BIG WEEK AHEAD AS WE GEAR UP TO PERFORM AT THE BANDS OF AMERICA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS SATURDAY! PARENTS: CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL FULL ENSEMBLE TODAY (MONDAY) FROM 3:30-6:00PM (INCLUDING BATTERY). ON FRIDAY WE WILL HAVE A REHEARSAL & RUN-THROUGH UNTIL 4:30PM IN THE STADIUM. THIS IS CRUNCH TIME – WE NEED 100% ATTENDANCE AS WE FINISH LEARNING THE SHOW.

WE HAVE A MANDATORY GAHR INVITATIONAL PARENT MEETING ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH AT 7:00PM IN THE STADIUM. THE WBA CHAMPIONSHIPS PAYMENT OF $250 IS DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD. STUDENTS MUST BE CAUGHT UP WITH OUTSTANDING DONATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS TRIP.

What an incredible week for the Gahr Instrumental Music Program! We had a fantastic Fall Jazz Concert on Wednesday evening, celebrated our seniors at Friday’s home football game and Senior Night, and capped it all off with an amazing performance at the University Field Tournament – where the Gahr Marching Gladiators earned 1st place in Division 5A and took Overall Tournament Sweepstakes! Thank you to all the parents who volunteered and supported our students at the jazz concert, football game, and field tournament. We would also like to thank everyone who came out to support our “It’s Boba Time” fundraiser on Thursday. A huge thank you to Oneida Santa who took these wonderful photos at Senior Night!

We’ve got a big week ahead as we finish learning the field show and perform at the Bands of America California Regional Championships this Saturday, November 1st! This is an all day event and an incredible opportunity for our students to perform for national-level adjudicators and experience a professional event atmosphere alongside some of the best bands in California and beyond. PARENTS: Click here to volunteer at the competition.

All bands perform in the Preliminary Competition and only the top 12 scoring bands advance to perform in the Finals Competition later that evening. THERE IS A 5:15AM CALL TIME ON SATURDAY MORNING and we perform at 9:00AM in Prelims. Breakfast will be provided by the boosters. Students will need to bring money for two meals (approximately $35-40). Please read all the competition information and itinerary below.

Please note that students will be rehearsing today, Monday 10/27 from 3:30-6:00PM (including battery) to finish learning Movement 4. On Friday 10/31, we will have a short rehearsal and final run-through from 3:30-4:30PM at the stadium. We need 100% attendance this week so we can be successful.

The $275 payment for the Western Bands Association Championships trip to Fresno is due Monday, November 3rd. Students must be caught up with outstanding donations to participate in the WBA Championships trip. Please turn in cash, a check made payable to “Gahr Band Boosters,” or click here to pay online with a credit card.

BAND JACKET UPDATE – Thank you for your patience! Our band jackets were temporarily backordered, but they’re now in production and should be fully embroidered and delivered next week. We’re excited for everyone to receive them soon – they’re going to look great!

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Fall Jazz Concert this past Wednesday! Both Jazz I and Jazz II put on a fantastic performance and are off to a great start. A huge thank you to Mr. Chaffee and Mr. Stevens for their outstanding coaching and guidance. We also extend our appreciation to ABCUSD Board President, Ernie Nishii, and Board Representative, Jeanie McHatton, for attending and supporting our students. Finally, thank you to our amazing parent volunteers who helped run the snack and merchandise table. We’re so proud of our jazz students for their hard work, dedication, and excitement for jazz!

REHEARSAL THIS FRIDAY AFTER SCHOOL

This Friday, October 31st, the marching band will have a short rehearsal and full run-through of our field show in the stadium right after school.

Normally, we would have a full rehearsal the Friday before the Bands of America Regional, and last year we also had a rehearsal the morning of the show. However, since we perform very early this year, we won’t have time for a morning rehearsal on Saturday. To make sure we’re fully prepared as we finish learning the show this week, we will have a short rehearsal on Friday from 3:30-4:30PM to make sure everything is 100% locked in.

The goal is to finish the run-through by 4:30PM and then quickly get everything prepped for loading by 4:45PM (fold vinyl tarps, stack spools on carts, put drums and tubas in cases, put guard equipment in flag bags, break down front ensemble equipment). Students are welcome to leave at 4:45PM once we’re done. Anyone who would like to stay longer to help parents with loading is appreciated, but otherwise students are free to leave.

To celebrate Halloween, students may wear their costumes during rehearsal (please just make sure they don’t interfere with marching or movement on the field). Let’s have some fun while putting the final touches on our amazing show before Bands of America California Regional Championships!

BANDS OF AMERICA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

LOCATION: Etiwanda High School – Eagle Stadium
ADDRESS: 13500 Victoria St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
GENERAL INFORMATION: https://marching.musicforall.org/california-regional/
LOGISTICAL INFORMATION: https://marching.musicforall.org/logistics-california-regional/
VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-59965813-11125

HYDRATE AND GO TO BED EARLY. Drink a lot of water the night before because you’ll be out in the sun the majority of the day. Pack everything you need the night before, observing the CLEAR BAG POLICY. DO NOT BE LATE – THE BUSES WILL LEAVE WITHOUT YOU. SET UP A WAKE UP CALL “PHONE TREE” WITH YOUR SECTION.

4:45AM Band Room open. Set up uniforms and breakfast.
5:15AM CALL TIME – DO NOT BE LATE. SET MULTIPLE ALARMS.
Bring everything you need including water jug and money for two meals (approximately $35-40).
Change into full uniform / costume. Guard hair & make up ASAP.
5:45PM Eat breakfast (provided). USE RESTROOM BEFORE LEAVING.
6:00AM Load buses / instruments ASAP
6:10AM Depart for Etiwanda HS – 13500 Victoria St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
7:10AM Arrive to Etiwanda HS / Check-in / Bus Drop-Off
BUSES WILL BE LEAVING. DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING ON THE BUS. TAKE INSTRUMENT & CASE, UNIFORM BAG, CHANGE OF CLOTHES, PERSONAL ITEMS, AND LUNCH/DINNER MONEY.
7:20AM Unload ASAP / Move to WARM UP ZONE B
PARENTS PLEASE MOVE ALL PROPS TO PRE-STAGING AREA
7:50AM Official Warm Up Time in WARM UP AREA B
8:35AM Pit Report Time (ENTER SIDE A BACK CORNER)
8:50AM Winds/Battery/Guard Report Time (ENTER SIDE B BACK CORNER)
9:00AM Performance Time! PLEASE NOTE THAT BANDS OF AMERICA HAS A LIMITED NUMBER OF PARENTS AND INSTRUCTORS ALLOWED ON THE FIELD TO PUSH ON & OFF FOR THE PERFORMANCE. WE WILL ONLY BE GIVING FIELD PASSES TO PARENTS WHO HAVE BEEN HELPING UP TO THIS POINT.
PARENTS: We will be receiving a professional quality video that we will share. Please CHEER AND APPLAUD throughout the show so the students can hear and feel your support!
9:10AM EXIT SIDE B BACK CORNER. Stack props and pit to side / Debrief
9:30AM Fold vinyls, stack spools, push back to trailer/uhauls
9:45AM Put away instruments / Stack guard equipment / Partial load / Change out of uniform
10:30AM Return to stadium as a group. Watch bands. Bring money for concessions & food trucks ($20).
STAY IN GROUPS OF 4 OR MORE. MAKE SURE YOU’RE REPRESENTING OUR PROGRAM AT ALL TIMES.
2:45PM Preliminary Competition Ends
3:00PM PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
3:30PM Finalist Directors Meeting / Stadium Cleared
* Finals performance schedule will be announced following the awards ceremony and we will have an updated itinerary based on our performance time.
4:00PM Buses meet at Etiwanda HS

Approximately 4:30PM…

If we have an EARLY performance time for Regional Finals (bottom 6), we will provide pizza before students warm up and perform. Bring money for additional concessions after we perform and load.
If we have a LATER performance time for Regional Finals (top 6), we are planning to bus to In-N-Out / Panda Express for dinner – 12599 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. Please bring your own money for dinner. When we get back, we will unload, change into full uniform, and warm up.
If we do NOT make Regional Finals (13th place and below), we will stay on campus at Etiwanda HS to watch the finalist bands. Bring money for concessions (dinner).

Bag Policy – Music for All encourages spectators to avoid bringing bags. Depending on venue guidelines, small clear bags, diaper bags and emergency medical bags might be allowed. Bag policies help speed up entry and enhance safety. Camera bags are typically allowed at each venue.

Cashless Venues – We recommend planning ahead and bringing both cash and card to Bands of America events. All Bands of America ticket booths are cashless, with digital ticketing options only. Many stadiums operate cashless concessions. PepWear merchandise booths accept both cash and card.

Livestream – Watch the 2025 Bands of America Regional streamed live online powered by BOX5 Media! https://box5tv.com/box5_events/

GENERAL REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS:

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.
After a game/competition, please do not park along the sidewalk by the Band Room. This area must remain clear for unloading equipment and trailers.
All students help with loading/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.

GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD SHOW JUST TWO 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.

PARENTS: All of our volunteer slots are almost filled!! CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVEN’T SIGNED UP FOR A SHIFT. 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.

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 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.

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!

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.

THIS WEEK:

MONDAY 10/27
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – EVERYONE
7:20AM Jazz I & II start time – EVERYONE
6th – Battery, Front Ensemble, Color Guard
3:30-6:00PM Full Ensemble Mvt. 4 Rehearsal (including battery)

TUESDAY 10/28
BRING WARM CLOTHES & JACKETS
6:55AM Band Room open
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 & full run-through

WEDNESDAY 10/29
MEMORIZATION TEST – MVT. 4
3:30-4:30PM Individual practice – Pass off Mvt. 4 Memorization test

THURSDAY 10/30
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – EVERYONE
7:20AM Jazz I & II start time – EVERYONE
6th – Set up at practice field
3:30-6:00PM Rehearsal / Final Run-Through

FRIDAY 10/31
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

NO JAZZ BAND

RUN-THROUGH AT STADIUM AFTER SCHOOL
6th Period – Set up at stadium / Warm up
Bring drum cases, tubas cases, pit blankets/covers, etc. to stadium.
3:30-4:30PM Chunk through show / Timed Run-through
4:30PM Fold vinyls for show, pack/prep battery, sousaphones, front ensemble & props for loading.
4:45PM Dismissed. If you would like to stay to help load you can, otherwise you’re free to take off once your equipment and props are ready to be loaded. Load U-Hauls and trailer at the stadium.

HYDRATE AND GO TO BED EARLY!!! WE HAVE AN EARLY CALL TIME.

SATURDAY 11/1
BANDS OF AMERICA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
LOCATION: Etiwanda High School – Eagle Stadium
ADDRESS: 13500 Victoria St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
GENERAL INFORMATION: https://marching.musicforall.org/california-regional/
LOGISTICAL INFORMATION: https://marching.musicforall.org/logistics-california-regional/
VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-59965813-11125

HYDRATE AND GO TO BED EARLY. You will be out in the sun the majority of the day.
Pack everything you need the night before.

4:45AM Band Room open. Set up uniforms and breakfast.
5:15AM CALL TIME – DO NOT BE LATE. SET MULTIPLE ALARMS.
Bring everything you need including water jug and money for two meals ($35-40).

9:00AM Performance Time!
2:45PM Preliminary Competition Ends
3:00PM PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
3:30PM Finalist Directors Meeting / Stadium Cleared

* Finals performance schedule will be announced following the awards ceremony and we will have an updated itinerary based on our performance time.