Without volunteers, the program doesn't run. Here's how every type of family can help — chaperone trips, work concessions, build props, or run the Classic. Every shift counts.
Without our amazing volunteers, the ELHS Band Program would not be a success. The program runs on parent labor — concessions on Friday nights, chaperones at competitions, bake sales at the Classic, prop builds in someone's garage. Every hour you give returns to the students.
ELHS Band offers many ways for parents and other family members to be involved. You don't need a music background. You don't need a Level 2 PCS clearance for most roles. You just need willingness.
The Classic is the largest single-day fundraiser of our year — an FMBC regional marching band competition we host on our own campus. This event is a major reason fair share fees stay reasonable and the program stays strong.
We've hosted 12+ bands and have the reputation of running a friendly, well-organized show. We're also known as "the show with the bake sale" — so don't be afraid to break out the oven mitts.
Day-of volunteer roles:
Pre-event planning roles (start ~2 months out):
To volunteer with the band, complete the Pinellas County Schools Volunteer Registration Form. Information is on the PCS volunteer webpage. Many band volunteer opportunities don't require Level 2; chaperone roles do.
Level 2 offers additional security clearance for our students and is required for any PCS chaperone role. For details on the Level 2 process, review the PCS Level 2 volunteer page.
If you need help registering, contact ELHS Volunteer Coordinator Natasha Gallaty at gallatyn@pcsb.org or 727.942.5419.
All volunteers must reactivate their PCS Portal volunteer account each year. Log in to your existing account using your v.account credentials:
v.lastname + first initial — all lowercase. Example: v.smithaSmith1973PCS requests that all volunteers track their hours through the PCS Portal volunteer account. The Volunteer Hours Log doesn't need to be completed after every event — input daily, weekly, or monthly. The total counts toward school recognition and helps PCS see the scale of family support.
One shift. One Friday night. One Classic Saturday. That's how a 200+ member band program stays on the field.