We have a big week ahead as we continue to work towards finishing our field show production, and we need 100% attendance and effort to make this happen. Our Fall Jazz Concert is this Wednesday at 7:00PM in the MPR! Please go to “It’s Boba Time” with a flyer this Thursday anytime from 5-8PM and 20% will be donated back to the program. We have a Home Football Game and SENIOR NIGHT this Friday! On Saturday, we have rehearsal, Band & Color Guard Photos, and the University Field Tournament! Make sure you’re staying on top of your homework, hydrating, and washing your hands and staying healthy.

PARENT VOLUNTEER SIGN UP & DONATION LINKS:
✅ Home Football Game – Friday 10/24
✅ CSBC University Field Tournament – Saturday 10/25
✅ Booster Wishlist

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!

HOME FOOTBALL GAME & SENIOR NIGHT THIS FRIDAY 10/24

This Friday 10/24 is another Home Football Game! It is also “Senior Night” where the school recognizes the students in football, cheer, and band. Seniors are typically escorted by their parents/guardians as their name is called. ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND SENIORS SHOULD BE AT THE STADIUM TRACK AT 5:45PM (in alphabetical order by LAST NAME).

STUDENTS: PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN DINNER OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO EAT AFTER SCHOOL. 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.

Students will run pep tunes/cadences at 5:00PM and then head into the stadium to support our band & color guard seniors for SENIOR NIGHT! After that, we will play the National Anthem, and the game will begin at 7:00PM.

Because we have an early call time and competition day on Saturday, we are planning to have students help push back all the props/equipment and change after the halftime performance.

PARENTS: We need your help at the game to sell concessions, merchandise, and to help push equipment/props at halftime. Please click here to sign up to volunteer!

FALL JAZZ CONCERT – THIS WEDNESDAY 10/22

Join us for our annual Fall Jazz Concert this 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. Admission is free, so invite family and friends to come out and support our students!

STUDENTS: If you have not yet purchased a jazz t-shirt, please make sure to get one tomorrow. Shirts are just $20 and can be purchased on the website. We have important Jazz I and Jazz II rehearsals Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning, and we need 100% on-time attendance to prepare for the concert. Please continue practicing and listening to the music as much as possible.

BAND & COLOR GUARD PHOTO DAY – THIS SATURDAY 10/25

This Saturday, October 25th, we will be taking band and color guard photos after our morning rehearsal/run-through. Please make sure to complete the photo order form your student received in class, or print the order form here.

All forms and payments must be turned in directly to the photographer on Saturday – please do NOT place photo payments in the band room drop box. Students may also take an optional “Buddy Photo” for $5 per person. Please note that each student in the buddy photo must also purchase a photo package.

UNIVERSITY FIELD TOURNAMENT THIS SATURDAY 10/25

This Saturday, October 25th is the University Field Tournament. STUDENT CALL TIME IS 8:00AM AT GAHR HIGH SCHOOL FOR REHEARSAL – DO NOT BE LATE. Bring your black sleeveless compression top, black compression shorts, long black socks, and black marching shoes. Color Guard will be in full guard costume – bring your guard warm ups and everything you need for hair & make up. You can bring money for concessions, but because we perform near the end, they may run out of food.

General admission is $15.00 per person. Children 5 and under are free. All spectators must buy a wristband for admission at every competition to enter the stadium, even if you are helping with props or equipment.

UNIVERSITY FIELD TOURNAMENT
Saturday, October 25, 2025
LOCATION: University High School
ADDRESS: 4771 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
MORE INFO: https://calstatebandchamps.org/events/university-high-school-field-tournament-5/
VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-59739496-102525

Hydrate and eat a good breakfast. Bring everything for rehearsal and the competition.

7:40AM Band Room open
8:00AM CALL TIME TO SET UP FOR REHEARSAL AT PRACTICE FIELD – DO NOT BE LATE
8:30AM Warm Up / Sections
9:00AM Full Ensemble rehearsal at practice field
11:00AM Timed full run-through – PARENTS NEEDED FOR PUSH ON/OFF
11:15AM Debrief
11:30AM Load ASAP (keep instruments/equipment needed for individual/buddy photos)
12:00PM Lunch (provided)
12:45PM Change into uniform/costume ASAP
1:30PM Line up for group photo
1:30PM BAND & GUARD PHOTOS (group, individuals, buddy)
3:45PM Wrap up photos / Use restroom / Load instruments under buses
4:00PM Load buses
4:15PM Depart for University HS – 4771 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
5:00PM Arrive / Unload / Sack Dinner / Use Restroom
5:30PM Warm up
6:10PM Warm up Zone 4 should be open
6:42PM Official warm up time (Zone 4)
7:10PM Music ensemble
7:25PM Push to gate
7:37PM Pit Entry – EVERYONE MUST HAVE A WRISTBAND TO ENTER THE STADIUM, EVEN IF YOU ARE ONLY HELPING WITH EQUIPMENT & PROPS. PLEASE PURCHASE ONE IN ADVANCE.
7:47PM PERFORMANCE TIME!
8:00PM Debrief/Load ASAP
8:30PM Change ASAP
9:00PM Enter stadium for awards – GROUPS OF 4 OR MORE
9:07PM AWARDS
During the awards ceremony, the Gahr Marching Gladiators students and parents always demonstrate class and professionalism. We are respectful in the stands at all times. We NEVER speak negatively about any other group. We clap and cheer for every band, and we show strong support for our own student leaders who are representing us – no matter the placement or score. We also avoid cheering in a way that is disrespectful toward other groups and their placements.
10:00PM Walk back to buses
10:15PM Load buses
10:30PM Return to Gahr HS
11:00PM Arrive / Unload Immediately
Everyone helps with unloading equipment and props as soon as we arrive. Please be respectful and quiet near the 600s overhang – there are homes nearby and people are sleeping.
PARENTS: Please do not park along the sidewalk by the Band Room. This area must remain clear for unloading equipment and trailers.
11:30PM Approximate Dismissal

THANK YOU, PROP CREW!

Huge THANK YOU to our amazing band and guard parents who have been putting in countless hours building, painting, and making props for our field show production. They have been giving up their weekends and have been coming in after work on weeknights to get it done. We are incredibly grateful for your dedication, teamwork, and hard work. You’re not just building props – you’re building moments that everyone will remember forever. Thank you prop crew!

LAST CHANCE — FAN PLEDGE FUNDRAISER CLOSES SOON!

We are so close to reaching our $30,000 goal — but we still need your help!

About one-third of the band and color guard have not entered the minimum 20 contacts yet or have raised little to no money. If every student finishes strong this week, we can reach our goal and make a massive impact on our program this season.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Our current equipment trailer is falling apart. The paint is peeling, panels are damaged, and it does not reflect the pride, class, and excellence of the Gahr Instrumental Music Program. The trailer is the first impression people see when we arrive at competitions, football games, and community events.

With your help, we can:
✅ Fully repair and professionally wrap our trailer
✅ If we exceed our goal, begin funding a second equipment trailer
✅ This upgrade will support the marching band, indoor percussion, color guard, wind ensemble, concert band, and jazz bands for years to come.

EVERY DONATION COUNTS

No amount is too small. Even $10, $20, or $50 donations add up fast — but we need EVERY family to participate.

📲 SHARE THIS LINK TODAY: www.fpfans.com/31dc78

Send it to family, friends, alumni, co-workers, teachers, neighbors — anyone who supports music education.

STUDENTS – FINAL PUSH!

If you still haven’t entered your 20 contacts or signed up yet, do it now using the info below. It only takes 5 minutes and you can make a HUGE difference.

JOIN CODE: 31786-78633

1. Create new account
2. Click Register
3. Click “Add Contact”

🎁 FUNDRAISING PRIZES!

🏆 Top Fundraising Section: Cane’s Party or Pizza Party
👑 Top Individual Fundraiser: Mr. Loney cooks you dinner

Thank you to everyone who has already participated! Your support is making a real difference. Let’s finish strong together and show what the Gahr Band Family can do when we all step up!

GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD SHOW JUST THREE WEEKS AWAY!

The 10th annual Gahr Invitational Field Tournament is Saturday, November 8th. We have a MANDATORY Gahr Invitational Parent Meeting on Tuesday, November 4th at 7:00PM in Gahr HS Stadium.

We are asking for all students to donate soda, water, or baked goods. Please check the list below, broken up by section. Donations can be dropped off to Mr. Loney in the Band Room.

All of our volunteer slots are almost filled! CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVEN’T SIGNED UP FOR A VOLUNTEER SHIFT YET. The Gahr Invitational is the biggest fundraising event of the year, and we need all hands on deck to make it a success. We are counting on every family to volunteer at the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament, as this event cannot happen without your help. Thank you, and we’re looking forward to an amazing field show tournament!

WBA Championships Trip

$275.00

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!

ALL OUTSTANDING DONATIONS PAST DUE

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. Students must be caught up with donations to participate in the WBA Championships trip.

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.

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.

THIS WEEK:

MONDAY 10/20
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 Winds/Guard/Front Ensemble Rehearsal (Mvt. 4)
6:00-9:00PM Battery only rehearsal (Mvt. 4)

TUESDAY 10/21
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
5:00PM Set up for rehearsal in stadium – DO NOT BE LATE
5:30-8:45PM Rehearsal (Finish Mvt. 4)

WEDNESDAY 10/22
7:30AM Jazz I and II concert run-through
6th Period – Set up for Fall Jazz Concert in MPR

3:30-4:30PM Sectionals (Mvt. 4)

6:00PM Jazz I & II Call Time in Band Room – Jazz t-shirt & jeans
7:00PM FALL JAZZ CONCERT IN THE MPR!
8:30PM Approximate End Time / Clean Up

THURSDAY 10/23
NO JAZZ BAND
3:30-6:00PM Rehearsal / Run-Through (Mvt. 1, 2, 3, 4)
5:00-8:00PM It’s Boba Time Fundraiser!

FRIDAY 10/24
NO JAZZ BAND

HOME FOOTBALL GAME VS. COMPTON HS
6th Period – Get everything to the stadium
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
5:45PM Everyone walk to stadium
6:00PM Senior Night!
6:45PM Star-Spangled Banner
7:00PM Home Football Game vs. Compton HS
8:15PM Half-time performance (everyone help push back props and equipment)
8:45PM Change out of uniform and hang CORRECTLY
9:00PM Approximate dismissal

HYDRATE AND GO TO BED.

SATURDAY 10/25
UNIVERSITY FIELD TOURNAMENT
LOCATION: University High School
ADDRESS: 4771 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
MORE INFO: https://calstatebandchamps.org/events/university-high-school-field-tournament-5/ VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-59739496-102525

8:00AM STUDENT CALL TIME – DO NOT BE LATE.
10:45AM PARENT CALL TIME HELPING WITH PUSH ON/OFF
7:47PM PERFORMANCE TIME
9:07PM AWARDS