CIF GAME, MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND NIGHT, AND WBA CA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Great job on Saturday at the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament! It was an incredible day hosting over 30 bands with the largest crowd turnout we have ever had. I’m so proud of all the hard work, teamwork, and effort that went into making the day such a huge success. You showcased what makes the Gahr Instrumental Music Program so special.
We have a big week ahead:
Tuesday – Rehearsal from 9AM-5PM
Wednesday – BJ’s Restaurant Fundraiser
Friday – CIF Home Football Game & Middle School Band Night
Saturday – WBA California Regional Championships
We’re also excited to be kicking off our annual See’s Candy Fundraiser this week, where you can raise money towards your account and get a head start for Indoor Percussion & Winter Guard contributions.
We need everyone to be 100% and healthy. Wash your hands frequently, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and please wear a mask if you have the sniffles. Let’s keep the momentum going!
PARENT VOLUNTEER SIGN UP LINKS:
✅ TUESDAY 11/11 – LUNCH VOLUNTEER
✅ FRIDAY 11/14 – MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT AND CIF HOME GAME
✅ SATURDAY 11/15 – WBA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
GAHR INVITATIONAL – THANK YOU!
Thank you to all the parents, students, teachers, administrators, and alumni who made the 10th Anniversary of the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament such a huge success! We hosted 32 incredible bands and had our largest crowd ever, filling both the home and away bleachers nearly to capacity. We received countless compliments from directors, adjudicators, and spectators who were blown away by the organization, hospitality, and professionalism of our competition. You represented Gahr with pride and made a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
A very special thank you goes out to all of our dedicated parent volunteers, both for their incredible work on Saturday (many working all day) as well as all the planning leading up to the event. We are so grateful for your energy, teamwork, and commitment, and YOU are what makes this event possible each year.
Thank you to our executive board, chairs, and representatives for their months of preparation and coordination to make the tournament run smoothly. A heartfelt thank you to Dee Dee Varney, Ida Barcelos, and Vickie Gonzales for their leadership in organizing this year’s Gahr Invitational Field Tournament!
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Julie Castro, who was our original Gahr Invitational Tournament Chair. Although she was unable to continue in that role this year, we are deeply grateful for her contributions and for the many successful competitions she has chaired in years past.
Concessions – Tania Costa & Dee Dee Varney
Group Check-In & Spectator Parking – Ida Barcelos
Bus & Trailer Parking – Larry Barcelos
Tickets – Angie Cruz
Stadium Traffic – David Wiitanen
Hospitality – Renay Lim & Vickie Gonzales
Satellite Concessions – Teri Islas & Caryle Buenaventura
Jewelry/Merch – Charlynn Rachell
Cup o’ Corn – Veronica De Santiago
Bake Sale – Lawanda Thomas
First Aid Station – William Gonzales
Student Dinner – Cassandra Ellis
Director Liaison and Program Booklet – Jeffrey Varney
Student Host Coordinator – Joon Mock
Judge Runners – William Wu & Kearne Permalino
We would also like to thank ABCUSD School Board President, Mr. Ernie Nishii, for attending, ABCUSD School Board Member, Jeannie McHatton, as well as Assistant Principals Dr. Katie Johns and TreAna Marbrey, School Deans Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez and Ariel Legaspi, and the many other Gahr High School teachers and staff who attended the tournament.
We will be debriefing the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament at our next Parent Booster Meeting on Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:30PM, and your feedback is always appreciated! We hope to see everyone this Friday, November 14th at 7:00PM at the Gahr HS Stadium for our CIF Home Football Game and Middle School Band Night! You can also catch the band performing this Saturday, November 15th, at 6:40PM at the WBA California Regional Championships at Trabuco Hills High School.
Thank you all for helping us celebrate 10 incredible years of hosting bands from across Southern California!
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND NIGHT THIS FRIDAY!
We’re excited to welcome our future Gladiators to Middle School Band & Guard Night this Friday, November 14th!
High school students have 4:15PM call time to change into full uniform/costume. Middle schoolers will be checking in at 5:00PM at MPR Patio.
Middle school students will join us for sectionals and a short rehearsal before heading into the CIF Home Football Game! PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR FLIP FOLDER AND MUSIC LYRE. They’ll get to watch the Gahr Marching Gladiators perform their 2025 field show, “And Sew It Goes,” at halftime, followed by a pizza mingle with the high school students during the 3rd quarter.
PARENTS: Parents – we’d love your help to make the night run smoothly! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER
WBA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
This Saturday, November 15th is the WBA California Regional Championships at Trabuco Hills High School! Students will eat lunch at school (provided) and purchase concessions at the competition for dinner.
PARENTS: PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER.
STUDENT CALL TIME IS 8:45AM – DO NOT BE LATE. Make sure you pack everything you need for the competition the night before, including your 1-gallon water jug, money dinner, everything for full uniform – black sleeveless compression shirt, black compression shorts, long black socks, black marching shoes, and everything for guard hair and make up. We will be in full uniform for FULL RETREAT, just like at the Bands of America Regional.
LOCATION: Trabuco Hills High School
ADDRESS: 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
SHOW INFO: https://www.westernbands.org/events/details.php?ID=1299
VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-60406988-111525
GET TICKETS: https://bluedevils.org/events/index.php?eventID=12237&programID=37
8:45AM CALL TIME — DO NOT BE LATE. Set up at the stadium field.
9:00AM Separate sections / Warm up
10:00AM Full Ensemble
12:15PM Full Run-through (on and off Side A)
12:30PM Load ASAP
1:00PM Lunch (provided)
1:45PM Change into full uniform
2:30PM Meet in Band Room
2:45PM Load buses
3:00PM Depart for Trabuco Hills HS – 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
3:45PM Arrive / Check in
4:00PM Unload / Restroom
4:30PM Warm Up (parents pre-stage props)
6:20PM Push to Gate
6:30PM Gate Time
6:40PM Performance Time
6:55PM Debrief / Push Back
7:15PM Load equipment ASAP (stay in full uniform)
8:00PM Return to stadium (bring concessions $$)
8:40PM Watch Vista Murrieta HS
8:55PM Watch Chino Hills HS
9:10PM STUDENTS REPORT FOR FULL RETREAT STAGING (Use restroom BEFORE)
9:30PM Awards 3A/4A/5A – Full Retreat
10:15PM Walk back to buses
10:30PM Change out of uniform/costume ASAP
11:00PM Load buses
11:15PM Depart for Gahr HS
12:00AM Arrive / Unload ASAP (everyone helps)
12:30AM Dismissal
SEE’S CANDY FUNDRAISER!
We’re excited to kick off our See’s Candy 2025 Winter Fundraiser! This is a great way to spread some holiday cheer while supporting the Gahr Instrumental Music and Color Guard Program. The fundraiser runs from this Wednesday, November 12th through Tuesday, December 2nd. Click here to see the product list.
This fundraiser helps students raise money directly for their individual accounts and gives families and friends the chance to order delicious See’s Candies just in time for the holidays! Students can earn 15–50% profit, depending on the item purchased. All profits go directly toward the participating student’s account.
All orders are placed online and shipped directly to the customer as soon as the order is processed—no pickup required! The last day to order is Tuesday, December 2nd, ensuring delivery before the holidays.
Band and Color Guard members (and their parents) will receive an email with a personalized Yum-Raising link to share with family and friends. Each link will automatically credit your student’s account with any profits earned. You’ll know it’s your link if you see the first few letters of your name in the URL.
If you have any questions or need help with your fundraising link, please contact Vickie Gonzales at wvw3@ymail.com. Please share your link with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors!
ALL OUTSTANDING DONATIONS PAST DUE
ALL DONATIONS PAST DUE – AT THIS POINT, ALL DONATIONS ARE PAST DUE – INCLUDING PAYING FOR THE WBA CHAMPIONSHIPS TRIP. We will not be able to hold your hotel room if we do not receive your payment. 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.
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 11/10
NO JAZZ BAND
3:35-6:00PM Rehearsal (Winds, Guard, Front Ensemble)
6:00-9:00PM Battery Rehearsal
TUESDAY 11/11
Important Rehearsal 9AM-5PM
8:15AM Band Room open
8:30AM Call time – set up for rehearsal at stadium
9:00AM Block 1 (changes/adjustments/new visuals)
12:30PM Lunch (bring $5 for penne pasta)
1:30PM Block 2 (cleaning/review)
4:30PM Full run-through
4:45PM Debrief/Clean up (everyone helps)
5:00PM Dismissal
WEDNESDAY 11/12
7:30AM Band Room open for practicing
3:30PM Indoor Percussion Cymbal Clinic
3:30-4:30PM Woodwind & Brass sectionals
5:00-9:30PM BJ’s Restaurant Fundraiser!
THURSDAY 11/13
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 (may become an indoor music/visual rehearsal depending on the rain)
FRIDAY 11/14
SENIOR DINNER MONEY DUE
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance (everyone)
7:20AM Jazz I & II downbeat (everyone)
2nd/3rd – Clarinet coaching
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND & COLOR GUARD NIGHT!
3:20PM Eat a meal/snack
4:15PM HS STUDENT CALL TIME TO CHANGE INTO FULL UNIFORM/COSTUME
5:00PM Middle Schoolers check-in / mingle!
5:20PM Sectionals – winds learning pep tunes, drumline learning cadences, guard learning routine
6:00PM Run pep tunes
6:15PM Restroom / Walk to stadium (bring instrument/equipment, flip folder, lyre, music stands if needed)
6:45PM Star-Spangled Banner
7:00PM HOME CIF FOOTBALL GAME VS VALLEY VIEW HS!
7:45PM Warm up for field show
8:00PM Perform “And Sew It Goes” at halftime for middle schoolers!
3rd Quarter – PIZZA MINGLE WITH MS AND HS STUDENTS
4th Quarter – MS walk back to Band Room for pick up / HS stay to play
9:15PM Walk back to Band Room
9:30PM Change out of uniform (hang correctly)
9:45PM Approximate dismissal
HYDRATE AND GO TO BED!!!
SATURDAY 11/15
WBA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
LOCATION: Trabuco Hills High School
ADDRESS: 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
SHOW INFO: https://www.westernbands.org/events/details.php?ID=1299
VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-60406988-111525
GET TICKETS: https://bluedevils.org/events/index.php?eventID=12237&programID=37
8:45AM Call time / Set up at stadium (bring battery and tuba cases)
12:15PM Full run-through – Parents needed for run-through
1:00PM Lunch
3:00PM Depart for Trabuco Hills HS – 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
6:40PM Performance time
9:10PM Full retreat staging (in full uniform)
9:30PM Awards 3A/4A/5A – Full Retreat
12:30AM Approximate dismissal
