Spartan Calendar

Boosters

The East Syracuse Minoa Spartan Marching Band and Winter Guard Booster Organization, Inc. or, "Band Boosters" for short is a 501(c)(3) Organization. Our purpose is to create and develop public interest in, and provide support for, the activities of the East Syracuse-Minoa Spartan Marching Band, Winter Guards and Winter Percussion Ensemble. The most important activity the Boosters are involved in is Fund Raising to provide the financial support for the Marching Band, Winter Guards, and Winter Percussion Ensemble. The four functions providing the majority of the operating expenses are the Concession Booth at the Dome for SU games, our fall Band Spartan Spectacular, our Spring Winter Guard Spartan Spectacular and our Spring Percussion Preview of Champions.The Boosters normally meet on the first Thursday of every month at the High School, usually in the Library and parents are encouraged to attend these meetings. Exact dates can be found on our calendar.

President

Christi Buffum

1st Term

Co-Treasurer

Kelly Rich

3rd Term

Co-Treasurer

Cathy Green

1st Term

Secretary

Anne Hogle

1st Term

FAQ

Who can Join Marching Band?

All ESM musicians entering grades 7 through 12 and guard members (who must audition) entering grades 7-12 are eligible for the ESM Spartan Marching Band. Students must be in good academic standing to remain on the marching band and/or winter groups.

When does the Marching Band Practice?

Marching band practices at ESM High school in the evenings beginning in Early July and generally runs two nights a week from 6-9 p.m. Band Camp weeks are in mid-August and are our most intensive sessions where most of the show is taught. Once school begins, the band practices two nights a week and Saturdays prior to competitions in the months of September and October. See the band calendar for dates and times of practices.

When does the Marching Band Perform?

The band performs at three or four home football games in Spartan Stadium on Friday nights. Band competitions are held around the state on Saturdays in September and October, culminating with state championships at the JMA Wireless Dome at the end of October on Sunday. A band trip generally occurs during the regular season and is usually a four day trip with two of those days occuring on a weekend. See the band calendar for dates and times of performances, competitions and the annual band trip.

What does it cost to be in Marching Band?

Marching band members need to cover the cost of some supplies such as shoes, gloves, and instrumental needs as well as the cost of the annual band trip. Most of the money required for marching band is raised through fundraising efforts by the booster club and the marching band members. There are ample opportunities to fund raise including bottle drives, merchandise sales, and working at the JMA Wireless Dome concession stand. Many members and their families raise all the money needed for the annual band trip through fundraising.

Where can I learn more?

The ESM Marching Band Booster Organization has a meeting the first Thursday of each month at the high school (dates may be moved due to other circumstances, keep an eye on this web site for exact dates and times). At these meetings the organization goes over all activities, fundraising efforts, volunteer opportunities and more. The meetings are open to the public, and attendance by marching band parents is encouraged. If you have any questions, comments or even concerns, they can be addressed at the booster meeting or you can contact the band director directly. To have voting rights in the booster club only costs $1 annually.

Fundraising

General Fundraisers

General Account and Transportation Funds are an integral part of financing everything the marching band and winter groups do. From purchasing uniforms, funding trips, purchasing supplies for show props, buying equipment and so much more:

Dome Concessions

The ESM Band Boosters generate funds to support the Marching Band, Winter Guards and Indoor Percussion Ensemble by operating a concession stand at the JMA Wireless Dome for SU Football and Basketball games. Parents, family, friends and students 16 years of age and older are welcome to volunteer - Come join the fun! Help is always needed on game days. As a thank you for helping, $25 per person that works goes into your band member's travel account!

Spaghetti Dinner

Delicious Spaghetti and Meatball dinner from Vito's Ristorante including a roll, salad, and a cookie! Held in January!

Krispy Kreme Donuts

A fan favorite held in February, Krispy Kreme Donuts have been a successful fundraiser for the ESM Marching Arts!

Hanging Basket Fundriaser

Locally Grown Hanging Baskets delivered in early May...perfect for Mother's Day!

Manlius Street Festival Concession Stand

Mid-June where band members and parents sell hot and cold food to patrons.

Bottle and Can Drives

Generally in the Summer and Fall.

East Syracuse Fireworks

Held Each July at East Syracuse Elementary School. We sell lots of food and drink items at our booth.

Annual Golf Tournament

Held Each July at Wanoa Golf Course to benefit the ESM Marching Band, Winter Percussion and Winter Guard.

Fall Mums Sale

Locally grown Mums sold in late August.

Back to School Chicken BBQ

A tasty way to give your support held each September.

Casino Night

Fundraiser for the adults! Held in November.

Poinsettia Sale

Held in November with delivery in time for the Holidays!

Donuts With Santa

Held in December, Santa visits the high school to have pictures taken with kids from all over Central New York! Donuts, crafts and games on hand for the kids to enjoy.

Student Fundraisers

Student Fundraisers allow students to add money to their trip account which allows them to travel with the marching band, winter guard or winter percussion ensemble each year. Participation in these efforts is strongly encouraged.

Pepperoni Sticks

Students sell pepperoni sticks, usually in May but other times throughout the year can occur.

Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough

Students sell cookie dough, usually in July to help pay for their marching band trip.

Chocolate Bars

Students sell chocolate bars, usually in August to help pay for their marching band trip.

Witty Wick's Candles

Students sell beautiful Witty Wick's Candles in October

Register

Registration for all of our groups is done with FamilyId through the ESM School District. Your information is kept in confidence and is secure.

If a button is gray, that means registration is currently closed for that particular group.

Parade Band

Open to grades 6-12

Register

Marching Band

Open to grades 7-12

Register

Winter Percussion

Open to grades 7-12

Register

Little Beatz Percussion Club

Open to grades 4-6

Register

Varsity Winter Guard*

Open to grades 7-12

Register

JV Winter Guard

Open to grades 6-12

Register

Little Spinz Color Guard Club

Open to grades 3-5

Register

*Audition Required Before Registering For Varsity Winter Guard

Flock Scholarship

Gibs Flock
Former Band Director
1989-2018

The "Gibs Flock Character of Excellence" Scholarship is awarded to a graduating ESM senior each year, not based on musical ability, not based on spinning or marching ability, but based on character. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated compassion and acceptance of others and who shows extraordinary potential for making positive influences in their school and community in the future. The intention of the scholarship award is to be a reflection of the character and of selfless giving that Gibs Flock shared with this organization in his 29 years of service as our Band Director.

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Since 2018, $1,000 has been awarded to each of the following deserving students from this scholarship fund:

Class of 2022 - Olivia Nissen

Class of 2021 - America Carhart

Class of 2020 - Katherine Kirkgasser

Class of 2019 - Elijah Buck

Class of 2018 - Sean Anderson

Please consider making a donation to this scholarship fund to help ensure it continues to be awarded to deserving students well into the future. Thank you!

Click to donate!