• FOCB President's Message
• URGENT - Uniform Washing Help Needed
• Starlight Parade Photos & Video

Congratulations to all members of Cleveland High School Band! This school year has highlighted the
dedication and musicianship of our students. A record number of soloists and small groups qualified for
local- and state-level competitions. As well, the Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble placed 4th and 5th ,
respectively, at 6A State festivals.

Over one-half of the Friends of Cleveland Bands’ annual budget went toward competition entry fees and
transportation costs for our student musicians. Only the generous support of our sponsors, parents and
family members, friends, and alumni made this possible. While the Portland Public School District has
begun to contribute more to the Band’s operating costs, there is no way Cleveland would be able to
compete at a high level without the incredible community support. Volunteer input is a vital piece to the
success of Cleveland High School!

Friends of Cleveland Bands (FOCB) was started some years ago to offer financial backing to our students
as Mr. Gary Riler began to rebuild the program. We have strived to level the opportunity for all students
to participate in the band experience, regardless of their means. If you and your child need help, we
offer assistance. Go to the website, clevelandbandspdx.com, click on the upper tab “Docs & Forms.”
You will find the FOCB Financial Assistance Form to complete and confidentially request aid of up to
$500.00 per student per academic year.

Please continue to volunteer, support, and inspire our students. Check the website for calendar updates.
The Band’s 2023-2024 school year starts August 12th , with our car wash fundraiser. Consider
volunteering a few hours at this event. I’ve found that today’s students are not so much into washing
cars!

Finally, it has been my privilege to serve as FOCB President these past few years. Strong students and
parents, strong participation make this work. I will leave our seniors with this message from the late Kurt
Vonnegut: “PRACTICE ANY ART, MUSIC, SINGING, DANCING, ACTING, DRAWING, PAINTING,
SCULPTING, POETRY, FICTION, ESSAYS, REPORTAGE, NO MATTER HOW WELL OR BADLY, NOT TO GET
MONEY AND FAME, BUT TO EXPERIENCE BECOMING, TO FIND OUT WHAT’S INSIDE YOU, TO MAKE
YOUR SOUL GROW.”

Karen Stark

We have 150 uniforms to be washed before the end of the school year. Can you help? We are looking for 15 parents to take 10 uniforms each for machine washing. (Washing instructions and tips will be provided).
 

Mr. Riler will have them available for pick up June 6–10 during the school day and they need to be returned to the band room by June 14 @ 3:00 pm. If you can help, please inform Kristi Oliver at volunteer.coordinator@clevelandbandspdx.com and stop by the school any time during the school day June 6–10 to pick up 10 uniforms.  Questions?  Email volunteer.coordinator@clevelandbandspdx.com.

Did you take some great pictures or videos at the parade? Want to see pictures other parents and students took? Please visit Photo Share to add your pictures/video and view what others have shared.