Getting Started (all Band and Guard Parents)
- Sign up for the Band Newsletter here! This is the best way to be kept up to date on upcoming activities.
- Check the Band Calendar for upcoming events
- Get the password for the protected website pages from your student (or another Band parent)
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions below
- Browse the website! Get familiar with our events and see how you can help out
- The first event each year is Band Camp, check it out HERE
Band Fees
Participation in AAHS Band/Color Guard or Winter Guard requires each student to financially support our activities through a fee. Band fees pay for various costs of running our program including: transportation costs, meals, uniforms, instrument repair, show design, props, rehearsal lights, choreography, technology, sound electronics, music arranging and copyrights, competition fees, etc.
The fee varies each year and is determined at the beginning of the school year. The band fee will be available to pay on individual student accounts starting in early September through Infinite Campus.
To pay band fees online, log in to Infinite Campus (Parent Portal) HERE and use the Fees tab on the left side of the page. Band fees may also be paid by check in the AAHS bookkeeping office. You can also make multiple payments throughout the year towards band fees.
Find out about the RaiseRight program for raising funds to help with your band fees. Check it out HERE.
The AAHS fee website is HERE.
For specific fee questions, contact Charlene Jones (AAHS bookkeeper) at 719-234-2406 or 719-234-2468.
FAQs
How can I be kept up to date on schedules and other band information?
Sign up for the weekly newsletter HERE!
The calendar of band activities can be found HERE.
I signed up for the newsletter but I’m not receiving it…
Check your Junk or Spam folder. If you are using Gmail, check your Promotions tab (or folder).
If you are a returning parent your name may have been removed from the distribution and you may have to sign up again (sorry)!
How do I get on base to access Air Academy High School?
All parents of AAHS students will need to get a DBIDs (Defense Biometric Identification System) card to gain access to the Air Force Academy. You will need to go to the Pass and Registration Office (located on the right side of the road, just before you get to the South gate entrance on N. Academy Blvd). It is the glass building with a large flagpole in the front.
Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. They are closed all federal holidays. They will run a quick background check and take your picture. Note: This process could take upwards of 30 minutes to complete.
You will need the following documents:
· Car registration
· Driver's license
· Proof of car insurance
Your DBIDS card allows you entry onto the base; it also allows you to bring your student and their siblings onto the base. Your DBIDS does not allow you to bring guests to the Air Force Academy. You may enter the Air Force Academy through either North or South gate with a DBIDS card.
Dates and times can change on short notice, for more information, please see:
Getting on Base page HERE on USAFA website or
AFA Base Access page on the AAHS website HERE
How do I contact the Band Directors?
General information about the band can be answered by experienced band parents, or please contact Kadet Krew HERE.
Band Director information:
- Director: Mr. Kyler Allenson, email: kyler.allenson@asd20.org
- Assistant Director: Mrs. Vanessa Cheverez Lyttle email: vanessa.lyttle@asd20.org
- Air Academy Band Room: 719-234-2532
- Air Academy High School: 719-234-2400
- You may also sign in to your student's D20 Schoology and contact the Directors
Note: We DO NOT encourage or condone adults contacting students or seeking student contact information. Please email the band directors to facilitate communications with students.
How do I pay for my Band Fees?
AAHS band fees are payable starting in early September. To pay band fees online, log in to Infinite Campus (Parent Portal) HERE and use the Fees tab on the left side of the page.
Band fees may also be paid by check in the AAHS bookkeeping office. You can also make multiple payments towards band fees.
For specific fee questions, contact Charlene Jones (AAHS bookkeeper) at 719-234-2406 or 719-234-2468.
The AAHS fee website is HERE.
Find out about the RaiseRight program for raising funds to help with your band fees. Check it out HERE.
How do I get access to the protected pages on the website?
A password has been established to protect information that should only be shared with current band/guard students and parents/guardians of current students.
To get the password:
- Ask your student for it (students can ask section leaders or the Directors)
- Ask another band parent
- Contact Kadet Krew via email
Does AAHS Band have any social media accounts?
How do I care for my band uniform?
It’s the responsibility of all AAHS Band Students to make sure their uniforms are in good condition and are inspection-worthy for all performances. Yes, this affects our scoring!
NOTE: Washing a uniform too frequently may cause it to fade or wear differently, so gentle spot cleaning with a damp cloth should be attempted first. Uniforms should only be washed if they become severely soiled or have a noticeable stain (e.g., blood).
BEFORE WASHING INSTRUCTIONS
- REMOVE Front Silver Sash (that snaps on) from jacket return to bag for safe keeping (DO NOT WASH)
- Clean with a damp washcloth if needed
- LEAVE skirt attached as not to expose snaps, exposed snaps can damage the uniform
- Fold the Jacket inside out and ZIP CLOSED. This protects the buttons from being damaged
- Turn Bibs INSIDE OUT and SNAP/ZIP CLOSED and CHECK THE POCKET for candy/gum
- Stains on the uniforms should be treated PRIOR TO WASHING with products like Shout, Zout or Oxiclean
- Check the garment after washing to make sure the stain was removed.
- Check the inside collar before and after washing, especially on the girls uniforms (pretreat for makeup).
- Use a “clear and free” laundry detergent and confirm that it DOES NOT have a chlorine base
- DO NOT USE BLEACH OR USE FABRIC SOFTENER
WASHING INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash Bibs and Jackets in SEPERATE loads
- Wash the shirts with the bibs
- Wash Gauntlets in SEPERATE load (nothing of color in this load)
- Velcro matching gauntlets together prior to washing – it will make it easier when you are putting them back
- If washing doesn’t remove all dirt from gauntlets, soak in Oxiclean for 10 minutes and rewash, soft bristle brush works well for stubborn stains on cuffs
- Uniforms should be washed in COLD WATER on a GENTLE / DELICATE CYCLE only
- DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENERS, they interfere with the performance wear characteristics and coat the fabric blocking the fabric’s finish interfering with the anti-stain, wicking and breathability of the garment
- DO NOT OVERFILL the machine. HALF OF A LOAD is the maximum recommended
- REMOVE UNIFORMS IMMEDIATELY upon cycle completion
- Do not leave the uniforms wet in the machines for an extended period
DRYING INSTRUCTIONS
- SHAKE UNIFORM & HANG TO AIR DRY, heat in the dryer will break down the weave of the fabric and void the warranty!
- DO NOT IRON!
AFTER INSTRUCTIONS
- Turn bib RIGHT SIDE OUT and FOLD IN HALF over hanger, turn Shirt and Jacket RIGHT SIDE out and hang over pants, reattach sash
- Put Gauntlets in back zipper pocket (in plastic bag if it is available)
