09/19/2026
Dear McLean Band Alumni Students and Parents:
First and foremost – I hope you all are doing well and are finding your way in this world whether it be in college, career, or otherwise. I think of alumni often when situations happen at school now with our current students that trigger memories of you all. Each one of you had an impact on me as a teacher and the history of our band program. I’m especially thankful every time I get an email update from you, a message on Facebook, or a surprise visit at school. I feel like I’ve gotten to see a bunch of you recently as you’ve stopped by marching band, football game, or a Wednesday night rehearsal.
If you are in town around a usual concert time, check the band calendar at www.mcleanband.org or shoot me an email and I can send you all the dates. I’d love to see you all at a performance.
My family is doing well. Savannah is 16 – 11th grade, French horn in the top band at Madison HS, and also in Winter Guard. She just started driving on her own and is starting to think about colleges. I’ve been through all of that stuff with you guys for many years, but it’s very different now seeing it as a parent! Jackson is 13 – 8th grade, star soccer player, and trumpet. And Brooklyn is now 5 and just started kindergarten a few weeks ago. Time flies. One day you will all see this for yourselves. Try to savor the good moments whenever possible.
As a proud member of the McLean High School Band family, you know firsthand how transformative the program can be. From unforgettable halftime shows to life-changing friendships and trips, the band has always been about more than just music—it’s about building a community.
Today’s Highlander Band continues that tradition of excellence, but like in your time, the program depends on the generosity of supporters like you. Our annual Tag Day fundraiser provides critical funding for new instruments, uniforms, instructors, and opportunities not covered by the County budget.
Here’s how you can help keep the tradition strong:
• Make a tax-deductible donation online using this link or visiting www.mcleanband.org.
• Send a check payable to MHS Band Parents Association to:
McLean Highlander Band
1633 Davidson Road
McLean, VA 22101
If each of you donate even just $5, we would make about $15k just from alumni! That would help us with some immediate needs – replacing some mellophones, bass clarinets, percussion equipment, sound equipment, and sousaphones. Every gift, large or small, directly impacts today’s students and ensures that the McLean Band experience you remember continues for generations to come.
Thank you all for your support and for everything you have done for us over the years. I do remember my time with you all fondly. Please keep in touch.
Chris Weise
Tag Day 2026
