WEEK 8
Congratulations on a great performance at the MAX! Preview of Champions on Saturday! A HUGE THANK YOU to all the parents who helped with meals, props, equipment, transportation, uniforms, costumes, and so much more!
We’re off to an INCREDIBLE start to our annual Fan-Pledge Fundraiser! In just a few days we’ve already raised over $37,000 – surpassing last year. Thank you to everyone who has donated and please continue to share the link: https://www.fpfans.com/625c81
We have a big and exciting week ahead with a Home Football Game this Friday, October 2nd and the South Coast Invitational Field Show Competition this Saturday, October 3rd.
PARENTS: We need your help! Please sign up to volunteer here:
➡️ Friday at the Home Football Game
➡️ Saturday at the South Coast Invitational
The Final Donation of $175 is due this Friday, October 2nd. You can pay with cash, a check made payable to “Gahr Band Boosters,” or you can make a payment online with a credit card. This donation helps pay for the WBA Grand Championships trip to Fresno. Please communicate with Mr. Loney if you have any financial issues.
Want to help keep student lunches at $5? Donate items to the Booster Wishlist! This also allows us to provide meals to students on competition days.
Thank you for all your continued support!
STUDENTS: Great improvement this past week and congratulations on your first competition. We still have a lot of work as we prepare both Mvt. 1 and 2 off metronome for Friday’s game and Saturday’s competition. Thank you to all the students who have been practicing and helping each other 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.
HOME FOOTBALL GAME THIS FRIDAY 10/2
We have a Home Football Game vs. Paramount HS this Friday, October 2nd! Students will have a break after school to eat dinner and change into full uniform/costume. At halftime, we will be performing Movement 1 and 2 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. Color Guard will be in full costume.
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.
SOUTH COAST INVITATIONAL THIS SATURDAY 10/3
The South Coast Invitational Field Tournament is this Saturday at Costa Mesa High School! CALL TIME IS 8:30AM FOR REHEARSAL – DO NOT BE LATE. All parents helping at the competition with equipment and props should be at rehearsal at 11:00AM for a timed push on/off.
Band students will be in full uniform – bring your black, sleeveless compression top, black compression shorts, long black socks (mid-calf), 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 near the end of the show, students should NOT plan on purchasing food from concessions.
Spectator admission is $15 per person; children 5 & under are free. All spectators must purchase admission, including parents helping with props or equipment. Student performers are free. Spectator parking is available directly across Fairview Road at Orange Coast College (Lots C & D). Parking is $5.00 + $0.35 service fee through Passport Parking.
SOUTH COAST INVITATIONAL
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location: Costa Mesa High School
Address: 2650 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa CA 92626
General Admission: $15.00
Children 5 & Under: Free
Parking: $5.00 directly across the street from Costa Mesa High School at Orange Coast College (OCC). Please park in Lots C or D and purchase a virtual daily parking permit.
Schedule: https://schedules.competitionsuite.com/862f24cd-0cd8-4796-b85a-4d09419c0f20_standard.htm
More Info: https://calstatebandchamps.org/events/south-coast-invitational-7/
Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-65909820-92626
Go to bed and hydrate. Eat a good breakfast. Bring your one-gallon water jug and everything you need for rehearsal and for full uniform/costume at the competition.
7:45AM Band Room open
8:30AM CALL TIME TO SET UP FOR REHEARSAL AT STADIUM – DO NOT BE LATE
8:45AM Warm Up / Sections
9:15AM Full Ensemble rehearsal at practice field
11:15AM Timed full run-through – PARENTS NEEDED FOR PUSH ON/OFF
11:30AM Load ASAP (keep instrument/equipment for individual/buddy photos)
12:00PM Lunch (provided)
12:45PM Change into uniform/costume ASAP
1:15PM Line up for group photo
1:30PM BAND & GUARD PHOTOS (group, individuals, buddy)
4:15PM Wrap up photos / Use restroom / Load instruments under buses
4:30PM Load buses
4:45PM Depart for Costa Mesa HS – 2650 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa CA 92626
5:30PM Arrive / Unload / Sack Dinner / Use Restroom
6:00PM Warm up
7:15PM Official warm up time (Zone C)
7:35PM Full music ensemble
7:55PM Push to gate
8:10PM Prop/Pit Entry – YOU MUST HAVE A WRISTBAND TO ENTER THE STADIUM, EVEN IF YOU ARE ONLY HELPING WITH EQUIPMENT/PROPS. PLEASE PURCHASE ONE IN ADVANCE.
8:20PM PERFORMANCE TIME!
8:35PM Push equipment/props to side & stack instruments
8:45PM Re-enter stadium for awards – GROUPS OF 4 OR MORE
8:55PM AWARDS!
Gahr students and parents always demonstrate class and professionalism. We clap and cheer for every band, NEVER speak negatively about another group, and proudly support our student leaders regardless of placement or score. We represent Gahr with pride, respect, and class at all times.
9:30PM Walk back to buses
9:45PM Load instruments/equipment/props
10:15PM Change out of uniform
10:30PM Snack
10:45PM Depart for Gahr HS
11:15PM Arrive / Unload Immediately
Everyone helps with 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.
PARENTS: Please do not park along the sidewalk by the Band Room. This area must remain clear for the buses to unload.
11:45PM Approximate Dismissal
BAND & COLOR GUARD PHOTO DAY – THIS SATURDAY 10/3
This Saturday, October 3rd, we will be taking band and color guard photos after our morning rehearsal/run-through. Please make sure to complete the photo order form your student received in class, or print the order form here.
All forms and payments must be turned in directly to the photographer on Saturday – DO NOT place photo payments in the band room drop box. Students may also take optional “Buddy Photos” for $5 per person. Please note that each student in the buddy photo must also purchase a photo package.
FAN-PLEDGE FUNDRAISER UNDERWAY!
We are off to an INCREDIBLE start! In just a few days, we’ve already surpassed what we raised during last year’s entire fundraiser and are more than 75% of the way to our $50,000 goal! Your support is helping us purchase additional Marching Band uniforms, Color Guard parade costumes, and new flags as we prepare for our 2027 performance trip to Walt Disney World!
There’s still plenty to compete for! The top individual fundraiser will win Apple AirPods, and the section with the highest average raised per student will earn a Pizza or Raising Cane’s party! Keep reaching out to contacts, making those personal phone calls, and sharing the fundraiser with family and friends.
Remember, Fan-Pledge is a program-wide fundraiser that benefits ALL of our students. Donations are not tied to individual student accounts. If everyone does their part, we can make sure the Gahr Band & Color Guard look as incredible as they sound when we represent our school at Walt Disney World!
PLEASE DONATE AND SHARE OUR LINK:
https://www.fpfans.com/625c81
SCSBOA ALL-SOUTHERN HONOR GROUP AUDITIONS
Students are encouraged to audition for the 2027 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.
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!
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 16, 2026. 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!
You can also purchase a program ad directly through our website! Please make sure you email your artwork to Mr. Loney at darren.loney@abcusd.us.
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 9, 2026
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 2027!! 🎓💙💛
SENIOR PARENT SHIRTS – CLASS OF 2027!
We are now taking pre-orders for our 2027 Senior Parent Shirts! These awesome, high-quality t-shirts feature designs from each of our seniors’ four Gahr Marching Gladiators field shows and are a great way to celebrate and support your favorite senior! Shirts are $25 each. Money and order forms are due this Wednesday, September 30th. Please contact Dee Dee at dvarney15@gmail.com with any questions.
WBA CHAMPIONSHIPS – PARENT HOTEL FILLING UP FAST!
Planning to travel to Fresno for the WBA Championships November 21-22? Our discounted Parent Hotel block is filling up FAST!
This year, the band will travel up early Saturday morning and stay one night, returning home late Sunday evening after WBA Grand Championships. We have a discounted parent room block at the Homewood Suites Fresno, located right across from where our students will be staying!
November 21-22 | $179 + tax
Complimentary Breakfast & Parking
The official booking deadline is October 22, but availability is limited. If you’re planning to attend, we strongly recommend reserving your room ASAP!
GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT – SIGN UPS!
We are excited to announce that the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament will take place on Saturday, November 7th, right here at Gahr High School! This year, we are proud to welcome over 30 bands from across Southern California for an incredible day of marching band!
Thank you so much to all the parents who came to our meeting this past Wednesday! Special thanks to Dee Dee Varney and Ida Barcelos for presenting and organizing the tournament.
This is the one competition you should NOT be sitting in the stands watching. The Gahr Invitational is our biggest event of the year, and it takes a huge team of volunteers to make it happen. We need ALL HANDS ON DECK!
From concessions and parking to tickets, hospitality, merchandise, and more, there are many ways to help throughout the day. We will have thousands of students, families, and spectators in attendance and cannot do it without your support.
If you haven’t signed up for a shift yet, please click here to sign up to volunteer.
Let’s make this the biggest and best Gahr Invitational yet! 💙💛
ATHLETIC CLEARANCE – COMPLETE ASAP
If you have not yet completed your 2026-27 Athletic Clearance, this must be completed ASAP.
All Marching Band & Color Guard students are required to complete athletic clearance each year through Home Campus and have a current athletic physical on file.
https://www.homecampus.com/login
After completing a physical exam, families will need to scan or take photos of both pages of the form and upload them to Home Campus as part of the athletic clearance process.
Click here to download the required physical evaluation form.
Students may also complete their athletic physical at Anderson Chiropractic Clinic in Los Alamitos for $20 cash. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment at (562) 594-6538.
PROGRAM DONATIONS – MARCHING BAND
The Gahr High School Band & Color Guard program is largely self-funded. Student donations make it possible for us to provide the outstanding educational and performance opportunities that define our program each year.
The 2026 Marching Band Program Donation is $775 per student. This donation directly supports essential program expenses, including instructional staff, music, equipment and instruments, uniforms and costumes, props, production materials, transportation, and more. This year’s donation also includes our trip to the Western Band Association Championships.
Families may submit the donation in full or according to the following payment schedule:
$250 – 1st Donation – Past Due June 1, 2026
$175 – 2nd Donation – Past Due July 20, 2026
$175 – 3rd Donation – Past Due August 21, 2026
$175 – 4th Donation – Due October 2, 2026
➡️ Click here to make a donation online
If your family is able to, we strongly encourage paying the full donation at the start of the season. Early donations help us purchase materials and cover significant upfront expenses such as props, equipment, instruments, registration fees, and other program needs.
Your support helps provide students with exceptional educational experiences while developing discipline, confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership – skills that extend far beyond the marching field.
Please Note: Program expenses are based on each student’s participation in the season, regardless of attendance at rehearsals, camps, or performances. Missing any portion of the season does not reduce the program’s expenses associated with that student.
Thank you for your continued support of the Gahr High School Band & Color Guard!
ASB CARD & TRANSPORTATION
Make sure you have paid for your student’s Gahr High School ASB Card ($85) and Transportation Fee ($90). These school fees are paid directly to Gahr High School at the Finance Office during school hours. Students who choose not to purchase an ASB Card will instead be required to pay the $225 Transportation Fee.
📆 IMPORTANT DATES
10/2 Home Football Game vs. Paramount / 4th Donation Due
10/3 Band & Guard Photo Day / South Coast Invitational @ Costa Mesa HS
10/8 Tacos with the Principal in the MPR
10/10 Ayala Music in Motion Tournament @ Ayala HS
10/12 Rehearsal 9AM-1PM
10/16 Home Football Game vs. California & SENIOR NIGHT!
10/17 Saturday Rehearsal 8:30AM-5PM
10/21 Cerritos College Jazz Exchange Concert!
10/23 BOA Rehearsal & Load from 3:30-6:00PM
10/24 Bands of America Southern California Regional
10/28 Red Robin Fundraiser – ALL DAY!
11/3 Mandatory Field Show Meeting @ the Stadium
11/7 Gahr Invitational Field Tournament
THIS WEEK:
MONDAY 9/28
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II – DO NOT BE LATE
3:30-6:00PM Marching Band Rehearsal
8:00PM OPTIONAL: Tom Kubis Big Band at the Gaslamp
TUESDAY 9/29
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II – DO NOT BE LATE
Study Hall during periods 4/5/6
After School – Do Homework and Eat Dinner
5:30-8:45PM Marching Band Rehearsal (Full run Mvt. 1 & 2)
WEDNESDAY 9/30
7:30AM Band Room open
3:30-4:30PM Wind Sectionals
THURSDAY 10/1
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II – DO NOT BE LATE
3:30-6:00PM Marching Band Rehearsal & Run-Through
FRIDAY 10/2
4TH DONATION DUE OF $175
NO JAZZ BAND
HOME FOOTBALL GAME VS. PARAMOUNT
After school — Hydrate and eat dinner (not provided)
5:00PM CALL TIME FOR ALL STUDENTS TO CHANGE INTO UNIFORM/COSTUME
5:15PM Warm up / Run pep tunes in Band Room
6:45PM Star-Spangled Banner
7:00PM Home Football Game vs. Paramount HS
8:15PM Half-time performance
**FRONT ENSEMBLE, COLOR GUARD, BATTERY PUSH BACK EQUIPMENT & CHANGE OUT OF UNIFORM AFTER HALFTIME.
9:30PM APPROXIMATE END TIME, BAND CHANGE OUT OF UNIFORM
HYDRATE AND GO TO BED ASAP!
SATURDAY 10/3
SOUTH COAST INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT
LOCATION: Costa Mesa High School
ADDRESS: 2650 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
MORE INFO: https://calstatebandchamps.org/events/south-coast-invitational-7/
NEXT WEEK:
MONDAY 10/5
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II
3:30-6:00PM Marching Band Rehearsal
TUESDAY 10/6
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II
Study Hall during periods 4/5/6
After School – Do Homework and Eat Dinner
5:30-8:45PM Marching Band Rehearsal
WEDNESDAY 10/7
7:30AM Band Room open
3:30-4:30PM Wind Sectionals
THURSDAY 10/8
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II
3:30-6:00PM Marching Band Rehearsal
6:00PM Tacos with the Principal (MPR)
FRIDAY 10/9
6:50AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II
3:30-5:00PM Jazz Sectionals!
SATURDAY 10/10
AYALA MUSIC IN MOTION TOURNAMENT!
LOCATION: Ayala High School
ADDRESS: 14255 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709
MORE INFO: https://www.westernbands.org/events/details.php?ID=1512