UPDATE – WEEK 8
Congratulations on a fantastic performance this past Friday at the Home Football Game! A HUGE THANK YOU to all the parents who helped at the game on Friday, as well as at Saturday’s rehearsal. We set a new record with over 50 parent volunteers at the game!
Please join us at our Monthly Parent Meeting this Wednesday, October 1st at 6:30PM in the Band Room! We’ll be sharing important information about upcoming competitions, fundraisers, and events. We’re off to a great start and need YOUR help to keep the momentum going!
We have a busy and exciting week ahead with another Home Football Game this Friday, October 3rd and our first Field Show Competition this Saturday, October 4th at the Max! Preview of Champions at Chaffey High School.
PARENTS: We need your help! Please sign up to volunteer here:
➡️ Friday at the Home Football Game
➡️ Saturday at the MAX! Preview of Champions
Please help us continue to keep student lunches affordable at just $5 by donating items to the Booster Wishlist. This also allows us to provide meals to students on competition days.
Thank you for all your continued support!
Just a reminder that the final donation of $150 was due last Friday, September 26th. COLOR GUARD MEMBERS MUST BE CAUGHT UP WITH DONATIONS IN ORDER FOR US TO PURCHASE AND RECEIVE YOUR COSTUME THIS WEEK. You can pay with cash, a check made payable to “Gahr Band Boosters,” or click here to make a payment online with a credit card.
STUDENTS: Great improvement this past week and congratulations on performing Movement 1 and 2 without the metronome. We still have a lot of work as we continue preparing for Saturday’s competition. Thank you to all the students who have been practicing before school, at break and lunch, and after school. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, eat throughout the day, and continue to review and practice DAILY.
FAN-PLEDGE FUNDRAISER – LET’S WRAP THE GAHR TRAILER!
We are launching our Fan-Pledge Fundraiser to raise money for the Gahr Instrumental Music Program — with a goal of fixing and wrapping our Gahr Band Equipment Trailer! This fundraiser has been incredibly successful for other programs. Tetzlaff recently raised over $40,000. We are excited to see what our amazing Gahr Band community can do together!
Our current trailer is in bad shape. The paint is peeling off and it’s long overdue for a professional wrap that reflects the pride and excellence of our program. We spend a lot of money renting U-Hauls during Marching Band and Indoor Percussion seasons, so if we exceed our goal, we may even be able to purchase an additional new trailer.
We need every student to submit 20 contacts (email addresses and phone numbers) of family, friends, and potential supporters who may be willing to donate.
Contacts are private and protected — never sold or shared.
Please AVOID classmates, teachers, and administrators.
Instead, think of family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, business owners, doctors, dentists, and parent coworkers.
How It Works:
1. Visit www.fpfans.com/31dc78
2. Select “Join” (top right)
3. Enter the school code: 31786-78633 and click “Join.”
4. Select your name from the dropdown. If you don’t see it, click “I’m not on the list.”
5. Create a new account, click Register, and then “Add Contact.”
Prizes & Incentives:
Students who submit 20 contacts by Monday at 11:59PM will be entered into raffles for $15 Chick-fil-A gift cards and a brand new pair of Apple AirPods. You’ll also get free Gatorade at a Saturday practice. The section that raises the most money will win a PIZZA PARTY! And the individual student that earns the most money will win dinner cooked by Mr. Loney (anything you want, cooked from scratch).
⚠️ Fake contacts will be deleted. Students who enter fake contacts will not be eligible for raffles or prizes.
Mandatory Kick-Off Event This Wednesday:
All students must attend the Fan-Pledge Kick-Off Live Campaign after school this Wednesday from 3:30-4:30PM (in place of sectionals). Danielle Collins will be on campus to help run the event with candy, prizes, and the raffle.
Please note: This is a program fundraiser that benefits all of our students by providing essential equipment and resources. It is not tied to individual accounts. Every dollar goes directly toward improving and supporting the program as a whole.
HOME FOOTBALL GAME THIS FRIDAY 10/3
We have a Home Football Game vs. Bellflower HS this Friday, October 3rd! Students will have a break after school to eat and change into full uniform. At halftime, we will be performing Movement 1, 2, and 3 of our field show production. We will need parent help with concessions, merch, equipment, and props – please click here to sign up.
We will be in full uniform again this Friday, so remember to bring your black, sleeveless compression shirt, black compression shorts, long black socks, and black marching shoes. We had some students wearing shorter “crew" length” socks – so make sure you have longer “mid-calf” athletic socks. Make sure you bring your instrument lyre and your flip folder is organized with all of the pep tunes.
Attendance at rehearsals this week is extremely important to ensure that we are able to have our best performance possible. Always hydrate 24 hours ahead and eat throughout the day. Continue to wash your hands frequently and stay healthy. Students who are not at rehearsal – especially the last rehearsal/run-through before a show – may not perform, and their grade will be affected accordingly.
MAX! PREVIEW OF CHAMPIONS THIS SATURDAY 10/4
This Saturday 10/4 is our first competition at the MAX! Preview of Champions at Chaffey High School. CALL TIME IS 10:30AM AT GAHR HIGH SCHOOL FOR REHEARSAL – DO NOT BE LATE. We will need all parents who are helping at the competition with equipment and props to please be at rehearsal by 1:30PM to do a timed push on/off. We also recommend that parents also help at the Home Football Game the day before. PARENTS: Please click here to sign up.
Band students will be in full uniform – 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. Because we perform last, we will most likely not be able to eat concessions at this show.
General admission is $15.00 per person (children 5 and under are free). All spectators must buy a wristband for admission at every competition, even if you are helping with props or equipment. Student performers are always free at every competition. Paid Parking at this show is $10 per vehicle in the Fourth St. Parking Lot adjacent to the stadium.
MAX! Preview of Champions
Saturday, October 4th
Location: Chaffey High School
Address: 1245 N Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762
General Admission: $15 (children 5 and under free)
Parking: $10 in the Fourth St. Parking Lot (on map)
Schedule: https://schedules.competitionsuite.com/42465357-6295-4baa-907b-43e4af2b9e0a_standard.htm
More Info: https://csbc.compsuite.io/events/75275
Go to bed early and hydrate. Eat a good breakfast before you arrive. Bring water jug and everything you need for rehearsal and full uniform/costume.
ITINERARY:
10:00AM Band Room open
10:30AM Call time – set up for rehearsal – DO NOT BE LATE
10:50AM Warm Up in sections / Basics
11:30AM Full ensemble rehearsal
1:40PM Timed run-through – PARENTS NEEDED WHO ARE HELPING AT THE SHOW
(We will be entering and exiting the Side B front corner)
2:00PM Load equipment/props – EVERYONE HELPS
3:00PM Late lunch (provided)
3:45PM Change into full uniform
4:30PM Load busses (bring change of clothes)
5:00PM Travel to Chaffey High School – 1245 N Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762
6:00PM Sack dinner (provided) / Restroom
6:30PM Unload
7:00PM Warm Up
8:20PM Ensemble
8:50PM Walk to gate
9:04PM Pit Gate Time
9:11PM Band Gate Time
9:19PM Performance Time!
9:30PM Push equipment/props to side / stack instruments
9:35PM Watch RCC Perform
9:45PM Push equipment/props back to trailers
10:00PM Load – everyone helps (stay in uniform)
10:45PM Change out of uniform / Quick snack (provided)
11:15PM Bus back to Gahr
12:00AM Unload equipment/props – EVERYONE HELPS
12:30AM Approximate dismissal time
FIELD SHOW PROGRAM ADS FUNDRAISER
Advertise in our program for the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament! THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST INDIVIDUAL STUDENT FUNDRAISER OF THE ENTIRE YEAR!! Students earn 90% of the profit from all ads sold. Please click here to download the form. The deadline for all advertisements is Friday, October 17, 2025. We cannot accept late ads once the program is sent to the printer.
This is a great way for local businesses to advertise to the community! The Gahr Invitational Field Tournament typically has over 5,000 people in attendance, and we usually sell around 500 programs. This is also a great opportunity to put in a "shout-out" for your son/daughter in the program! Best of all, students still earn 90% of profit from getting a shout out!
You can also purchase a program ad directly through our website. Please just make sure you email the ad to Mr. Loney at darren.loney@abcusd.us.
This is a great way to raise money for the WBA Championships trip or to get ahead for your donations for Winter Guard or Indoor Percussion. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
SENIOR PARENTS – BABY PHOTOS REQUEST
We have a special tradition at the Gahr Invitational Field Show: creating a picture spread in the middle of the program featuring baby and toddler photos of our seniors! Please take a moment to dig through those photo albums, scroll through your cloud storage, or check that shoebox under the bed to find the perfect picture of your senior.
Deadline: Submit photos by Friday, October 10, 2025
How to Submit: Please email your son/daughter’s baby photo to dvarney15@gmail.com or you can text it directly to (562) 413-3068
Thank you, and way to go Class of 2026!! 🎓💙💛
GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD SHOW!
We are proud to host the 10th Annual Gahr Invitational Field Tournament on Saturday, November 8th right here at Gahr High School! This is one of the largest field show competitions in Southern California, and it takes an incredible team effort to make it happen. Our next committee meeting is Tuesday, October 14th at 7:30PM in the Band Room.
WE EXPECT ALL FAMILIES TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT. IMPORTANT: If you haven’t signed up for a shift yet, please click here to sign up. We still especially need help with the 2nd shift of stadium traffic and spectator parking. This is the one field show competition you should NOT be watching your student perform in.
This is a huge undertaking and we need ALL HANDS ON DECK to make it a success. Let’s make this the best Gahr Invitational yet!
SCSBOA ALL-SOUTHERN HONOR GROUP AUDITIONS
Students are encouraged to audition for the 2026 SCSBOA All-Southern Honor Groups! These ensembles bring together the top high school musicians from across Southern California for an unforgettable musical experience. Selected students will rehearse with renowned conductors and perform in a showcase concert at the SCSBOA Conference in January.
Auditions are open to winds and percussion, and include required scales, prepared excerpts, and sight-reading. All audition information – including requirements, registration forms, and deadlines – can be found on the SCSBOA website. Students interested in auditioning should begin preparing now and speak with Mr. Loney for guidance.
SCSBOA HS All-Southern Band Music & Scales
SCSBOA HS All-Southern Jazz Audition Materials
This is an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself, meet other outstanding musicians, and represent Gahr at the regional level. In recent years, we’ve had students make the top Wind Band and the Jazz All-Star Band. Don’t miss the chance to be part of one of Southern California’s most prestigious honor groups!
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.
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
Private lessons are one of the best ways to grow as a musician. One-on-one instruction helps strengthen fundamentals, prepare for auditions, and reach 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.
MORE WAYS TO RAISE MONEY
Use the fundraisers below to raise money for your donations. Extra money can also go towards the WBA Championships trip, Winter Guard donations, and Indoor Percussion donations.
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 9/29
6:55AM Band Room open (need student help at patio gate)
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – Rhythm Section only
7:20AM Jazz I & II start time – Rhythm Section only
3:30-6:00PM Winds/Color Guard/Front Ensemble (Mvt. 1 changes / Mvt. 3)
6:00-9:00PM Battery only rehearsal
TUESDAY 9/30
6:55AM Band Room open (need student help at patio gate)
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance – Winds only
7:20AM Jazz I & II start time – Winds only
Study Hall during period 2/3/6
After School — Homework/Dinner/Change
4:45PM Start setting up for rehearsal at stadium (need all props)
5:29PM Rehearsal downbeat in stadium – DO NOT BE LATE
8:25PM Rehearsal (Mvt. 1, Mvt. 3)
8:40PM Debrief & Clean up – EVERYONE HELPS
WEDNESDAY 10/1
3:30-4:30PM MANDATORY FAN-PLEDGE STUDENT KICK-OFF LIVE CAMPAIGN
6:30PM Monthly Parent Booster Meeting in Band Room
THURSDAY 10/2
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 Rehearsal/Run-through (Mvt. 1, 2, and 3)
FRIDAY 10/3
No Jazz Band – Jazz Scale Video Due
Bring compression shirt, compression shorts, long black socks, marching shoes.
After school — Hydrate and eat dinner (not provided)
4:45PM Winds call time to change into full uniform
5:20PM Warm up / Run pep tunes in Band Room
5:30PM Percussion and Color Guard call time to change into full uniform
6:25PM Walk to stadium
6:45PM Star-Spangled Banner
7:00PM Home Football Game vs. Bellflower HS
8:15PM Half-time performance (approximate)
9:30PM Approximate game end time*
9:45PM Walk back to Band Room
10:00PM Change out of uniform and HANG CORRECTLY
10:15PM Approximate dismissal*
HYDRATE AND GO TO BED.
*The end time of a football game varies. The Gahr Marching Gladiators always stay until the end of the game to support our school and team. Please have your student call you for pick-up time or check Remind for updates.
SATURDAY 10/4
MAX! Preview of Champions
Location: Chaffey High School
Address: 1245 N Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762
General Admission: $15 (children 5 and under free)
Parking: $10 in the Fourth St. Parking Lot (on map)
Schedule: https://schedules.competitionsuite.com/42465357-6295-4baa-907b-43e4af2b9e0a_standard.htm
More Info: https://csbc.compsuite.io/events/75275
10:00AM Band Room open
10:30AM Call time – set up for rehearsal – DO NOT BE LATE
1:40PM Timed run-through – PARENTS NEEDED WHO ARE HELPING AT THE SHOW
9:19PM Performance Time