26-27 Band Announcements
For the most current announcements, always check the live archive doc here — this page may not always be up to date.
LANCER BAND ANNOUNCEMENTS ARCHIVE
Never miss an update — the newest announcement appears first.
LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 2, 2026
Italy Travelers
We need ALL passport info -- was due to us August 1st -- please see your emails for a CutTime form that was sent out. Please reach out to Kristin Massoth or Mr. Toepfer with any questions or concerns!
Please check your emails for an important fundraising opportunity for student travelers - sent Sunday 8/2
Band Communications
While we await official guidance from SMSD/SME Administration regarding the new laws enacted by the KS Legislature, we’ve taken the following steps:
CutTime is licensed/controlled through SMSD and will continue to be our Band ‘Operations’ tool for one-way communications
GroupMe is no longer used for any official or unofficial communications. Messages to groups like Band Leadership, All-State Participants, etc will be handled via school email. Students may keep existing student-only group chats but are not considered an official means of communication from the SME Band.
The BAND App has just been approved for continued use by SMSD! We have restricted permissions to one-way communications (no 1:1 messages between members, approved-posts only). I imagine this will be a big point of focus for our back-to-school PL staff sessions; please be on the lookout for updates
Social Media - no access to messaging or 1:1 communications via Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, etc
-Regardless of the official means of communication, official announcements will be emailed each week and archived on smelancerbands.com
Mobile Devices & Band Lockers
We are awaiting guidance from the administration about what the new SMSD BOE Policy JCDC will look like specifically at SME. Each band student is currently checked out a locker, and under this policy it could qualify as a “school-provided locker or cubby” provided the student does not access it during the school day.
What this likely looks like for a band student:
Students store their phones in band lockers -- no access during school hours (including lunch/passing periods)
Students retrieve phones from band lockers at the end of the day.
Please await official word from SME/SMSD or myself before making any official plans.
SchoolFundr Email Drive Begins This Week
Emails Launch Monday, August 3!
During camp we asked the students to create a profile page and collect email addresses for donors.
Please check with your band student on their progress - we have a few stragglers
SME Band Fundraiser Page (you may share on social media)
We’ve already earned $1,400 before even going live -- if everyone signs up, completes the emails and shares this out, we could break last year’s record ($32,000)!
Upcoming Band Events
Marching Band Thursday Night Rehearsal - Thursday August 6, 6-8pm @ SME Lower Turf Field
LINK Day Activities - Wednesday, August 12 (upperclassmen only) - Drumline 7am, Leadership/Volunteers @ IHMS, 8:00am
SME First Day Assembly - Thursday, August 13 - All Band Members (no special attire)
Marching Band Thursday Night Rehearsal - Thursday, August 13, 6-8pm @ SME Lower Turf Field
First Zero Hour (7am) Marching Band Rehearsal - Monday, August 17, 7am @ SME Lower Turf Field
Band Car Wash - Saturday, August 22, 8am-12pm @ SME
Friday Night Lights - Friday, August 28, 6pm* @ SME *Marching Halftime Show Performance time TBD
Car Wash Tickets & Parent Volunteers - August 22, 8am-12pm @ SME
Car Wash tickets were handed out at the July info meeting. All students are expected to sell 5 tickets ($50) and return the envelope to the Band Room.
Senior Photos — Final Makeup Date
August 11, 2026, 6:00 PM, Werner Park Bridge in Merriam. In case of heat or inclement weather, photos will move indoors at SME.
Band Button Headshots - Makeups
If you missed a headshot at fittings, last chance is this Tuesday, August 4th from 5-6pm in the SME Dance Room (1st Floor by the weight rooms). Please contact Crystal Burkhardt crystal.burkhardt@outlook.com with any questions
Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs — LAST DAY!
If you missed the first round, our 2nd round of ordering ends at the end of today, August 2nd. We’re again offering musician-grade Vibes earplugs at a discount. They bring loud volume down to a safe level with less muffling — you still hear yourself and the ensemble clearly. (I use them on my own gigs, and feedback last year was great.)
Price: $17/pair (regularly $34.95)
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PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS
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July 26, 2026
Lancer Band Families,
We look forward to kicking off our FULL band camp week tomorrow!
This Week’s Schedule
Monday — Spirit Theme: “Country Club vs. Country”
6:30–7:00 AM — Staff & Leadership setup for camp
7:00 AM — ALL MEMBERS REPORT, Upper Turf Field (soccer field)
11:30 AM — Lunch @ SME, provided by Band Boosters
12:15 PM — SchoolFundr Text Drive Kickoff
1:00 PM — Large Group Sectionals, Music Rehearsals (inside)
4:00 PM — Dinner break, provided by Band Boosters
5:30 PM –8:00 PM — Teambuilding, Visuals & Choreography (outside if weather permits)
Tuesday — 7:00-11:30 AM, 1:00-4:00 PM, 6:00-8:00 PM; lunch and dinner on your own.
Wednesday — 7:00–11:30 AM, 1:00–4:00 PM
Thursday — 7:00–11:30 AM, 1:00–4:00 PM; Camp Showcase @ 6:00 PM, SME Lower Turf
Friday — 8:00–11:30 AM
Heat Preparation & Policy
Please wear comfortable, light, loose-fitting clothing, hats/sunglasses, apply sunscreen, wear appropriate footwear, and bring a large refillable water bottle for camp.
We will follow KSHSAA Heat Policy Guidelines closely -- we have a dedicated WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer) monitoring system at SME and will follow proper heat mitigation procedures at all times
Students: Hydrate, get adequate rest, and eat a good breakfast each day. Please limit sugary drinks/snacks/energy drinks this week.
SchoolFundr Email Drive Begins This Week
In 2025, we earned over $30,000 for the band, our single largest fundraiser ever! It’s a pledge-based campaign you can send to supporters who will pledge donations to the band. Convenience and processing fees are covered by optional tips, so more money goes directly to the Band.
Parents — We’re collecting email addresses and contact info for supporters. Please provide 20 legitimate emails for supporters who you believe will genuinely support our program.
Download Parent Information Letter Here
Upperclassmen — Your supporters are already saved from 2025; just update your profile.
All Students — During Monday’s lunch break we’ll go over the fundraiser, set up your individual pages, and enter your supporters.
Italy Travelers — This fundraiser is separate from trip fundraising; our 501c3 status keeps the Band General Fund and SME Band Trip Fund separate. We understand it’s a lot to fundraise for both, and appreciate your understanding.
Car Wash Tickets & Parent Volunteers
Car Wash tickets were handed out at the July info meeting. All students are expected to sell 5 tickets ($50) and return the envelope to the Band Room.
Band Registration & Uniform Fittings
Thank you to everyone who made it to uniform fittings and registration. Ms. Meirowsky will be pulling students for makeups this week.
Senior Photos — Final Makeup Date
August 11, 2026, 6:00 PM, Werner Park Bridge in Merriam. In case of heat or inclement weather, photos will move indoors at SME.
Transportation Forms -- Please Complete
Transportation forms were sent on June 11 -- a reminder email was sent via CutTime today. Please complete those ASAP, or contact a director for assistance.
Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs — Order by August 2nd
If you missed the first round, our 2nd round of ordering is ongoing. We’re again offering musician-grade Vibes earplugs at a discount. They bring loud volume down to a safe level with less muffling — you still hear yourself and the ensemble clearly. (I use them on my own gigs, and feedback last year was great.)
Price: $17/pair (regularly $34.95)
Italy Travelers
Be watching for a form -- PASSPORT INFO is needed this week! Missed the July 16 Meeting? Access files here
July 19, 2026
Lancer Band Families,
We are excited to kick off the 2026 Marching Season tomorrow! A few reminders:
Tomorrow’s Schedule
8:00 AM — Camp begins, SME Band Room. All students arrive before 8:00 AM.
Woodwinds/Brass — 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Percussion — 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
What to Bring
Light, loose-fitting clothing and athletic shoes (no sandals or open-toed footwear of any kind — chacos, tevas, etc.)
A large, refillable water jug, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Camp/Car Wash snack donations may be dropped off in the band room (instrument storage room)
Upcoming Dates
Monday — Senior Pictures, 6:00 PM, Antioch Park Bridge
Tuesday — Registration & Fittings, 6:00 PM (juniors/seniors), 7:00 PM (sophomores)
Wednesday — Registration & Fittings, 6:00 PM (freshmen, new members & makeups)
Please hydrate properly (beginning today!) and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow.
See you soon,
Mr. Toepfer
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July 12, 2026
Subject: Lancer Bands Summer Update — Earplug Orders Due July 8 + July Schedule
📅 Save the Date — Thursday, July 16, 6:00 PM | SME Auditorium
Marching Band Preseason Meeting: camp info, meet the staff & boosters, Car Wash ticket pre-sale pickup. Rome Trip meeting to follow for all travelers. Order Vibes earplugs by July 8 to pick them up at this meeting — details below.
Hi Lancer Band families,
Hope your summer’s going well. A few updates as we move toward marching season.
Marching Music & Recordings
Students — your music and reference recordings for this year’s show are posted. Start learning your parts now; the more you bring to pre-camp, the more we accomplish together.
Wind Parts
Percussion Parts
Recording (under construction)
Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs — Order by July 8
We’re again offering musician-grade Vibes earplugs at a discount. They bring loud volume down to a safe level with less muffling — you still hear yourself and the ensemble clearly. (I use them on my own gigs, and feedback last year was great.)
Price: $17/pair (regularly $34.95)
Deadline: End of day Wednesday, July 8
Pickup: Distributed at the July 16 meeting
Order here: https://vibes-hi-fidelity-earplugs-sme-26.cheddarup.com
July Schedule — Add These Now
July 16 — Parent/Student Kickoff Meeting (SME, 6:00 PM)
July 17 — Leadership Camp
July 20–24 — Drumline Camp + Marching Pre-Camp
July 21–22 — Uniform Checkout
July 27–31 — Band Camp (7:00 AM–8:00 PM)
July 30 — Lancer Band Showcase (SME, 6:00 PM)
Stay Connected
CutTime is our primary hub this year. If you haven’t logged in yet, go to app.gocuttime.com/login, tap Guardian or Student, and enter the email or cell number you gave Skyward — a secure “magic link” gets you in, no password needed. Full details are in the Summer Info Letter we sent in June.
Rome Trip Families
Kristin Massoth’s group-fundraiser interest survey is due July 5 — please respond if you’re traveling with us. A full trip meeting follows the July 16 kickoff.
Looking Ahead — Fall Fundraisers
Save the dates: text-based fund drive runs Aug 6–20, and the Car Wash is Aug 22. More on both soon.
I’ve attached the early June update for your convenience. See you soon!
Alex Toepfer
Director of Bands, SM East HS
