UPDATE – WEEK 10
Congratulations to the Gahr Marching Gladiators on an outstanding performance at the Ayala Music in Motion Field Tournament, earning 1st place in Class 4A and sweeping every caption award, including High Music, High Visual, High General Effect, High Auxiliary, and High Percussion! This was an amazing way to kick off our competitive season, and we are proud of the hard work, energy, and commitment from our students. We would like to extend a huge thank you to our amazing booster parents for your nonstop support with equipment, props, food, uniforms, and so much more! Let’s continue building on this momentum as we push forward learning the last movement of our production.
We have a very important week ahead. Today, Monday, October 13th, we have rehearsal from 8:30AM-5:00PM to learn Movement 4 of the field show. This Friday, October 17th, we have a Homecoming parade, pep rally, and football game. We will need parent help at the game with concessions, merch sales, equipment, and props. Remember to bring your black, sleeveless compression shirt, black compression shorts, long black socks, and black marching shoes. Make sure you bring your instrument lyre and your flip folder is organized with all of the pep tunes.
This Saturday, October 18, we have our last Saturday practice from 9:00AM-4:00PM to finish learning Mvt. 4. We will be ending a little early on Saturday to allow students attending the Homecoming Dance time to get ready. Make sure you’re staying on top of your homework, continue hydrating, wash your hands, and stay healthy.
We are asking families to please support the program by donating items on the Booster Wishlist. These donations allow us to keep lunch at $5 for students and provide meals on competition days. Thank you for your support!
At this point in the season, all students should be caught up with any outstanding program donations. We are still working to cover final prop construction, equipment needs, and production expenses. Please pay with cash, a check made payable to “Gahr Band Boosters,” or click here to make a payment online with a credit card. All students must be caught up with donations to participate in the WBA Championships trip.
HOMECOMING PARADE, PEP RALLY, AND GAME – THIS FRIDAY!
This Friday, October 17th, is our Homecoming parade, pep rally, and game! All students must wear their field show shirt to school and bring everything needed for full uniform/costume.
All band and color guard students will be excused from periods 2-4 to set up and prepare for the Homecoming parade and pep rally performance. For the pep rally, band students must wear jeans (no baggy jeans or ripped holes), and color guard should wear their black warm-ups. Winds and battery will be learning and performing the song “Golden” for the parade.
We are planning to have front ensemble, battery, and color guard students help push back props and equipment after the halftime performance. Pep band (winds and rhythm section) will stay until the end of the game to support our football team.
STUDENTS: PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN DINNER OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO EAT DURING THE BREAK. At 4:45PM, EVERYONE will be changing into FULL UNIFORM/COSTUME — so make sure you bring your black sleeveless compression top, black compression shorts, long black socks, and your black marching shoes. Color Guard students need to bring everything for full costume/hair/make up.
FALL JAZZ CONCERT – WEDNESDAY 10/22
Join us for our annual Fall Jazz Concert next Wednesday, October 22nd at 7:00PM in the Gahr High School MPR! Come enjoy a great evening of music and see what our jazz ensembles have been working on so far. Please spread the word to family and friends. Admission is free!
STUDENTS: We have an important rehearsal this Wednesday 10/15 after school from 3:30-5:30PM to finish the tunes and finalize solos. If you have not purchased a jazz t-shirt, please make sure to get one this week. Shirts are just $20 and can be purchased on the website.
ATTENDANCE COMMUNICATION UPDATE
Over the past several weeks, we’ve received a number of last-minute messages about absences from rehearsals, and even performances – sometimes just a day or two before the event. While we absolutely understand that legitimate emergencies happen, last-minute communication hurts the entire team and makes it difficult to plan rehearsals and teach drill spots, music, and choreography. It impacts not just the staff, but the success of every student in the ensemble.
To ensure fairness, responsibility, and consistency moving forward, the following Attendance Communication Policy will now be enforced, effective immediately:
Excused Absences require a minimum of 2 weeks advance notice.
Medical appointments, school events, and family commitments must be scheduled outside rehearsals and performances whenever possible.
Same-day or last-minute messages are not acceptable and will be considered unexcused unless it is a verifiable emergency.
Emergency absences must be communicated by a parent/guardian in writing or an email before the rehearsal begins.
Unexcused absences may result in loss of set drill spot, alternate status, or performance ineligibility.
Excused Absences (with documentation & 2 weeks notice)
Illness (with parent/guardian communication)
Family wedding (immediate family only)
Religious holidays
School-sponsored, graded event (conflicting class performance/competition)
Unexcused Absences
Work
Studying or homework
Babysitting
Driver’s training
Routine doctor/dentist appointments scheduled during rehearsal
Last-minute messages without prior communication
“Not feeling well” without parental communication
Transportation issues
Thank you to the many students and families who already communicate responsibly and plan ahead. These expectations are not a punishment – but rather are about respect for each other and the work we are doing together. Consistent effort and communication are part of what makes this program so successful.
If you have any questions about this policy, please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you.
FAN-PLEDGE FUNDRAISER – LET’S WRAP OUR TRAILER!
We’ve currently raised $24,000 through our Fan-Pledge Fundraiser and are close to our goal of $30,000! Our goal is to repair and professionally wrap the Gahr Band trailer.
Our current trailer is in bad shape. The paint is peeling and it’s long overdue for an upgrade that truly reflects the pride and excellence of our program. The trailer is one of the first things people see when we arrive at competitions and events – and with your help, we can give it a professional look that our students deserve. Every donation counts, no matter how small.
Please share the link on social media:
www.fpfans.com/31dc78
As many parents and alumni know, we rent uHauls every year for the marching band, indoor percussion, and winter guard. If we are able to exceed our goal, it would be wonderful to be able to purchase a second equipment trailer!
The section that raises the most money will win a Cane’s Party or Pizza Party! AND… the individual student that earns the most money will win dinner from Mr. Loney!!
Thank you for believing in our students and our program — and don’t forget to SHARE THIS LINK and help spread the word on social media! Let’s keep the momentum going!!!
FIELD SHOW PROGRAM ADS FUNDRAISER
THIS IS THE LAST WEEK TO GET IN AN ADVERTISEMENT OR SHOUTOUT IN THE GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD SHOW PROGRAM. This is by far the best individual account fundraiser for the entire school year. Students earn 90% of the profit from all ads sold. Please click here to download the form. The deadline for all advertisements is this Friday, October 17, 2025.
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 from getting a shout out!!
You can also purchase a program ad directly through our website. Please just make sure you email the ad to Mr. Loney at darren.loney@abcusd.us.
SENIOR PARENTS – BABY PHOTOS REQUEST
We have a special tradition at the Gahr Invitational Field Show: creating a picture spread in the middle of the program featuring baby and toddler photos of our seniors! Please take a moment to dig through those photo albums, scroll through your cloud storage, or check that shoebox under the bed to find the perfect picture of your senior.
Deadline: Submit photos by Friday, October 10, 2025
How to Submit: Please email your son/daughter’s baby photo to dvarney15@gmail.com or you can text it directly to (562) 413-3068
Thank you, and way to go Class of 2026!! 🎓💙💛
The Gahr Marching Gladiators will be traveling to Fresno to compete at the Western Band Association (WBA) Championships from Friday, November 21st through Sunday, November 23rd. The cost for each student is $275.00 due this Monday, November 3rd, 2025.
Students will be traveling on charter buses and staying at Spring Hill Suites by Marriott. Most meals will be covered (breakfast, lunches, and two dinners).
The address for the student hotel is:
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott
6844 North Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93710
If this is your first overnight trip, please know that it is standard to have students stay four to a room, typically with two queen-sized beds. Students can select who they would like to have in their room and we will do our best to accommodate their requests if possible. As with all trips for the Gahr Instrumental Music Program, students must stay in the hotel with other students. A block of rooms has already been reserved and we are able to keep the trip cost low based on the students staying together.
Parents are encouraged to go on this trip as well. We will need parent help as we always do with uniforms, transportation, equipment, and props, and having as many parents in the stands cheering for the kids can greatly motivate the kids (and the judges).
Parents are responsible for paying for their own trip. To make this easier for you, we have secured a block of rooms with a special rate for the parents to use at the Homewood Suites in Fresno. When calling, make sure to mention you are booking for the block of rooms set aside for the "Gahr High School Band Boosters." This special rate includes cook-to-order breakfasts and parking. The rate negotiated for this block is $169.00 (plus tax) per night. You will need to book your room no later than Monday, October 20th, 2025 to take advantage of this special price.
The address for the parent hotel is:
Homewood Suites Fresno
6820 North Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
Telephone: (559) 440-0801
We have a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 7:00PM in the Band Room where we will go over all the details for the trip. Please note, this meeting is after the date to reserve your room so don’t wait until this meeting to make your reservation. Feel free to reach out to Deanna Varney at (562) 413-3068 or email her at dvarney15@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
We ask that students stay together as a group for the entire weekend. Please do not pull your child away from the rest of the group.This is a school trip, and students will need to stay with the rest of the group for the duration of the weekend.
Thank you for your support and helping to create such an amazing experience for the students!
ASB CARD & TRANSPORTATION FEE
All students are required to purchase an ASB Card and pay for Transportation. When purchased together, the total cost is $120 ($60 for the ASB Card and $60 for Transportation). Students who do not purchase an ASB Card will be required to pay $150 for Transportation. To avoid the higher fee, make sure you have turned in $60 for the ASB Card and $60 for Transportation directly to the school at the finance window in the front office.
MORE WAYS TO RAISE MONEY
Use the fundraisers below to raise money for your donations. Extra money can also go towards the WBA Championships trip, Winter Guard donations, and Indoor Percussion donations.
Field Show Program Ads - Earn 90% of the profit from all field show ad sales. The ad prices range from $25 to $175. Many local businesses are looking for ways to advertise to the community. See Mr. Loney to get a past field show program that you can use as an example when selling ads.
Student Sponsorship Letter - 100% of the money sponsorships goes directly to your student account. These take a few hours to complete and mail out, but the return on investment is HUGE if you can make $400-500! This is a great way your family and loved ones can help support.
THIS WEEK:
MONDAY 10/13
Eat a good breakfast. Bring hat, water jug, dot book, and $5 for lunch.
7:45AM Band Room open
8:00AM Set up for rehearsal at practice field (no props)
8:30AM Block 1 – DO NOT BE LATE
9:00AM Winds/Guard learn Mvt. 4 drill
12:00PM Lunch — PENNE PASTA! Bring $5.
1:00PM Block 2
3:30PM Combine winds in Band Room
4:45PM Clean up / Debrief
TUESDAY 10/14
BRING WARM CLOTHES/JACKETS
6:55AM Band Room open (need student help at patio gate)
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – EVERYONE
7:20AM Jazz I & II start time – EVERYONE
Study Hall during period 2/3/6
After School — Homework/Dinner/Change
5:29PM Rehearsal
If it is raining, we will be indoors working on Mvt. 4 music/choreography.
8:45PM Debrief & Clean up
WEDNESDAY 10/15
NO ZERO PERIOD
3:30-5:30PM Jazz I and II fall concert rehearsal!
3:30-4:30PM Everyone else – Sectionals memorizing Mvt. 4
THURSDAY 10/16
GRADES DUE
6:55AM Band Room open (need student help at patio gate)
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – EVERYONE
7:20AM Jazz I & II start time – EVERYONE
3:30-6:00PM Rehearsal and Full Run-through (Mvt. 1, 2, 3, part of 4)
FRIDAY 10/17
PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE
6:55AM Band Room open (need student help at patio gate)
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – EVERYONE
7:20AM Jazz I & II start time – EVERYONE
PERIODS 2/3/4 – Band & Color Guard excused to set up for parade/rally
Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally!
5th Period – Clean up
After school — Hydrate and eat dinner (not provided)
4:45PM CALL TIME FOR ALL STUDENTS TO CHANGE INTO UNIFORM
5:00PM Warm up / Run pep tunes in Band Room
6:45PM Star-Spangled Banner
7:00PM Home Football Game vs. Norwalk HS
8:15PM Homecoming and half-time performance
9:30PM Approximate game end time*
9:45PM Change out of uniform and hang CORRECTLY
10:00PM Approximate dismissal*
*The end time of a football game varies. The Gahr Marching Gladiators always stay until the end of the game to support our school and team. Please have your student call you for pick-up time or check Remind for updates.
SATURDAY 10/18
Eat a good breakfast. Bring hat, water jug, dot book, and $5 for lunch.
8:15AM Band Room open
8:30AM Set up for rehearsal at stadium
8:59AM Block 1
9:00AM Warm up / basics
9:30AM Review Mvt. 4 drill
12:00PM Lunch — burgers! Bring $5.
1:00PM Full ensemble Mvt. 4
3:00PM Projects —
Set up/Folding measuring tape vinyl
Clean up / Stack spool props
Percussion Ensemble Mvt. 4 perc feature
Push back equipment / Clean up
4:00PM Dismissal
Have fun at the Homecoming Dance!