North Penn Music

The North Penn Music Aides (NPMA) are the parent booster organization established in

1973 that helps the Marching Knights and the North Penn High School music programs

(i.e. Visual Ensemble, Indoor Percussion, Concert Percussion, Jazz Band, and Lab

Band).

The NPMA provides financial support, e.g. contract services, purchase of equipment. In

addition, the group provides services such as running the concession stand at football

games, making props, sewing flags, providing meals during band camp, before football

games and competitions, and transporting equipment to and from events.

The Marching Knights and Music Aides use e-mail extensively to communicate

information. Many topics will be distributed via e-mail bulletins and the website

us know of any changes to your e-mail address. It is important that you review the

weekly bulletin to stay up to date during the season.

In addition, the students communicate via text messages to their cell phones for last

minutes changes and schedule updates. (HINT: Review your texting plan with your

phone carrier to avoid large bills suddenly appearing.) Students also bring home

information flyers, so please check with your child occasionally.

For most weeks during the fall, the schedule should be similar to the following:

Monday: Practice 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday: Practice 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Winds only)

(Guard & Percussion 6:30 PM– 9:00 PM)

Wednesday: No Practice

Thursday: Practice 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday: Football Game 3:30 - 10:30 PM

Saturday: Practice: Usually mornings until departure for competition

Band Competition: Afternoon to Evenings

Sunday: No Practice

Typical costs to be in the Marching Knights include:

and uniform parts

funds are mainly used to pay staff expenses.

three years – the next scheduled trip is in 2012. In the “off” years, we typically

schedule a single overnight trip that coincides with one of the competitions. This

year, the overnight trip is planned for the competition at James Madison

University. The cost for last year’s overnight trip was $100.

photographs, garment bags and band jackets. Other costs that fit in this

category include drumsticks, valve oil, reeds, etc.

The first three categories of costs can be paid for out of your Student Credit account.

Student credit is earned when students fundraise. Typically, half of the proceeds that a

student raises from fundraising are deposited in a student credit account. This account

can then be used to pay for Student Fees, Trip Costs or as an offset to the Fundraising

Expectation. Student credit funds roll over from year to year until your child graduates,

at which time you can choose to transfer the balance to a younger sibling, donate it to

the hardship account or to the Director’s fund to pay for new instruments and music.

For more information on Student Credit, please contact Karen Dembowski.

Hardship funds are available to assist any student who is unable to pay the necessary

fees to participate in the Marching Knights. Please contact Karen Dembowski, Kelly

Elizardo or Mike Britcher if your family requires assistance.

Fundraising is an important part of the North Penn Music Aides. Funds pay for services

necessary to support a championship band. It is strongly encouraged that all students

participate in fundraising activities. Fundraising benefits the organization as a whole as

well as your Student Credit Account. For those families that prefer not to fundraise, a

One of our primary fundraisers is the Great Lakes Scrip (GLScrip) program. GLScrip

food, clothing, and entertainment while earning a percentage of each dollar purchased

back in revenue. The most common pre-paid gift cards are Kohl’s, Giant, Acme and

Home Depot. More information on the Scrip program can be found at the NPMA website

NPMA representative sells WaWa hoagie coupons and inventoried Scrip cards during

Hospitality Knights and other nights during the practice season.

The North Penn Music Aides, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are

tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Our Tax Identification Number is 23-

7392834.

The short answer is YES. In order to maintain our championship organization, parent

volunteers are necessary and welcome. There are many types of tasks available such

as helping to sew flags, build props, selling refreshments during football games and

serving as a chaperone. Some only involve a few hours of time whereas others involve

taking charge of a major activity. Some can be done from home. If you are interested,

feel free to attend a meeting or contact a NPMA Officer. This is a great way to get

acquainted with other Marching Knight parents and make a meaningful contribution to

the Marching Knights and other music organizations. We look forward to your

assistance at our many events.

It is great for the kids to see the parents sitting together as a group in the stands

cheering them on during their performance. Parents are encouraged to attend since we

have fun at the events.

For some of the competitions, a parent bus will be available making it convenient to

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the regular general membership

actual date.

There are a number of ways to get answers to your questions:

Being a Marching Knight requires a high level of commitment and dedication. As you

can imagine, once the marching routine is established, it is very difficult to perform well

if there are blank spaces.

Athletic coaches are able to substitute for injured or missing players---the Marching

Knights do not have this option since all members play at every performance!

Attendance is expected at all practices and performances unless there is a valid

personal reason, such as illness or family emergency.

If you are aware in advance of a potential problem, you will need to speak with the Band

Director, Mike Britcher.