Band Parents - Be In the Know!

Band Boosters is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization made up of parents/guardians of band students.  As a parent/guardian of a student in Band, you are already a member!  With the help of band families, corporate/service organization sponsors, and great volunteers, Band Boosters supports the AVHS Band by:

• Enhancing Education - through guest clinicians, master classes, small ensemble coaches, guest artists, and visiting bands

• Recognizing Students - through a year-end awards ceremony, MMEA/All-State scholarships, and post-secondary scholarships 

• Reducing Fees - for band trips, solo/ensemble contest registration, dresses and tuxes for upperclassmen, and band t-shirts for new band members

• Connecting - with district middle and elementary schools to promote band participation

• Organizing Social Events – including Dine-Out for Band Nights and Community Events

• Supporting Safety - through sponsorship of earplugs for musicians

• Demonstrating Pride - through band spirit wear sales and concert slide shows 

• Communicating with Families - through regular emails, Instagram, Twitter, Band Booster website, Facebook, and Band Booster meetings

• Coordinating Student Fundraising – providing opportunities for students to offset the cost of band trips.

How do I stay informed? 

You will automatically receive a weekly AVHS Band Announcement email from the Band Directors. This is a great resource for upcoming events and activities!  You will also receive emails from the Band Boosters. Additionally, follow us on social media!  

How do I get involved?  

1. Join us on Friday, September 8h at 6:15 at the AVHS Football game – Join us before the game for FREE Rootbeer Floats for all band students and families.  This is a wonderful chance to build community with other band families,  meet the Band Booster Board, and be part of AVHS! Go Eagles!! 

2. Attend a Meeting – All are welcome to attend the General Band Booster meetings at 7:00pm in the band room  on September 18,  January 22, and May 13.  

3. Donate – We have a variety of fundraisers during the year.  In addition, you can make a direct contribution on our GIVE MN page 

How does Band class work? 

All 9th grade band students begin the year in Concert Band.  All 10th-12th grade students start the year in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble.  All bands start with Athletic Band music and then transition to other music in October.  9th- 11th grade students will audition in the spring to determine band placement for the following year.  Band students receive grading information at the start of each trimester.  

What are the Co-Curricular Band opportunities? 

AVHS Band offers many great ensembles.  We strongly encourage students to give one (or more) a try!  Once the school year gets underway, Band Directors will announce specific Co-Curricular Ensembles and the audition requirements.  

The typical offerings are:

• Jazz Ensemble 1 

• Jazz Ensemble 2 

• Percussion Ensemble

• Pit Orchestra for Fall Musical

• R&B Band

• Athletic Band

• Solo & Ensemble Festival – select music w/ instructor, work on in band lessons

How does Athletic Band work?  

Athletic Band starts in the fall, performing  all home football games, and any section/finals/state games.  Initially, Athletic Band is only for 10th-12th grade students.  However, later in Fall trimester 9th grade students have the option to join Athletic Band for the remaining football games, including playoffs.  During the Fall Trimester, if the soccer or volleyball teams advance to postseason play, Concert Band plays for these events. During Winter Trimester, each band takes turns performing at home games for basketball, hockey, and occasionally other winter sports.  The Athletic  Band also performs for any section/finals/state games.

How do Band Trips Work?  

10th-12th grade band members typically travel 2 - 3  years.  While trips are not required, many students choose to participate.  Students can begin fundraising in 9th grade.  Several fundraisers (e.g. Droolin' Moose, Gertens flower sales, and more) are designated as Student Account fundraisers that help students to reduce the cost of their band trip.  Some financial assistance is also available.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Band Directors or the Band Boosters Board.

Band Directors:

Mr. Corey Desens – corey.desens@district196.org 

Mr. David Scalise – david.scalise@district196.org

Band Booster Board:  Click here for a list of current board members, listed on our "Who We Are" page