WEMEA is a 501©(3) non-profit organization primarily supported by Santa Fe Band parents.  Funds raised by the organization go to directly support the band’s activities.  Our primary objective is to provide our students with the best possible band experience

General Meetings are usually held the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the SFHS Band Room.   They generally last 1 – 1½ hours.  Plan to attend; a lot of information is given out at these meetings.

The Activity Fee covers a variety of cost associated with producing a superior band experience for our students.  The Activity Fee is collected by WEMEA to cover cost  of new marching shoes, polo shirts for incoming freshman and new students, various Color Guard accessories, meals and refreshments served at marching competition, transportation to contest, Annual band banquet, training camps for Drumline, Drum Majors and Color Guard and Band Camp lunches  Most items required for certain performances and activities are covered by this fee.

WEMEA request parents to contribute an annual assessment of $230 ($150 for each addition student band member per family).  The fee can be paid in 2 installments.  The first payment is due at the end of Band Camp in August, and paid in full by October 15^th (before OBA).   If you pay100% of your activity fee at the end of band camp, you will get a merchandise voucher good for $30.  You can use a credit card via paypal.

Basic uniforms (purchased from bond funds) are loaned to band members.  Additional items covered by the activity fee include new marching shoes, gloves, & polo shirts for incoming freshman.  Students have to individually pay for audition fees for student contest like CODA, trip fees, social events (The Wilds, Christmas party, movie night, and end of year banquet).  Parents have to pay for admission fees to marching contest. 

In-state contests include a local invitational, as well as the Oklahoma Bandmaster Association (OBA) State Competition in October, which are held in various intra-state locations.  Contests are required for SFHS Band members.  Parents may attend and ticket information is available at WEMEA General Meetings

Optional music rehearsals will begin in June, usually 2-3 hours, 4 days in June.  The Band marches annually at the Edmond July 4^th Parade, including incoming freshman.   

Band camp begins the first full week in August.   This is a very demanding week of instruction, especially for freshman.  This is the start of marching season and a pivotal point for band members to meet and bond with each other. 

Marching rehearsals continue daily once school begins and continue through November, taking approximately 10-15 hours per week.  Many times specific sections (i.e. percussion, low brass, woodwind, etc.) will rehearse additional hours during the week.  Color Guard rehearses approximately 10-15 hours per week.

A home football game includes a rehearsal, Pre-Game preparations, and the actual game.  Students are typically involved with a home game from 5:30 pm until 10:30 pm.

An away football game includes travel, the game, and travel back to SFHS.  Students are typically involved in an away game from 4:30 pm until 11:30 pm.  The band does not participate in all away games.  See band schedule and website for more details throughout the year.

Band Contests occur on Saturdays in October and the last weekend of September.  Band contests are typically all day events.  Detailed itineraries are available at band parent meetings, distributed to the students and via www.sfhsband.net     

WEMEA raises funds through band parent volunteers working the concession stands at home football games.  You can volunteer through the Ways and Means VP.

Yes, you are ENCOURAGED to watch, but please do not distract the kids.  They are practicing and this is a very important time for the directors.  Also, please keep the noise down; they are trying to give instruction.  During Band Camp, you are welcome to watch from outside the camp area.    Thursday evenings (after the season has started) in the stadium are a great time to come watch the kids.  You will be able to locate your kid on the field and see what all they have accomplished.

Come to all the football games and band contests, volunteer to help setup, feed and clean up at all events, meet other parents and enjoy the band.  You can purchase shirts, hats, sweatshirts and jackets from our merchandise table.  The net profits go directly to WEMEA.

Yes, you can keep track of the SFHS band and WEMEA activities at www.sfhsband.net .  You also need to sign up at the yahoo group by sending an e-mail message to WEMEA-subcribe@yahoogroups.com .  WEMEA uses this function to e-mail messages throughout the school season. 

All incoming freshman are paired up with one or more upper classman to help them assimilate into band life and high school.  This has been a very successful program for all incoming freshman.  We encourage you to get to know your students band buddy and reach out to get to know their parents.  

At every band contest, WEMEA prepares and organizes 1 to 2 complete meals, snacks and drinks for the band members.  The band student’s costs are covered by the Activity Fee.  The parents and siblings are welcome to eat at each meal for a nominal fee paid at the contest.  This group also plans and serves lunch to students every day of band camp in August.

It is a great time to meet other parents.  It is like a big tailgate party.  Bring a lawn chair and dress properly for the weather.  There will be televisions (sometimes we have satellite access) to watch football.   There is a lot of down time between marching performances, but everyone has ways to fill the time.  We have to set up the tents and serve snacks, lunch and dinner to the kids.  The marching final under the lights is a great time.

You need to sign up at the yahoo group by sending an e-mail message to WEMEA-subcribe@yahoogroups.com .  WEMEA uses this function to e-mail messages throughout the school season. 

Many of the band students participate in multiple activities.  These students are the best of the best.  Many have participated in football, basketball, Honor Society, Cheer and Pom along with their marching band activity.  All the band directors and teachers work together to allow students to experience many disciplines. 

This is at the band director’s discretion.  The student will have to tryout for the band if they do not participate as a freshman.