Congratulations to our students on an amazing first week of rehearsals and our first Saturday practice! The band is working hard and we’re off to a fantastic start. We have a normal week of rehearsals ahead as we continue learning our field show production.

As a reminder, all students are expected to hydrate 24 hours before each rehearsal and to eat throughout the day in order to have the energy necessary for safe and effective participation. Students must bring their instrument, equipment, music, a change of athletic clothes and shoes, a hat, and a one-gallon water jug. Students can always drop off items in their band room locker before school. Students are required to wear athletic clothes, athletic shoes, and a hat (NO JEANS).

FUNDRAISER ALERT! Join us this Wednesday 8/20 anytime from 10:30AM–9:00PM at The Kebab Shop and they’ll donate 25% back to the program when you show the flyer. Thank you for supporting the Gahr Band!

We have another important rehearsal this Saturday, August 23rd from 8:29AM-5:00PM. Students will be learning Movement 2 drill and music. Hydrate the day before, eat a good breakfast, and arrive at least 15-20 minutes early. The boosters will be serving burgers for lunch for just $5.

THANK YOU to all the parents who came on Saturday to help with uniform sewing, prop building, lunch, and merchandise! We couldn’t have done it without you! We have another rehearsal this Saturday and would love your help with lunch, prop building, and uniform sewing. Please click here to sign up to volunteer and join the fun!!

We kicked off our 2025–26 Jazz Program this past week and are off to a fantastic start! Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support EdCode and Mr. Stevens on Friday at Craftsman Wood-fired Pizza – what an awesome way to start the year! If you’re still interested in joining, this is your last chance!

Please join us this Wednesday 8/20 anytime from 10:30AM–9:00PM at The Kebab Shop and they’ll donate 25% back to the program! Make sure to show the flyer below at checkout. You can also order online at thekebabshop.com with code FUNDRAISER. Thank you for supporting the band and color guard!

POPCORNOPOLIS FUNDRAISER!

Our annual Popcornopolis Fundraiser is now underway! Each family is required to sell a minimum of seven (7) bags of popcorn. All profit from bags sold thereafter (50% of the cost) will be credited to students’ accounts. This is a great way to raise money for marching band or to get ahead on Winter Guard or Indoor Percussion donations.

🎁 Bonus: The student who sells the most Popcornopolis will win a $50 Visa Gift Card!

ALL ORDER FORMS & MONEY ARE DUE BY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND.

Click here for a PDF of the fundraising brochure that was handed out to the students. If you prefer to opt-out of this fundraiser and just turn in the $35 of profit, please click here.

Sell a minimum of seven (7) bags or $70 in sales.
Write your name clearly on the top of your order form.
Collect money at the time of the order.
Promote to family, friends, coworkers, and your social media circle to maximize sales.
Make all checks payable to “Gahr Band Boosters” (please ensure your name is written in the memo line).

Popcornopolis orders typically take about 2-3 weeks to arrive. Students are responsible for distributing orders to the customers they sold to once the shipment is received.

SENIOR BANNER MONEY DUE MONDAY 8/18

Band and Color Guard seniors will be honored with a custom vinyl banner that will be displayed during the football/marching band season. Posters are $40 and money is due by Monday, August 18th. Seniors will be able to take their banner home at the end of the season. Please click here to pay for the Senior Banner online. You can also print out and turn in this form along with $40 cash/check.

LAST CHANCE TO JOIN GAHR JAZZ!

We’re off to a great start, and this is your last chance to jump in! Jazz Ensemble counts for honors credit and rehearses primarily during zero period. If you play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drum set, guitar, bass (electric or upright), or piano – we want you!!

On time attendance is critical. The Band Room will open at 6:55AM. Attendance will be taken promptly at 7:17AM, and rehearsal downbeat will begin at 7:20AM. Students are expected to purchase and bring a spiral-bound manuscript notebook available for around $6.

Normal Zero Period Rehearsal Schedule (during marching season)
MONDAYS – Rhythm Section (piano, guitar, bass, vibes, drum set)
TUESDAYS – Winds with Mr. Loney and Mr. Chaffee (saxophones, trumpets, trombones)
WEDNESDAYS – Off
THURSDAYS – Everyone with Mr. Loney and Mr. Chaffee
FRIDAYS – Everyone with Mr. Loney and Mr. Stevens

MARCHING BAND & COLOR GUARD ORDER FORMS PAST DUE

Marching Band and Color Guard order forms and money are past due.

Payment options:

1. Cash (please turn in with physical order form)

2. Check made payable to “Gahr Band Boosters” (turn in with physical order form)

3. Pay online through the website (and still turn in physical order form)
https://www.gahrband.org/store/p/make-a-donation
Enter the grand total as the quantity amount.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED BAND ITEMS

All band students are required to have a black sleeveless compression shirt, black compression shorts, and long black socks as part of their uniform. These are considered mandatory uniform components. Compression gear and socks can also be purchased at most sporting goods stores, such as Big 5 Sporting Goods, which often offers them at a lower cost.

1ST HOME FOOTBALL GAME NEXT FRIDAY 8/29

Our first Home Football Game of the season is next Friday, August 29th against Cerritos High School. At halftime, the Gahr Marching Gladiators will perform part of our 2025 field show production! Attendance at all rehearsals is extremely important to ensure that we are fully prepared to give our best performance.

This week, we will finish Movement 1 of the field show and begin working on Movement 2, the Star-Spangled Banner, and more pep tunes. All wind students are required to have a flip folder ($10) and a music lyre ($10) to play pep tunes in the stands. These items can be purchased directly from Mr. Loney.

Booster parents may wear the 2025 field show shirt to get in FREE at our home football games when volunteering! All parents helping must sign up in advance on SignUpGenius and volunteer for at least one shift to get in free. If you are not on the list, you will not be admitted for free.

OPTIONAL BAND JACKET

Get your official Gahr Marching Gladiators Band Jacket! Jackets are $135.00 each. We accept checks to “Gahr Band Boosters” or cash. Please fill out a separate order form for each jacket you order. THE DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH. Click here to download the jacket order form.

GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT – SIGN UPS

We are excited to announce that the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament will take place on Saturday, November 8th, right here at Gahr High School! This year we are proud to host over 30 bands from across Southern California for an unforgettable day of music and pageantry.

This is our biggest event of the year, and we need ALL HANDS ON DECK to make it a success. From concessions to parking, tickets, hospitality, and more – every parent and volunteer plays a vital role.

If you haven’t signed up for a shift yet, please click here to sign up to volunteer. Your support directly impacts the success of our program and helps showcase the incredible students of the Gahr Instrumental Music Program.

We would like to extend our deepest thanks to alumni parent Julie Castro for serving as our Tournament Chair and running this year’s event. Julie’s leadership, organization, and countless hours behind the scenes make this tournament possible!

Let’s make this year’s tournament our best one yet! 💙💛

NEW STUDENT DROP-OFF SYSTEM

Zero Period Jazz Band: Students should still be able to get dropped off near the Band Room before school.
Large Instruments: Students who need to transport large instruments will be given a pass this week, allowing them to be dropped off closer to the Band Room.
General Drop-Off & Pick-Up: Please follow the designated yellow arrows for student drop-off and pick-up.

MARCHING BAND WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Rehearsals start and end at the scheduled time. Please allow up to 15-20 minutes after rehearsal for students to help clean up and push back equipment/props.

MONDAYS
6th period – Color Guard, Battery, Front Ensemble
3:35-6:00PM Winds, Front Ensemble, and Color Guard
6:00-9:00PM Battery only (eat dinner and do HW after school)

TUESDAYS
Study Hall during class periods
5:30-8:45PM Everyone (eat dinner and do HW after school)

WEDNESDAYS
3:30-4:15PM Sectionals

THURSDAYS
6th period – Color Guard, Battery, Front Ensemble
3:35-6:00PM Everyone

SATURDAYS
8:30AM-5:00PM Everyone (click for the full calendar)

PROGRAM DONATIONS – MARCHING BAND

The total student contribution for the 2025 Gahr High School Marching Band is $675. This donation helps cover essential program expenses, including instructional staff, equipment and instruments, music, production costs, costumes, and food throughout the season.

Your support ensures our students receive the high-level, specialized instruction that motivates them to grow – both as performers and as individuals. These skills translate beyond the field and into the classroom, promoting discipline, confidence, and teamwork.

Donations can be paid in full or broken into the following payment schedule:

$175 – 1st Donation – Due June 2, 2025
$175 – 2nd Donation – Due July 21, 2025
$175 – 3rd Donation – Due August 29, 2025
$150 – 4th Donation – Due September 26, 2025

We accept cash, checks made payable to “Gahr Band Boosters,” or pay with a credit card on our website: https://www.gahrband.org/store/p/marching-band-donation

We highly encourage families to pay the entire donation to help us with upfront costs – such as props, equipment, and instruments. Thank you for supporting our incredible students and making another unforgettable season possible!

REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION FORM

ACTION REQUIRED >> All NEW AND RETURNING members of the Gahr Marching Gladiators must fill out the 2025-26 Band Registration & Participation Form. Please have a parent or guardian fill this out with your student. This takes about 10 minutes to complete.

ASB CARD & TRANSPORTATION

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). Parents or students may pay for these items at the Finance Office during school hours.

Please Note: 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.

ATHLETIC CLEARANCE

All students participating in the program are required to complete an athletic physical. Gahr is transitioning to a new website platform called "Home Campus" for athletic clearance. Please hold on to your athletic physical paperwork. We will update you when the new system is up and running. If you have already uploaded your paperwork through FamilyID, please note that you will most likely need to resubmit it on the new platform. Thank you for your flexibility, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS

Taking private lessons outside of school is one of the best ways to grow as a musician and improve your skills more quickly. Working one-on-one with an instructor can help you strengthen fundamentals, prepare for auditions, and reach your personal goals. If you’re interested in starting lessons and would like recommendations for local teachers, please email me and I’ll be happy to connect you!

WELCOME MRS. JOHNSON MIRANDA!

We’re excited to have Mrs. Johnson Miranda join us as our student teacher this year! She has a wealth of experience as a conductor, musician, and music educator. Mrs. Johnson Miranda is currently completing her Master’s in Conducting at California State University, Fullerton, studying with Dr. Dustin Barr, while also earning her teaching credential under the guidance of Dr. Gregory Whitmore.

She performs bassoon in both the University Wind Symphony and the University Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of Brigham Young University, she studied conducting with Dr. Shawn Smith and bassoon with Dr. Christian Smith, earning her Music BA and a minor in Family Life.

She moved to Southern California in 2023 to continue her studies and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, musician EJ Miranda. Together, they enjoy freelancing, attending concerts, and visiting Disneyland. Please join us in giving Mrs. Johnson-Miranda a warm welcome to our program!

MORE WAYS TO RAISE MONEY

Use the fundraisers below to raise money for your donations! Extra money can also go towards Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion. Now is the BEST time to fundraise before school starts!

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 8/18
POPCORNOPOLIS FUNDRAISER!
SENIOR BANNER MONEY DUE
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I and II attendance – RHYTHM SECTION ONLY
7:20AM Jazz I and II start time – RHYTHM SECTION ONLY
2nd Period – Wind Ensemble with Mr. Loney and Mr. Miller
3rd Period – Concert Band with Mr. Loney and Mr. Miller
6th Period – Color Guard, Front Ensemble, Battery rehearsal
3:30-6:00PM Winds, Color Guard, Front Ensemble rehearsal

6:00-9:00PM Battery only rehearsal

TUESDAY 8/19
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I and II attendance – WIND SECTION ONLY
7:20AM Jazz I and II start time – WIND SECTION ONLY
2nd/3rd/6th – HW/STUDY HALL DURING CLASS
AFTER SCHOOL – Finish HW and eat dinner
5:00PM Set up for rehearsal
5:30-8:45PM Tuesday night practice in stadium (finish Mvt. 1)

WEDNESDAY 8/20
No zero period on Wednesdays
7:25AM Band Room open
10:30-9:00PM The Kebab Shop Fundraiser!
3:30-4:15PM Sectionals (PASS MVT. 1 MEMORIZATION TEST)

THURSDAY 8/21
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I and II attendance (everyone)
7:20AM Jazz I and II start time
6th Period – Color Guard, Front Ensemble, Battery rehearsal
3:30-6:00PM Marching Band rehearsal (everyone)

FRIDAY 8/22
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I and II attendance (everyone)
7:20AM Jazz I and II start time
JAZZ I AUDITIONS

SATURDAY 8/23
8:29AM-5:00PM Important Saturday Rehearsal (learning Mvt. 2)

7:30AM Band Room open
Hydrate, eat a good breakfast, arrive early. Bring hat, water jug, and dot book.
DO NOT BE LATE.

Parent Volunteer Sign Up – Uniform Sewing, Prop Building, and Lunch

8:00AM Set up
8:29AM-12:00PM Block 1
12:00-1:00PM Lunch — Bring $5 for burgers!
1:00-5:00PM Block 2
Clean up, Dismissal

FUNDRIVE CLOTHING DRIVE 9/13 — SAVE THE DATE – Our FUNDrive clothing donation event will be Saturday, September 13th! Clean out your closets and help raise money for the program. WE ARE ASKING FOR EACH FAMILY TO PLEASE DONATE AT LEAST THREE (3) KITCHEN-SIZED TRASH BAGS OF CLOTHING/BEDDING. We will be raffling off gift cards to the students who donate the most!