and television (Matlock, The Fugitive, Lost). He is working on a new movie entitled “The Hail Mary”, and he wants us to be part of it! A tentative date of Saturday, August 14th is the planned shoot, however, that could easily change as we get closer. Filming will take place in the evening at the stadium for night time shots. More details will follow.
July Sessions
There will be a few non-mandatory marching band sessions held in July. These sessions will give us a jump on music and an opportunity to introduce our new members to some marching basics. We will hold these sessions on Monday, July 12, 19, and 26 from 7-8:30pm in the LHS Band Room.
Have a great July 4th weekend and we’ll see you soon!!
Mr. Frank & Mr. Lennox