Frequently Asked Questions

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The Holland Bands are lead by Director Bethany Van Oss, with the assistance of Claire Miller.

The Holland Band Parents Association is made up the parents, guardians, families and the directors of the Holland High School and the Holland Middle School bands. We work together to fundraise for a variety of needs, such as: providing meals during marching band season, helping with equipment and props during marching band and more. We work to encourage our hard working instrumentalist and percussionist and support their dedicated directors. The HBPA is managed by a Board of Directors and committee chairs of current student's parents/guardians.

It is! Our fine arts students are busy. Holland Bands encompasses both the high school and middle school symphony bands. It is the high school symphony band and the percussion ensemble that make up the marching band, though some 8th graders are invited to join. During basketball season, the symphony band brings the fun to the games with Pep Band!  When our students enter high school, they may choose to participate in the Holland High School Jazz Band as well. 

Of course! We love a good parade in Holland! The Holland High School Marching Band starts the school year with the Homecoming Parade in the fall during football season. In late November, the band participates in the Parade of Lights (participation depends on the weather. Our instruments cannot play in freezing temperatures. They could become damaged). 

And they of course participate in one of our country's largest festivals, Tulip Time! The marchers don their wooden shoes and Dutch caps and uphold the longstanding community tradition of performing "Tip Toe Through Tulips" at both parades, complete with choreography. 

Our students end the year with the city of Holland's Memorial Day Parade, honoring our Veterans who sacrificed for our freedom.

This varies. During marching band season 8 to 12 people are needed to get the band on and off the field, help with meals and chaperone competitions. Throughout the year we hold fundraisers and can always use help with them. During the summer and early fall when preparing for marching  band, we may need help building the props. We have many Spanish speaking families in our community and may need a translator for our communications to parents. If you can help with any these, please email us and let us know!

That depends on the question. If it is about the schedule, the director would likely have the best answer, but a member of the HBPA board could likely answer it as well. If it is class or performance related, please email the director. If it is fundraiser or volunteering related, please email the HBPA at hollandbandparents@gmail.com 

Donate. The HBPA and Holland Bands is required to raise much of its own operational funds for transportation, support staff, uniforms, meals, water and snacks for students, and much more. We'd like to be able to help families afford band, as it can be cost prohibitive. Your donation would go a long way to support our students and their families. Participate in our fundraising and share those events with your friends and family. 

Current parent or guardians of Holland High School and Holland Middle School band students! Welcome! The HBPA Board is made up of a group of current parents and the band directors. 

The current board is:

Director Bethany Van Oss

Assistant Director Claire Miller

Past President Kim House

President Angelica Walsh

Vice President Aaron Van Oosterhout

Secretary Netty Manwell

Treasurer Veronica Castaneda

Meal/food chair Heather Bowes

Volunteer Coordinator Angelica Walsh

Fundraising chair Netty Manwell