GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT THIS SATURDAY!
THE GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT IS THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH! WE NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS. CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT SIGNED UP TO VOLUNTEER YET. WE HAVE A MANDATORY GAHR INVITATIONAL PARENT MEETING TOMORROW, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH AT 7:00PM IN THE STADIUM. AFTER THE MEETING, PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO STAY TO WATCH THE RUN-THROUGH TOMORROW at APPROXIMATELY 8:30PM.
THE WBA CHAMPIONSHIPS PAYMENT OF $275 IS DUE TODAY, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD. STUDENTS MUST BE CAUGHT UP WITH OUTSTANDING DONATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS TRIP. PLEASE TURN IN CASH, A CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO “GAHR BAND BOOSTERS,” OR CLICK HERE TO PAY ONLINE.
SODA & WATER DONATIONS ARE DUE TOMORROW, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH. YOU CAN DROP THEM OFF TO MR. LONEY DURING/AFTER SCHOOL. YOU CAN ALSO BRING THEM DIRECTLY TO STADIUM WHEN YOU COME FOR THE PARENT MEETING. COLOR GUARD BAKED GOOD ITEMS CAN BE DROPPED OFF LATER IN THE WEEK – EVEN UP THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING OR SATURDAY MORNING.
WE HAVE REHEARSAL THIS WEEK ON FRIDAY FROM 3:30-6:00PM IN THE STADIUM. THIS WILL BE OUR FINAL REHEARSAL AND TIMED RUN-THROUGH BEFORE THE GAHR INVITATIONAL. ALL STUDENTS NEED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE. WE WILL BE ABLE TO LEAVE ALL OUR PROPS IN THE STADIUM SO THEY’RE PRE-STAGED FOR SATURDAY.
CONGRATULATIONS AT BANDS OF AMERICA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!
The Gahr Marching Gladiators had an incredible day at the Bands of America Southern California Regional Championships! In Prelims, Gahr earned 1st place in Class AA, sweeping all caption awards: Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, and Outstanding General Effect! Gahr advanced to Bands of America Regional Finals and finished 5th place overall among some of the best bands in the country. Special thanks to Mr. Lopez and the students from Ross Middle School who helped make the dress moment possible at the end of the show!!!
Thank you to our amazing parent crew for their support with props, equipment, transportation, uniforms, and meals. We’re so grateful for this dedicated group of parents who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help our students shine and perform their best. We would also like to thank Gahr High School Principal, Dr. Moore, for coming to support! Thank you for representing Gahr to the highest level and for an unforgettable weekend!
These are professional videos taken at the BOA Prelims and Finals. Please DO NOT SHARE THESE LINKS. Thank you!
PRELIMS: https://youtu.be/Te0BBhJ70jg
FINALS: https://youtu.be/Db6MpSjJ0B0
GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT
This Saturday, November 8th is the GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT! This is a HUGE, all-day event with 32 performing bands, and we need ALL HANDS ON DECK to make it a success!!
WE HAVE A MANDATORY MEETING FOR ALL PARENTS & ALUMNI THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH AT 7:00PM IN THE GAHR HS STADIUM. We will be doing a walk-through of how we will be hosting the field show tournament and then will split into different volunteer areas you signed up for. If you are a parent or alumni and have not signed up for a shift yet, WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS FOR 2ND SHIFT OF STADIUM TRAFFIC AND THE BAKE SALE. Please click here to sign up and volunteer.
If you are an upperclassmen (or alumnus) interested in hosting a band, please let Mr. Loney know tomorrow (Tuesday) during study hall. We will have a quick SHOW HOST MEETING with Joon right after rehearsal on Thursday from 6:00-6:30PM.
STUDENT CALL TIME FOR THE GAHR INVITATIONAL ON SATURDAY IS AT 7:00AM IN THE STADIUM.
We’re asking all students to donate soda, water, or baked goods for the Gahr Invitational. Please check the list below, broken up by section. Donations can be dropped off to Mr. Loney’s office. Write your name on your donation items.
Color Guard Bake Sale items can be brought in closer to the tournament (even on Friday evening or Saturday morning). Please click here to sign up for what you are planning to donate. Bottled water can be dropped off at any time. Please contact Lawanda Thomas-Williams if you have any questions at (562) 805-1220. Thank you!
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.
THIS WEEK:
MONDAY 11/3
WBA TRIP PAYMENT DUE ($275)
NO JAZZ BAND
6th – Battery, Front Ensemble, Color Guard
3:35-6:00PM Rehearsal (Winds, Guard, Front Ensemble)
6:00-9:00PM Battery Rehearsal
TUESDAY 11/4
DEADLINE FOR SODA/WATER DONATIONS
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance (Winds only)
7:20AM Jazz I & II downbeat (Winds only)
Study Hall during period 2/3/6
After School – Homework/Dinner/Change
5:00PM Set up for rehearsal in stadium (set up all props except vinyl)
5:30-8:45PM Full Ensemble Rehearsal with Dr. Arnold!
7:00PM MANDATORY GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD SHOW PARENT/ALUMNI MEETING AT THE STADIUM!
You can drop off soda/water donations directly at the stadium.
Full Run-through at approximately 8:30PM. Parents, alumni, family, friends welcome to watch!
Leave props stacked nearly to the side in the stadium.
WEDNESDAY 11/5
NO JAZZ BAND
7:30AM Band Room open for practicing
3:30-4:30PM Woodwind & Brass sectionals
THURSDAY 11/6
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance (everyone)
7:20AM Jazz I & II downbeat (everyone)
6th – Battery, Front Ensemble, Color Guard
3:35-6:00PM Rehearsal (separate sections, no props?)
FRIDAY 11/7
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance (everyone)
7:20AM Jazz I & II downbeat (everyone)
6th – Battery, Front Ensemble, Color Guard
3:35-6:00PM Rehearsal & Final Run-Through AT THE STADIUM (all props)
DURING REHEARSAL: PRE-SET UP FOR GAHR INVITATIONAL
Concessions, Tables/Chairs, Press Box, Stadium Signage
6:00PM Push props to the side of the stadium
HYDRATE AND GO TO BED!!!
SATURDAY 11/8
10TH ANNUAL GAHR INVITATIONAL!!!
VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-57577543-10th#/
SHOW INFO: https://calstatebandchamps.org/events/gahr-invitational-field-tournament/
SCHEDULE: https://schedules.competitionsuite.com/13687f46-7ba1-4045-8a31-a947abb4a92e_logistical.htm
PARENTS/STUDENTS/ALUMNI: WEAR YOUR FIELD SHOW T-SHIRT!
5:45AM Campus open
6:00AM Start early set up / Hospitality Tent Drop Off / SHIFT #1
7:00AM STUDENT CALL TIME TO SET UP. MEET DIRECTLY AT THE STADIUM. DO NOT BE LATE.
8:00AM Check-in, spectator parking, and bus parking, show hosts ready
8:45AM Concessions, vendors, tickets ready
9:00AM Stadium open, traffic control ready
10:00AM First 1A band performs
1:11PM Awards 1A/2A/3A
3:00PM SHIFT #2
3:11PM First 4A band performs
4:25PM STUDENT CALL TIME IN BAND ROOM
4:30PM Eat dinner (provided)
5:15PM Change into full uniform/costume
5:45PM Early Warm Up / Basics
6:10PM Warm Up Zone F (Practice Field)
7:00PM Full Ensemble / Production Runs
7:45PM Push to stadium
8:01PM Gate time
8:11PM Gahr performance time
8:25PM Debrief
8:35PM Push back to Band Room / Put away instruments & equipment / Change out of uniform
Leave props at the stadium. We will keep them there through Tuesday’s Veterans Day rehearsal.
9:16PM Awards 4A/5A/6A
ALL STUDENTS REPORT TO STADIUM TO WATCH AWARDS
9:45PM CLEAN UP – EVERYONE HELPS
10:55PM Check-out with Mr. Loney before dismissal
11:00PM Approximate dismissal time
