Pioneer Orchestra Parent Society

Message from Steven Samford, President

20 August 2024

Welcome to all our new Orchestra Families and welcome back to all the returning ones!

As parents and guardians of orchestra students, you are automatically members of the Pioneer Orchestra Parents’ Society (POPS), which is the booster organization that supports our award-winning orchestra program at Pioneer High School. This is my third year as a Pioneer Orchestra parent and my first as the POPS President.

POPS runs on the efforts of Orchestra families, and we encourage you to participate in POPS and orchestra events as much as time allows and in whatever way that interests you. Our annual budget of approximately $30,000 funds most of the enrichment activities, scholarships, and extra resources required by a high-caliber orchestra program such as the PIoneer Orchestras. This year will require more fundraising to make possible the tour and competition at the National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta. We are always looking for volunteers to keep POPS viable and vigorous, so we can continue to support our children’s musical education.

I will send out a monthly communication to keep you informed about POPS business, and we welcome everyone at the monthly POPS meetings. In addition, the entire POPS Leadership Team is listed in the newsletter, and you can always reach me at phspops@gmail.com, if you have additional questions or concerns.

We hope your student and your entire family have a wonderful experience in the Pioneer Orchestras this year!

As a reminder, POPS is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be tax-deductible. Payments and donations can be made at the POPS Online Store.

Steven Samford, POPS President

Dues and Fees

Every year, POPS collects dues and uniform fees, to keep our operations going. POPS dues are $30 per student and uniform fees are $20 per student annually. Payments can be made online at the POPS Online Store. If you prefer, you may send in a check to school with your student, made out to Pioneer Orchestra Parents’ Society; write “orchestra dues” and the student’s name on the memo line. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please contact Mr. Glawe or a member of the executive team, and we will make appropriate, confidential arrangements.

Orchestra Fundraising

We fund our normal yearly orchestra operations through a combination of dues and fees, fundraisers, and individual and corporate donations. This year we will be raising additional funds for scholarships so that every orchestra member who wants to go on tour can do so. You can help in three ways!

• Pay your dues and uniform fees! (See above)
• Participate in fundraising activities! Current and upcoming activities include our UM Stadium seat cushion program, the Achatz Pie Sale, Midnight Madness, and more. Watch your email and sign yourselves and your kids up.
• Consider a family or individual sponsorship or a corporate donation from your family or contacts in your network (link is to a flier that you are welcome to print or share electronically). Remember, POPS is a nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible! Family/Individual and Corporate Sponsorships include recognition in the concert programs as well as a variety of other benefits. Sponsorships under $250 can be funded here and $250 or greater here. If you are interested in making a corporate donation, or if you work for an employer that offers matching funds for any donation you make, please use this spreadsheet to let us know! Corporate sponsors, many of whom have ties to POPS families, are recognized in concert programs throughout the year. Show your company’s support for the arts and get your name out in front of hundreds of potential customers! For additional information, please contact Carolyn Loh or Laura Hayden, Fundraising Chairs, at piorch_fundraising@gmail.com.

Family and Individual Sponsorships include POPS dues, recognition in the concert programs, as well as a variety of other benefits. Sponsorships can funded here: Family and Individual Sponsorships.

If you are interested in making a corporate donation, or if you work for an employer that offers matching funds for any donation you make, please let us know! Corporate sponsors, many of whom have ties to POPS families, are recognized in concert programs throughout the year. Show your company’s support for the arts and get your name out in front of hundreds of potential customers! For additional information, please contact Carloyn Loh or Laura Hayden, Fundraising Chairs, at piorch_fundraising@gmail.com.

Donations to POPS’ General Fund are always appreciated and keep us functioning from year-to-year. With your help, we can keep POPS financially healthy and able to support our students’ orchestra experience throughout their years at Pioneer High School! If interested, please visit: POPS General Fund.

Support POPS by Shopping (Loyalty Programs)

Help us earn money by participating in the following free grocery rewards programs! For questions, please contact Maria Laberteaux at mlaberteaux@gmail.com.

These are easy one-time setups that send money to POPS whenever you provide your phone number at checkout!

Busch's

Enroll in Busch's Cash for Education program!

• SignIn or SignUp to your MyWay account and select MyWay Account
• Select Cash for Education from the dropdown menu underneath your name.
• You must have a valid email address and opt-in to receive emails to participate. Choose Pioneer Orchestra Parents Society for each quarter of the year. If you pick multiple orgs, the money will be split between them.
• When you shop, just provide your phone number or your Busch’s key tag at the register. Re-enrollment is required at the start of each calendar year (i.e. NOW, and in January).

Kroger

Register online for the Community Rewards program.

• Click the create an Account button if you don’t already have an account.
• In My Account view
• Choose Community Rewards in the left sidebar.
• Search for Pioneer Orchestra Parents’ Society (BW446) and Enroll.

When you shop, provide the phone number linked to your Kroger account or your key tag at the register. It's that easy!

Uniforms

Below are the quick cliff notes regarding distribution of uniforms. We are also looking for some parents to help with uniform distribution. If you can help, please contact Yinghui Liu, Uniform Lead, at liuyinghui@hotmail.com . You may also request to be on this committee via your child’s orchestra enrollment form.

PTO Thrift Shop Information

Concert Uniform Fitting and Distribution Schedule (Subject to Change)
Some students kept their uniforms over the summer, and some students received theirs at the Camp Meeting. For everyone else, uniform distribution will take place during class time.

Times are TBA for now, but likely in the 2nd or 3rd week of September.

2023-2024 Uniform Replacement Fees (only collected for lost/damaged uniforms):
Tuxedo Jacket $65         Tuxedo Pants $30         Tuxedo Shirt $15         Bow Tie $5         Dress $70

Uniform Committee Contact Info:
Yinghui Liu
liuyinghui@hotmail.com