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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!

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!

Kroger

Register online for the Community Rewards program.

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

PTO Thrift Shop

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

Executive Team

President Steve Samford
Vice President Sana Shakour
Treasurer Yen Chen
Associate Treasurer Angel Thomas
Associate Treasurer Katie Powell
Secretary Ryan Burns
Secretary Constance Colthorp Amrine
Fundraising Chair Laura Hayden
Fundraising Co-Chair Carolyn Loh
Orchestra Director Jonathan Glawe
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Lead Volunteers

Art Fair Constance Colthorp Amrine
Benefit Performance Constance Colthorp Amrine
Bon Voyage Party Steve Samford
Dine-to-Donate Events
Loyalty Programs/PTSO Thrift Shop Maria Laberteaux
Merchandise Ang Pok
Merchandise James Wagner
Michigan Flower Sale Elisa Galvez
Michigan Stadium Seats Fred Corbett
Michigan Stadium Seats Christine Clark
Midnight Madness/Kindlefest Constance Colthorp Amrine
Midnight Madness/Kindlefest Irene Mokra
Pie Sale Sana Shakour
Pie Sale Sarah Raux
Receptions Amanda Uhle
Senior Memory Book Irene Mokra
Senior Memory Book Constance Colthorp Amrine
Uniforms Yinghui Liu
Alumni Coordinators John Janevic
Alumni Coordinators Vicki Ringold
Alumni Coordinators Damani Partridge
Associate Orchestra Director Reid Smith
Past President Katharine Chang