THIS WEEK 9/7
Great work this past week! A huge thank you to everyone who supported the program at our Frantone’s Fundraiser on Thursday! We had a fantastic turnout, and it was great seeing so many students, families, alumni, and friends of the program there throughout the evening. Congratulations again to Alexa Maglalang, whose winning Frantone’s poster earned her a $50 prize and it being displayed in the restaurant!
We also want to thank the students who volunteered at ABCUSD Family Band Night on Wednesday evening at Artesia High School! Our students helped fourth graders try band instruments for the very first time and did an outstanding job representing Gahr and helping introduce the next generation of musicians to band!
ALL POPCORNOPOLIS ORDER FORMS & MONEY ARE DUE TOMORROW, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH! Please make sure you have sold the minimum of eight bags ($80 in sales) and double-check that the amount of money you turn in matches your order form. Make all checks payable to “Gahr Band Boosters.” Popcornopolis orders will take approximately 2-3 weeks to arrive. If you prefer to opt out of the fundraiser, you may click here to submit the $40 opt-out donation instead.
We resume our normal rehearsal schedule this week with rehearsal Tuesday from 5:30-8:45PM, Thursday from 3:30-6:00PM, and Saturday from 8:30AM-5:00PM. On Saturday, we will also be running our annual Clothing Drive Drop-Off in the Childcare Parking Lot from 8:30AM-2:00PM.
ALL STUDENTS: You must come prepared with a working instrument, all necessary equipment, music binder, dot book, athletic clothes and shoes, hat, sunscreen, and a one-gallon water jug. Please continue to hydrate 24 hours in advance of rehearsal. These requirements are non-negotiable for safety reasons. Students who arrive unprepared will be sent home and will lose participation credit.
SATURDAY REHEARSAL 8:30AM-5:00PM
This Saturday’s rehearsal is SUPER IMPORTANT! We will be learning a significant amount of field show music and drill, so we need everyone ready for a productive day. Eat a good breakfast and arrive 15–20 minutes early so we can begin rehearsal on time. We will be serving hamburgers for lunch, so bring $5 for lunch!
PARENTS: WE NEED YOUR HELP THIS SATURDAY! We need volunteers to help with lunch, uniforms, and the Clothing Drive. Please click here to sign up to volunteer.
We have also updated our Booster Wishlist with items we currently need for the season! Every contribution makes a difference and helps support our students. Please click here to check out the Booster Wishlist. Thank you for your support!
MANDATORY POPCORNOPOLIS FUNDRAISER
ALL POPCORNOPOLIS ORDER FORMS & MONEY ARE DUE TOMORROW, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH. Each family is required to sell a minimum of eight (8) bags of Popcornopolis. All profit from bags sold thereafter (50% of the cost) will be credited to students’ accounts.
🎁 BONUS: The student who sells the most Popcornopolis will win a $50 Visa Gift Card!
🍿 Students were sent home with a fundraising brochure and order form.
Sell a minimum of eight (8) bags or $80 in sales.
Write your name clearly on the top of your order form.
Collect money at the time of the order.
Promote to family, friends, coworkers, and social media to maximize sales. You can also text it out to make things easier.
Make all checks payable to “Gahr Band Boosters” (please ensure your name is written in the memo line).
Popcornopolis orders typically take about 2-3 weeks to arrive. Students are responsible for distributing orders to the customers they sold to once the shipment is received.
❌ Prefer to opt-out? You may turn in the $40 profit instead.
CLOTHING DRIVE THIS SATURDAY 9/12
Our Clothing Drive Fundraiser is this Saturday, September 12th! Donations can be dropped off anytime from 8:30AM-2:00PM.
Clean out your closets and help support the Gahr Marching Gladiators! We’ll be collecting gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, household textiles, bedding, towels, and more.
Please place donations in 13-gallon kitchen bags. Students will receive one raffle ticket for every three (3) filled bags donated for a chance to win a $40 Amazon gift card! We’ll also have an additional prize for the student who donates the most bags.
If you are available to help with the Clothing Drive, please click here to sign up.
Thank you for cleaning out those closets and supporting the Gahr Band & Color Guard!
BAND JACKET ORDERS DUE THIS FIRDAY
Get your official Gahr Marching Gladiators Band Jacket! Jackets are $145 and come fully embroidered. We accept checks to “Gahr Band Boosters” or cash. Please complete a separate order form for each jacket you order.
ORDER DEADLINE: THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH
FREE BAND & GUARD PHOTOS!
Mr. Madison for generously offering to take professional photos of our Band & Color Guard students free of charge! He has been doing some incredible “media day” style photography with athletes and has offered to photograph any of our Band & Guard students who are interested during lunch.
Be sure to check out and support his photography on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/1md_photography/
Interested in getting photos taken? Just talk to Mr. Madison and he can set up a day and time for you. We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Madison for donating his time and talent to give our students these awesome photos!
FAN-PLEDGE FUNDRAISER!
We are excited to launch our annual Fan-Pledge Fundraiser to support the Gahr Instrumental Music Program!
This year, we are raising money for additional Marching Band uniforms, as well as new parade costumes and flags for our Color Guard as we prepare to represent Gahr at Walt Disney World this Spring!!
WE NEED 20 CONTACTS FROM EVERY STUDENT!
Every student should submit at least 20 contacts — phone numbers for family members, friends, and other potential supporters who may be willing to donate to our program.
Students who have 20 contacts submitted will be entered into raffles for prizes AND get to be part of an Ice Cream Party after practice on Thursday, September 17!
Fan-Pledge keeps all contact information private and protected. It is never sold or shared. Please DO NOT use classmates, teachers, administrators, or other Gahr students.
Need ideas for contacts? Think about:
Family • Family Friends • Neighbors • Parents’ Friends & Coworkers • Former Teachers • Coaches • Doctors • Dentists • Local Business Owners • Anyone who would be excited to support YOU and the program!
Our goal is to have everyone’s contact list READY TO GO before we officially launch Fan-Pledge at our MANDATORY KICK-OFF EVENT on Friday, September 25!
FAN-PLEDGE KICK-OFF — FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 FROM 3:30-5:00PM
We’re going BIG for our Fan-Pledge Kick-Off! There will be gift cards, raffles, individual prizes, section prizes, including a new pair of Apple AirPods!
🍕 The SECTION that raises the most money will win a PIZZA OR CANE’S PARTY!
👨🍳 The INDIVIDUAL STUDENT who raises the most money will win DINNER COOKED BY MR. LONEY! You pick the meal, and Mr. Loney will cook it from scratch.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Please enter only real contacts of people you actually know. Fake contacts will be deleted, and students who submit fake contacts will not be eligible for raffles or prizes.
PLEASE NOTE: Fan-Pledge is a program-wide fundraiser that benefits all of our students by providing essential equipment, uniforms, and resources. Donations are not tied to individual student accounts. Every dollar raised goes directly toward improving and supporting the Gahr Instrumental Music Program as a whole.
If everyone does their part, we can make sure the Gahr Band & Color Guard look as incredible as they sound when we represent our school at Walt Disney World! 💙💛
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED BAND ITEMS
In addition to the black hoodie and marching band shoes on the order form, all wind and percussion students will need a black sleeveless compression shirt, black compression shorts, and long black athletic socks. You might be able to find these items cheaper at Big 5 Sporting Goods or Walmart.
Winds, Battery, and Front Ensemble students will need these items for FULL UNIFORM at our next Home Football Game on Friday, September 18th.
These are considered mandatory uniform components. It is recommended to have at least two sets of everything so you have clean clothes to wear under your uniform when we have back-to-back performances.
WBA CHAMPIONSHIPS – PARENT HOTEL FILLING UP FAST!
Planning to travel to Fresno for the WBA Championships November 21-22? Our discounted Parent Hotel block is filling up FAST!
This year, the band will travel up early Saturday morning and stay one night, returning home late Sunday evening after WBA Grand Championships.
We have a discounted parent room block at the Homewood Suites Fresno, located right across from where our students will be staying!
November 21-22 | $179 + tax
Complimentary Breakfast & Parking
The official booking deadline is October 22, but rooms are already filling quickly. If you’re planning to go, reserve your room ASAP!!
GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT – SIGN UPS!
We are excited to announce that the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament will take place on Saturday, November 7th, right here at Gahr High School! This year, we are proud to welcome over 30 bands from across Southern California for an incredible day of marching band!
This is the one competition you should NOT be sitting in the stands watching. The Gahr Invitational is our biggest event of the year, and it takes a huge team of volunteers to make it happen. We need ALL HANDS ON DECK!
From concessions and parking to tickets, hospitality, merchandise, and more, there are many ways to help throughout the day. We will have thousands of students, families, and spectators in attendance and cannot do it without your support.
If you haven’t signed up for a shift yet, please click here to sign up to volunteer.
SAVE THE DATE: Our first Gahr Invitational Committee Meeting will be held on next Wednesday, September 16th at the next Booster Meeting in the Band Room. We will have cookies and prizes!! We would love to see everyone there as we begin planning.
Let’s make this the biggest and best Gahr Invitational yet! 💙💛
PROGRAM DONATIONS – MARCHING BAND
The Gahr High School Band & Color Guard program is largely self-funded. Student donations make it possible for us to provide the outstanding educational and performance opportunities that define our program each year.
The 2026 Marching Band Program Donation is $775 per student. This donation directly supports essential program expenses, including instructional staff, music, equipment and instruments, uniforms and costumes, props, production materials, transportation, and more. This year’s donation also includes our trip to the Western Band Association Championships.
Families may submit the donation in full or according to the following payment schedule:
$250 – 1st Donation – Past Due June 1, 2026
$175 – 2nd Donation – Past Due July 20, 2026
$175 – 3rd Donation – Past Due August 21, 2026
$175 – 4th Donation – Due October 2, 2026
➡️ Click here to make a donation online
If your family is able to, we strongly encourage paying the full donation at the start of the season. Early donations help us purchase materials and cover significant upfront expenses such as props, equipment, instruments, registration fees, and other program needs.
Your support helps provide students with exceptional educational experiences while developing discipline, confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership – skills that extend far beyond the marching field.
Please Note: Program expenses are based on each student’s participation in the season, regardless of attendance at rehearsals, camps, or performances. Missing any portion of the season does not reduce the program’s expenses associated with that student.
Thank you for your continued support of the Gahr High School Band & Color Guard!
field show program ads fundraiser!
Advertise in our program for the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament! THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST INDIVIDUAL STUDENT FUNDRAISER OF THE ENTIRE YEAR! Students earn 90% of the profit from all ads sold. Please click here to download the form. The deadline for all advertisements is Friday, October 16, 2026. We cannot accept late ads once the program is sent to the printer.
This is a great way for local businesses to advertise to the community! The Gahr Invitational Field Tournament typically has over 5,000 people in attendance, and we usually sell around 500 programs. This is also a great opportunity to put in a "shout-out" for your son/daughter in the program! Best of all, students still earn 90% of profit!
You can also purchase a program ad directly through our website! Please make sure you email your artwork to Mr. Loney at darren.loney@abcusd.us.
ORLANDO PERFORMANCE TRIP!
We are getting closer to our 2027 Orlando Performance Trip! As we begin preparing for the trip, please keep an eye out for information about scheduled rehearsals, preparation meetings, and other important trip dates. We now have over 100+ students who will be participating!
Some of these rehearsals and meetings will be specifically for students and families participating in the Orlando trip, so please make sure to check the calendar and weekly updates regularly as new dates are added. More information about the trip, performances, schedules, packing, and other important details will be shared as we get closer.
For questions, please contact:
Dee Dee Varney
dvarney15@gmail.com
(562) 413-3068
ATHLETIC CLEARANCE THROUGH HOME CAMPUS
All students participating in the 2026–27 Gahr High School Marching Band & Color Guard are required to complete athletic clearance each year and must have a current athletic physical on file.
Parents should create an account and complete the clearance process through the following website: https://www.homecampus.com/login
After completing a physical exam, families will need to scan or take photos of both pages of the form and upload them to Home Campus as part of the athletic clearance process.
Click here to download the required physical evaluation form.
Students may still complete their athletic physical through Anderson Chiropractic Clinic in Los Alamitos. They are continuing to offer athletic physicals for just $20 cash. Call ahead to schedule an appointment at (562) 594-6538.
ASB CARD & TRANSPORTATION
Please make sure you have paid for your student’s Gahr High School ASB Card ($85) and Transportation Fee ($90). These school fees are paid directly to Gahr High School at the Finance Office during school hours. Students who choose not to purchase an ASB Card will instead be required to pay the $225 Transportation Fee.
📆 IMPORTANT DATES
9/8 Popcornopolis Order & Payment Deadline
9/11 Band Jacket Order Form Deadline
9/12 Saturday Rehearsal 8:30AM-5PM / Clothing Drive
9/16 Monthly Parent Booster & Invitational Meeting @ 6:30PM
9/18 Homecoming Rally / Homecoming Football Game
9/19 Saturday Rehearsal 9AM-1PM / Homecoming Dance
9/25 Mandatory Fan-Pledge Kick-Off 3:45-5:00PM
9/26 CSBC MAX! Preview of Champions Show
10/2 Home Football Game vs. Paramount
10/3 CSBC South Coast Invitational @ Costa Mesa HS
THIS WEEK:
MONDAY 9/7
NO SCHOOL
TUESDAY 9/8
POPCORNOPOLIS ORDERS & MONEY DUE!
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – DO NOT BE LATE!
Behavior Expectations & Study Hall during periods 4/5/6
After School – Homework/Dinner/Change
5:00PM Set up for rehearsal
5:30-8:45PM Marching Band rehearsal
WEDNESDAY 9/9
7:30AM Band Room open
3:30-4:30PM Wind Sectionals
6:30PM Executive Board Meeting
THURSDAY 9/10
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – DO NOT BE LATE!
6th Period – Color Guard, Battery, Front Ensemble rehearsal
3:30-6:00PM Marching Band rehearsal
FRIDAY 9/11
BAND JACKET ORDERS DUE!
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – DO NOT BE LATE!
4th/5th Period – Winds learning drill at practice field
SATURDAY 9/12
7:45AM Band Room open
Eat a good breakfast and arrive early.
8:30AM-5:00PM Saturday Rehearsal
8:30AM-12:00PM Block 1
12:00-1:00PM Lunch – Bring $5 for burgers!
1:00-5:00PM Block 2
5:00PM Clean Up / Dismissal
8:30AM-2:00PM Clothing Drive Drop-Off (Childcare Parking Lot)
NEXT WEEK:
MONDAY 9/14
1ST QUARTER GRADES
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – DO NOT BE LATE!
6th Period – Color Guard, Battery, Front Ensemble rehearsal
3:30-6:00PM Marching Band rehearsal
TUESDAY 9/15
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – DO NOT BE LATE!
Study Hall during periods 4/5/6
After School – Homework/Dinner/Change
5:00PM Set up for rehearsal
5:30-8:45PM Marching Band rehearsal
WEDNESDAY 9/16
7:30AM Band Room open
3:30-4:30PM Wind Sectionals
6:30PM Booster Parent/Invitational Meeting in Band Room
THURSDAY 9/17
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – DO NOT BE LATE!
6th Period – Color Guard, Battery, Front Ensemble rehearsal
3:30-6:00PM Marching Band rehearsal (everyone)
Students with 20+ contacts for Fan Pledge get an ICE CREAM PARTY!
FRIDAY 9/18
BOOSTER MEMBERSHIP DEADLINE!
WEAR YOUR FIELD SHOW T-SHIRT TO SCHOOL. BRING BLACK SLEEVELESS COMPRESSION SHIRT, COMPRESSION SHORTS, LONG BLACK SOCKS, MARCHING SHOES, AND WATER JUG.
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – DO NOT BE LATE!
PERIODS 2/3/4 – Band & Color Guard excused to set up for Homecoming Rally
Homecoming Rally! Wear field show t-shirt & jeans.
5th Period – Clean up
After school – Hydrate and eat dinner (not provided)
HOME FOOTBALL GAME VS. OCEAN VIEW HS (FULL UNIFORM)
5:00PM Call time to change into full uniform
5:45PM Warm up / Run pep tunes in Band Room
6:25PM Walk to stadium
6:45PM Star-Spangled Banner
8:00PM Half-time performance (approximate)
9:30PM Approximate game end time*
9:45PM Walk back to Band Room
10:00PM Change out of uniform and HANG CORRECTLY!
10:30PM Approximate dismissal*
HYDRATE AND GO TO BED!
*Football game end times vary. The Gahr Marching Gladiators stay through the end of the game to support our school and football team. Please check Remind for dismissal and updates. Students should be picked up promptly once dismissed.
SATURDAY 9/19
Eat a good breakfast. Bring hat, water jug, and dot book.
8:15AM Band Room open
9:00AM-1:00PM Rehearsal at stadium
Have fun at the Homecoming Dance!
