Congratulations on outstanding performances at the home football game on Friday and the Costa Mesa Field Tournament on Saturday! Gahr won 1st place in Division 6 Open and overall Tournament Sweepstakes! A huge THANK YOU to all the parents who helped over the two days with concessions, props, equipment, lunch, snacks, transportation, uniforms, costumes, and so much more.

We’ve got an important week of rehearsals as we gear up for the Ayala Music in Motion Tournament this Saturday, October 10th. Attendance is extremely important to ensure that we are able to have our best performance possible. Students who are not at rehearsal may not perform.

PARENTS: We need your help! Please sign up to volunteer here:
✅ Sign Up to Help at the Ayala Music In Motion Tournament
✅ Sign Up to Help with lunch on Monday
✨ Sign Up for the Booster Wishlist

BOOSTER WISHLIST – We are asking families to please support the program by donating items on the Booster Wishlist. These donations allow us to keep lunch at $5 for students and provide meals on competition days. Thank you for your support!

MONDAY REHEARSAL 9AM-4PM – This Monday, October 12th, we have an important rehearsal from 9:00AM-4:00PM to learn Movement 3 of our field show production. We need 100% attendance so that we can get everyone on the field and keep the production moving forward. Please bring $5 for lunch. Come ready to work and make the most of this important rehearsal.

JAZZ COACHES FRIDAY – This Friday, we will have jazz coaches coming in to work with each section of both bands from 3:30-5:30PM! Please make sure you come prepared by practicing your music individually, working through difficult sections, and listening to the recordings. You should already know your notes and rhythms before Friday so our coaches can focus on jazz style, articulation, and phrasing rather than teaching individual parts. Keep up the great work and come ready to make the most of our time with them!

PHOTO DAY POSTPONED – Due to the extreme heat, we had to postpone our originally scheduled Band & Color Guard Photo Day. We are currently working with our photographer to find a new date and will share the updated schedule as soon as it is confirmed. Please hang on to your photo order form and money for now. Students will turn everything in on the rescheduled Photo Day. Thank you for your understanding!

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. All students must be caught up with donations to participate in the WBA Championships trip.

HEAT & HYDRATION REMINDER – With the continued heat, it is extremely important that students hydrate 24 hours before rehearsal and continue drinking water throughout the day. It is mandatory to bring a 1-gallon water jug to every rehearsal and competition. Booster parents will continue providing ice water refill coolers on longer and hotter rehearsal days, but students should always arrive with a full water jug and be ready for rehearsal.

AYALA MUSIC IN MOTION TOURNAMENT THIS SATURDAY 10/10

The Ayala Music in Motion Field Tournament is this Saturday, October 10th! CALL TIME IS 8:00AM FOR REHEARSAL – DO NOT BE LATE. We will need all parents who are helping at the competition with equipment and props to be at rehearsal at 11:30AM for our 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 costume – bring your guard warm ups and everything you need for hair & make up. ALL STUDENTS MUST BRING A 1-GALLON WATER JUG TO COMPETITIONS TO STAY HYDRATED.

IMPORTANT: Our buses will be parking off-site after dropping us off at Ayala. Students need to take their concessions money and anything they will need for the evening with them. ANYTHING LEFT ON THE BUS WILL NOT BE ACCESSIBLE UNTIL AFTER THE COMPETITION.

Following our performance, students will return equipment and props to the trucks and then re-enter the stadium to watch the remaining bands and eat concessions, so students should bring $15-20 or Tap-to-Pay. Students will stay in full uniform/costume so that we are able to get back into the stadium quickly to watch the remaining bands. Students will be allowed to eat concessions in uniform, but please be extra careful not to spill anything. Color Guard may wear their warm ups over their costumes.

Students must stay in groups of 4 or more at all times, even when using the restroom. Once inside, you may not leave the stadium. Sit together as a group in the stands, represent our school with pride, and remember: GAHR IS A CLASS ACT AT ALL TIMES. We cheer respectfully for all bands and do not use phones or talk during performances – just as we would expect the same courtesy during ours.

SPECTATOR REMINDER: All spectators must purchase admission to the competition, even if you are helping with props or equipment. Student performers do not need to purchase admission. Please also note that there is a CLEAR BAG POLICY at this field tournament. Only small clear bags, one-gallon Ziplock bags, or small clutches are allowed. All other bags, including backpacks and large purses, must be left in vehicles.

AYALA MUSIC IN MOTION – FIELD TOURNAMENT ITINERARY
Saturday, October 10, 2026

Location: Bulldog Stadium - Ayala High School
Address: 14255 Peyton Dr., Chino Hills, CA 91709
Tickets/Show Info: https://www.westernbands.org/events/details.php?ID=1512
General Admission: $25 • Military/Senior/Kids 6–18: $20 • Kids 5 & Under: FREE
Spectator Parking: FREE

8:00AM CALL TIME / SET UP ASAP – DO NOT BE LATE
8:30AM Warm Up / Sections
9:30AM Full Ensemble Rehearsal
11:30AM Timed Full Run-Through – PARENT HELP NEEDED
ENTER SIDE A / EXIT SIDE B BACK
11:45AM Load
12:15PM Lunch (provided)
1:15PM Change into Full Uniform / Costume
2:15PM Put uniform bag with change of clothes/shoes on Z-Rack
2:45PM Load Buses
3:00PM Depart for Ayala HS – 14255 Peyton Dr., Chino Hills, CA 91709
4:00PM Bus Drop-Off / Restrooms / Snack / Unload
BUSES WILL BE PARKING OFF-SITE – TAKE EVERYTHING YOU NEED WITH YOU. ANYTHING LEFT ON THE BUS WILL NOT BE ACCESSIBLE UNTIL AFTER THE COMPETITION.
5:00PM Warm Up
6:30PM Music Ensemble
7:00PM Push to Gate
7:15PM Gate Time
7:25PM PERFORMANCE TIME!
7:35PM Push Back to Trucks ASAP
7:45PM Walk Back to Stadium ASAP (Band in full uniform / Guard can wear warm ups over costume)
7:55PM Re-Enter Stadium ASAP / Watch Bands / Eat Concessions
9:00PM Awards for 4A/5A
9:45PM Use Restroom / Walk Back to Buses
10:00PM Load ASAP / Change Out of Uniform/Costume
10:45PM Depart for Gahr HS
11:30PM Arrive at Gahr / Unload ASAP – EVERYONE HELPS
11:55PM Dismissal

FAN-PLEDGE FUNDRAISER — THANK YOU! 💙💛

Thank you to all of our Gahr Band & Color Guard families, friends, alumni, and supporters for the incredible support of our Fan-Pledge Fundraiser! We began this fundraiser with an original goal of $30,000, and because of your generosity, we have now raised an incredible $51,046 – more than $21,000 beyond our original goal!

And we’re not finished yet! Donations will continue to be accepted through October 19th.

Fan-Pledge is a program-wide fundraiser that benefits ALL of our students. Donations are not tied to individual student accounts. These funds will help us purchase additional Marching Band uniforms, Color Guard parade costumes, new flags, and other equipment needed to support our growing program. Our goal is to have these items ready for our upcoming 2027 performance trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

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! Here is the current leaderboard:

If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, or know family, friends, alumni, or community members who would like to support the program, please continue sharing our fundraiser through October 19th.

PLEASE DONATE AND SHARE OUR LINK:‍
https://www.fpfans.com/625c81

Thank you for the tremendous support of our students and the Gahr Instrumental Music Program!

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 Monday, October 19, 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 this 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!! 🎓💙💛

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!

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! 💙💛

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 – Past 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!

ATHLETIC CLEARANCE PAST DUE

If you have not yet completed your 2026-27 Athletic Clearance, it must be completed ASAP. All Marching Band & Color Guard students are required to complete athletic clearance through Home Campus. Families must complete the online clearance and upload both pages of the completed physical evaluation form to Home Campus.

Complete Athletic Clearance through Home Campus

Students who still need a physical may complete one at Anderson Chiropractic Clinic in Los Alamitos for $20 cash. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment at (562) 594-6538.

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

10/8 Tacos with the Principal in the MPR
10/9 Jazz Sectionals with Coaches 3:30-5:30PM
10/10 Ayala Music in Motion Tournament @ Ayala HS
10/12 Rehearsal 9AM-4PM (bring $5 for lunch)
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
11/11 Full Day Rehearsal (No School) 8:30AM-5PM
11/14 WBA Regional Championships
11/17 Mandatory Fresno Trip Parent Meeting at 7PM
11/20 WBA Rehearsal & Send-Off Performance 5-7PM
11/21 WBA Class 4A/5A Championships
11/22 WBA Grand Championships

THIS 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
3:30-5:30PM Jazz Sectionals with Coaches

SATURDAY 10/10
AYALA MUSIC IN MOTION TOURNAMENT!
LOCATION: Ayala High School
ADDRESS: 14255 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709
INFO:‍ https://www.westernbands.org/events/details.php?ID=1512
VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-66153806-101026#/

8:00AM CALL TIME TO SET UP FOR REHEARSAL – DO NOT BE LATE