END-OF-YEAR RECAP!
We wrapped up a busy and fulfilling week with our New Student/Parent Information Meeting, our End-of-Year Awards Banquet, an incredible Jazz Concert featuring Ross MS, Jazz II, and Jazz I, plus Color Guard and Drumline Workshops! Thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout the year – and a huge congratulations to our graduating seniors!!
We’re thrilled to announce our 2025–26 Student Leadership Team and officially unveil our 2025 field show production, “And Sew It Goes.” 🪡🧵🧶 Scroll down for a full banquet recap and celebration highlights!
To Our Amazing Band and Color Guard,
If you’re feeling tired – you’re not alone! That end-of-year feeling isn’t just exhaustion… it’s the mark of a group that dreamed big, pushed limits, and made history. This past year was the most ambitious and most successful year in the history of the Gahr Instrumental Music Program. Together, we:
Took on our most challenging and artistic marching production ever, with the largest freshman class we’ve ever had – and traveled to WBA Championships, earning a Silver Medal in 4A Finals!
Hosted our biggest and most successful Gahr Invitational yet — again!
During Winter “Break” – we proudly represented our school in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade – performing at multiple community parades, Disneyland, BandFest, and more. This was a monumental achievement and an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life!
Gave powerful performances at the Holiday Concert, the Festival of Winds at CSU Fullerton, the ABC District Band Festival, SCSBOA Festival at Kennedy and Rosemead HS
Wind Ensemble performed “An American Songkran” with composer Kevin Charoensri in the room – a moment we’ll never forget.
Pulled off an incredible 8 1/2 minute medley from “Wicked” with video and packed the gym for our biggest Area Concert yet.
Indoor Percussion reached new levels performing in Scholastic World, and the Winter Guard made history with their most successful season ever, winning a gold medal in Scholastic Open at WGASC Championships!
Our Jazz Program grew stronger than ever before – with Jazz I and Jazz II performing at our first fall concert, the Holiday Concert, several jazz festivals, and finished the semester with an incredible joint concert alongside Ross Middle School.
Yes – it was non-stop. And yes – it was exhausting.
But you did it. You showed up. You grew. You made something incredible together.
Now, take time this summer to rest, reflect, and recharge. Celebrate the friendships, the growth, and the unforgettable memories you’ve made.
Because next season, we begin again – with our 2025 field show production: “And Sew It Goes.” 🪡🧵
And we can’t wait to create something even more powerful – together.
With pride and gratitude,
Mr. Loney
NEW STUDENT/PARENT MEETING RECAP
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for last week’s New Student/Parent Information Meeting! We’re incredibly thankful for the amazing turnout and excited to kick off the year with such positive energy. We truly appreciate your support and hope you’ll consider volunteering throughout the season – it takes a village, and we’d love to have you be a part of it. Please click below for the slide deck that was presented at the meeting:
GREAT JOB AT DRUMLINE & GUARD WORKSHOPS!
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Drumline and Color Guard Workshops! We are off to an amazing start for the season! A huge thank you to our instructors, as well as to our current seniors who helped out. If you have any friends who missed it and are interested in joining, their last chance is next Monday, June 2nd at our Mini Band Camp!
OUTSTANDING JAZZ CONCERT!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for An Evening of Jazz this past Wednesday! It was a fantastic night of live music in the Gahr High School MPR, featuring outstanding performances by Ross Middle School, Gahr Jazz II, and Gahr Jazz I. We would also like to give a special shoutout to our first-ever jazz combo. We were honored to have had ABCUSD School Board Member, Jeanie McHatton, in attendance — thank you for your support.
Thank you to Mr. Lopez for bringing Ross Middle School, and to alumnus Gabriel Dominguez for sitting in on trumpet with both Jazz I and Jazz II. Additional thanks to our incredible jazz coaches, Nic Chaffee and Chris Stevens, and to the amazing parent volunteers who ran concessions at the concert!!
This is the strongest jazz program Gahr has ever had, and we’re excited to keep building the momentum into next year! Way to go!!
BAND FINAL ASSIGNMENT – MAJOR SCALES
ALL 9TH/10TH/11TH GRADE WOODWINDS & BRASS
Due: WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2025 by 11:59 PM
For your band final, you will be recording a video playing six major scales at ♩= 80 at submitting here on Slack.
Please use the Fussell scale sheet, and each scale should be one octave, up to the 9th and back down, and include the arpeggio at the end. You do not need to do the written repeats. Scales to be recorded (Concert Pitch):
Concert C Major (Fussell scale #3)
Concert F Major (Fussell scale #2)
Concert Bb Major (Fussell scale #1)
Concert Eb Major (Fussell scale #12)
Concert Ab Major (Fussell scale #11)
Concert Db Major (Fussell scale #10)
Grading Criteria:
Characteristic tone quality and accurate intonation
Steady rhythm (even 8th notes)
Correct notes and fingerings
Proper articulation – all full length legato (smooth, connected, DAH – no tongue stops)
Submission Instructions:
Submit six short videos (one per scale). No starting and stopping.
Make sure your embouchure, hand position, fingers/slide are clearly visible in the video so you can receive helpful feedback.
THE METRONOME MUST BE AUDIBLE IN THE VIDEO TO RECEIVE CREDIT.
Submit your video(s) by sending a direct message (DM) to Mr. Loney on Slack, with all six videos in one message, all at once (do not turn in one at a time).
BONUS POINTS: Submit one continuous video playing all six scales back-to-back!
This is your chance to show how much you’ve grown as a musician this year! These scales are not just for a grade – they’re the building blocks that will directly apply to the music we’ll be playing next season. We’ll also be using this final to help assess placement for Wind Ensemble. Practice smart, play with confidence, and good skill!
MINI BAND CAMP STARTS NEXT WEEK – LET’S START STRONG!
Let’s GO!! Band & Color Guard Mini-Camp is next Monday–Thursday, June 2nd–5th from 1:00–9:00PM each day — and you do not want to miss it! Wear athletic clothes/shoes and a hat, and bring a 1-gallon water jug, instrument, equipment, as well as $5 for dinner each day.
This camp is mandatory for all new and returning members and is the official kickoff to our 2025 season. You’ll learn everything you need to succeed: warm-ups, marching technique, music, drill, choreography, and get a head start on our 2025 production, “And Sew It Goes”. And we’ll end the week with an ICE CREAM SOCIAL!
Know someone who might be interested? Invite them! No experience is required – just a great attitude and a willingness to learn. We will be able to teach them everything they need to know.
PARENTS: We need help making and serving dinner each day of the Mini Band Camp. Please click here to volunteer on Sign Up Genius. Thank you!!
We’re gearing up for an amazing year, and this is where it all begins. If you have any questions, email darren.loney@abcusd.us. Visit www.gahrband.org or follow @gahrband on Instagram for updates and info.
2025 PROGRAM DONATIONS – MARCHING BAND
The student contribution for the 2025 Gahr High School Marching Band is $675. This donation helps cover essential program expenses, including instructional staff, equipment and instruments, music, production costs, costumes, and food throughout the season.
Your support ensures our students receive the high-level, specialized instruction that motivates them to grow – both as performers and as individuals. These skills translate beyond the field and into the classroom, promoting discipline, confidence, and teamwork.
Donations can be paid in full or broken into the following payment schedule:
$175 – 1st Donation – Due June 2, 2025
$175 – 2nd Donation – Due July 21, 2025
$175 – 3rd Donation – Due August 29, 2025
$150 – 4th Donation – Due September 26, 2025
Click here to make your donation online.
If you would like to get a head start on fundraising, click here to download the 2025 sponsorship letter.
Thank you for supporting our incredible students and making another unforgettable season possible!
LEADERSHIP SUCCESS LIVE WITH SCOTT LANG – ONTARIO REGIONAL WORKSHOP
Leadership Success Live with Scott Lang is this Saturday, May 31st from 12:30-3:30PM at Colony High School. This is for our 2025-26 Student Leaders, but we’re also opening this opportunity to next year’s juniors and seniors. Students are encouraged to carpool and should plan to arrive at Colony High School by/before 12:30PM. This workshop will be high-energy and fast-paced, so come ready to engage and learn! As Scott Lang says, “Attitude and energy make all the difference” – so bring your best self, and don’t forget something to write with and write on. This is a powerful opportunity to grow as a leader and connect with students from across the region!
END-OF-YEAR AWARDS BANQUET RECAP!
Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for our End-of-Year Awards Banquet! It was a truly special evening as we celebrated the accomplishments of our amazing students and reflected on an unforgettable year. We are especially grateful to Jerry Islas for capturing so many beautiful memories throughout the year and creating the incredible video slideshows that brought those moments to life.
A HUGE THANK YOU to Dee Dee Varney and her incredible team of parents and alumni who planned and executed such a beautiful event! From the decorations and centerpieces to check-in, food, set-up, clean-up, and more – your support made the night possible and means the world to us and the program, and we appreciate you for giving back in such a big way.
We would also like to recognize and thank our 2024–25 Booster Board, Reps, and Chairs — led by Presidents Ida Barcelos and Tania Costa; Vice Presidents Renay Lim and Vickie Gonzales; Secretary Caryle Buenaventura; Treasurer Charlynn Rachell; and Bookkeeper Dee Dee Varney – for their tireless dedication and hard work throughout the year. To our incredible team of instructors: thank you for pushing, guiding, and inspiring our students to reach their full potential. Congratulations to our new 2025–26 Student Leadership Team, our incoming Booster Board, Reps, and Chairs, the senior Class of 2025, and every single student in the program for an amazing year. We can’t wait to get started on what’s next and look forward to seeing you at Mini Band Camp, June 2nd–5th!
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AWARDS
John Philip Sousa Band Award – William Wu
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award – Vincent McIntosh
Director’s Award for Band – Zion Dodoo and Joshua Miguel Elijah Villanueva
National School Marching Award – Cody Pham
Golden Silk Color Guard Award – Kazandra Torres
STUDENT-VOTED AWARDS
CONCERT BAND
Most Improved – Aris Ortega
Best Attitude – Ethan Rodriguez
Most Outstanding Woodwind – Alexander Delgadillo
Most Outstanding Brass – Ethan Rodriguez
Most Dedicated – Joshua Miguel Elijah Villanueva
WIND ENSEMBLE
Most Improved – Geovani Loaiza
Best Attitude – Zoë Holmes and Christian Armas
Most Outstanding Woodwind – William Wu
Most Outstanding Brass – Jonathan Garcia
Most Dedicated – William Wu
JAZZ I
Most Improved – Alexander Delgadillo
Best Attitude – Zion Dodoo
Most Outstanding Musician – Ethan Eugene Buenaventura
Most Outstanding Improvisation – Vincent McIntosh
Most Dedicated – Jonathan Barcelos
JAZZ II
Most Improved – Aris Ortega
Best Attitude – Presley Cruz
Most Outstanding Musician – Briana Gonzales
Most Outstanding Improvisation – Briana Gonzales
Most Dedicated – Aris Ortega
WINTER GUARD
Most Improved – Steven Rodriguez
Best Attitude – Carmen Alcaraz
Most Outstanding Weapon – Lucas Mendoza
Most Outstanding Flag – Fatima Villamil
Most Outstanding Dance – Darin Dial
Most Dedicated – Kazandra Torres
INDOOR PERCUSSION
Most Improved – James Rau, Aida Keita, and Joseph Bertrand
Best Attitude – James Rau and Joshua Miguel Elijah Villanueva
Most Outstanding Battery – Aiden Islas
Most Outstanding Front Ensemble – Victoria Abenoja
Most Outstanding Visual – Kendall Da Silva
Most Dedicated – Jonathan Barcelos and Aiden Islas
2025-26 STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM
Drum Major – Maya Martinez
Color Guard Captains – Carmen Alcaraz and Lucas Mendoza
Battery Captain – Jonathan Barcelos
Assistant Battery Captain – Nehemiah Wood
Front Ensemble Captain – Vinny Malone
Assistant Front Ensemble Captain – Delilah Aquino
Field Captains – Rayne Calalo and Aida Keita
Field Assistants – Noah Ojeda and Mares Lopez
2025-26 EXECUTIVE BOOSTER BOARD
Presidents: Ida Barcelos and Vickie Gonzales
Vice President: Renay Lim
Secretary: Tali Smith
Treasurer: Tania Costa
Bookkeeper: Dee Dee Varney
2025-26 CHAIRS & REPRESENTATIVES
Food Coordinator: Tania Costa
Transportation/Equipment: Larry Barcelos and Rod Maralit
Prop Manager: William Gonzales
Uniform Managers: Renay Lim and Angie Cruz
Drumline Representatives: Charlynn Rachell and Charlotte Lee-Rau
Color Guard Representative: Lawanda Thomas
Gahr Invitational Chair: Julie Castro
Gahr Gear: Cassandra Ellis and Sarah Szabatura
Paparazzi: Oneida Santana
🎺 DCI LIVE AT THE ROSE BOWL! 🎶
We’re putting together a group to experience Drum Corps LIVE on Saturday, July 12th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena – and you’re invited! If you enjoy watching marching bands, this will blow you away. The lineup is absolutely stacked with top World Class corps, including Blue Knights, Pacific Crest, Mandarins, Santa Clara Vanguard, Blue Devils, and new this year – the Boston Crusaders!!
We typically have a group of around 100 students, parents, family, friends, and alumni – and it’s one of the most fun events of the summer! Group tickets are just $25/person.
ATHLETIC CLEARANCE DUE JULY 21
All students participating in the 2025–2026 Gahr High School Marching Band and Color Guard must complete their athletic clearance through FamilyID by Monday, July 21st.
Print the 2025–2026 Athletic Physical Clearance form and bring it with you to your physical appointment. For your convenience, we will be offering on-campus athletic physicals on Wednesday, July 16th from 10:00AM-1:00PM in the Band Room for just $20 cash.
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/2025-2026-athletic-registration-28
In addition to uploading the physical form, students will also need to purchase an ASB card and pay $75 for transportation.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
5/31 Leadership Success Live at Colony HS from 12:30-3:30PM
6/2 Donation #1 of $175 due
6/2-5 Mini Band Camp – 1PM-9PM each day
6/11 Percussion and Color Guard Rehearsal 5-9PM
6/12 Color Guard Rehearsal 5-9PM
6/18 Percussion Rehearsal 1PM-9PM
6/25 Percussion Rehearsal 1PM-9PM
7/2 Percussion Rehearsal 1PM-9PM
7/8-9 Color Guard Rehearsal 5-9PM
7/12 DCI at the Rose Bowl!
7/16 Athletic Physical 10AM-1PM and Percussion Rehearsal 1PM-9PM
7/21 Donation #2 of $175 due
7/21-8/6 Band Camp – 1PM-9PM each day (Battery 9AM-4:30PM)
7/22 Mandatory Parent Meeting at 7:30PM
7/25 Family Beach Bonfire at Bolsa Chica State Beach 6-9PM
8/2 “Gahr” Wash 9AM-2PM
8/6 Band Camp Sneak Preview