BACK TO SCHOOL UPDATE!
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY SO WE CAN GET OFF TO A GREAT START!
First off, I hope everyone is doing well as you prepare both mentally and physically for school starting! Congratulations on a fantastic Virtual Band Camp last week!! We had over 120 students participate online across all four days. It was so encouraging to see our students engaged and learning, as well as the high level of teaching by our instructors! Special thanks to our student leaders who helped organize games and activities, and congratulations to the Color Guard who were the overall winners of Spirit Week!!
As part of last week’s rehearsals, students submitted video assignments through Google Classroom. These individual videos were combined TOGETHER to create our first virtual ensemble performance of the year!! Please feel free to share this video!
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GAHR HIGH SCHOOL VIRTUAL ACADEMY 💻
Please visit Gahr High School’s Virtual Academy Kick-Off page with important information for the start of the year. You’ll find the Virtual Academy schedule, distance learning guidelines, and much more.
ATHLETIC CLEARANCE ⁉️
Are you confused about how Athletic Clearance works this year?? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! With the transition from paper to digital, there have been a few bumps along the way. Here’s the most up-to-date information!
All students must register through the Family ID website:
https://www.familyid.com/gahr-high-school
Once you’re registered, download the “Physical Evaluation” form. Print out the form and take it with you so the physician can complete it during your physical exam.
This is an updated list of walk-in clinics who are currently doing physicals. Call ahead to schedule an appointment, but most of the time you can get in the same day. These are typically around $20, and they usually prefer cash.
Dr. Jess J. Soria III
Phone: (562) 924-5009
Address: 19112 Gridley Rd #102, Cerritos, CA 90703
Sheila Weddle, DC, CCSP
Phone: (562) 866-8384
Address: 5687 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood, CA 90713
Dr. Richard Anderson
Phone: (562) 594-6538
Address: 10671 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, CA 90720
In addition to these walk-in clinics, you may also schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. This is a great way to make sure your student is current with vaccines and the latest flu shot.
After you finish your physical, upload your paperwork to the Family ID website. Because there are no competitions this first semester, you do not need to pay any transportation or ASB fees at this point. Please note that you will need to pay these fees if competitions resume second semester. Let me know if you have any other questions.
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WIND ENSEMBLE & JAZZ BAND UPDATE 🎺
This year, all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade wind players have been placed into Wind Ensemble. We have temporarily paused Jazz Band and opted to instead split the Wind Ensemble into two sections. Wind Ensemble third period will primarily be 10th, 11th, and 12th grade BRASS players, and Wind Ensemble fifth period will be 10th, 11th, and 12th grade WOODWIND players. If you are a returner wind player who has a schedule conflict with another class, please let your counselor know and we might be able to move you to the other section. If you’re still interested in Jazz Band, stay tuned for some after school practices once the year gets going!
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NEW GOOGLE CLASSROOM CODES! 👨💻
After working so hard to get everyone into Google Classrooms, we will now be using NEW Google Classrooms that were created by the district! Yay!! You should have already received and accepted invitations through your district email for the classes you’re enrolled in. If you didn’t receive an invitation, please email Mr. Loney at darren.loney@abcusd.us, or use the class codes below to manually add the class.
WE WILL BE USING ZOOM FOR ALL CLASSES IN THE GAHR INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM. Each class period has its own unique link. Make sure you bookmark the Zoom links for your classes. If you haven’t yet, I would highly recommend you make your own Zoom account and download the Zoom app to your Chromebook.
3RD PERIOD - WIND ENSEMBLE
10th, 11th, and 12th grade BRASS
Mondays & Thursdays from 9:37-10:47AM
New Google Classroom code: t7dqyc3
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83744561541?pwd=dzd1aHdlcGxabjhZeWFSelRFVllvdz09
4TH PERIOD - CONCERT BAND
All 9th grade wind players
Tuesdays & Fridays from 9:37-10:47AM
New Google Classroom code: fz3chph
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84245774581?pwd=RWVmVUZpNmVWbXcvNlNEbjZhSEZpdz09
5TH PERIOD - WIND ENSEMBLE
10th, 11th, and 12th grade WOODWINDS
Mondays & Thursdays from 10:57AM-12:07PM
New Google Classroom code: jo3saor
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88980416039?pwd=V1I1RTl1ZU5kcnhUeXN6NzFQbUpNUT09
6TH PERIOD - PERCUSSION
All front ensemble and battery percussionists
Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:57AM-12:07PM
New Google Classroom code: onuzqew
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81562620701?pwd=emxQaHFhamRLeEpJWjRhNHozUnp6Zz09
7TH PERIOD - MARCHING BAND
All winds, percussion, and color guard in the entire program
Mondays & Thursdays from 12:50-2:00PM
New Google Classroom code: fxstcgo
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88087738086?pwd=WTJncXpwdm45ZmpuQllubDNvYzVkUT09
8TH PERIOD - COLOR GUARD
All color guard students
Tuesdays & Fridays from 12:50-2:00PM
New Google Classroom code: yigg5ru
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82333400962?pwd=REhEdGo3K0tiZnZhYVNISGRTVzUvUT09
Wind players will have one after school sectional from 2:30-3:30PM with Mr. Loney every other week. This will be primarily focused on learning new music. These rehearsals are a part of your grade and will cover information specific to your section. You will always use the “P7-Marching Band” Zoom link for these rehearsals.
WEEK A —
Monday: Flutes
Tuesday: Clarinets
Thursday: Alto Sax, Horns
WEEK B —
Monday: Trumpets
Tuesday: Tenor Sax, Trombone, Baritone
Thursday: Tubas, Low Reeds
The sectional schedule might change slightly once we get going, so please be flexible. We will also be announcing Battery, Front Ensemble, and Color Guard sectionals as well.
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REMIND AND THE BAND APP 📣
In addition to Remind messages, this year we will be the BAND app! The BAND app has many more features, including an updated program calendar and the ability to upload PDFs, MP3s, photos, videos, and much more. Please make sure you download these apps so you don’t miss out on announcements!
REMIND - sign up by grade level
Freshmen: https://www.remind.com/join/music2024
Sophomores: https://www.remind.com/join/music2023
Juniors: https://www.remind.com/join/music2022
Seniors: https://www.remind.com/join/music2021
BAND app - https://band.us/n/a8ab31y22e05b
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GOLF CART FUNDRAISER UPDATE
WE DID IT!!! Thanks to the generosity of our students, parents, alumni, and supporters - we raised over $4,500 to purchase a utility golf cart for the band! We will now be able to hit the ground DRIVING once campus opens up!
Special thanks to two past band alumni who helped put us over the top:
Glenn Fuss, Class of '69 - $1,000 donation
Paul Sendldorfer, Class of '74 - $800 donation
Thank you again to everyone who supported this campaign!!
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NEXT PARENT MEETING — SEPTEMBER 2ND
We encourage you to join us for our next Parent Meeting on Wednesday, September 2nd at 6:30PM! This is the best way to stay in the loop of what is going with the Gahr Instrumental Music Program and your student. We look forward to seeing you there!
Meetings are always open to ANY parent — however, if you would like to become an “official” booster member, click the link below to purchase your membership! Your membership includes a t-shirt and lanyard. Because we do not have a field show this semester, we are creating a special “Gahr Marching Gladiators” t-shirt that will be included in your booster membership!
FALL SEMESTER DONATION PAST DUE
The fall semester donation of $150 was due August 3rd. Your donation helps pay for coaches, music, and materials during the entire first semester. We are planning to bring in instructors on a weekly basis for all classes, but are unable to do this without your donation.
We accept checks made to "Gahr Band Boosters," cash, or you can make the first semester donation online. If you raised money by selling Popcornopolis, please use this link to make a donation of a specific amount.
If you need to work out additional fundraisers or a payment plan, please email Mr. Loney, Director of Bands, at darren.loney@abcusd.us.
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INSTRUMENT & EQUIPMENT DONATION
There is a $35 Instrument & Equipment Donation for wind players using a school instrument and students in the battery, front ensemble, and color guard. This helps cover basic wear and tear on the instruments; pays for "consumable" items such as drum heads, sticks, and mallets; and gives us funds to provide school flags and rifles.
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KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND STAY POSITIVE!
Our vision and mission stand strong, regardless of the current circumstances. We will continue to have the highest of expectations for character and performance, and will be taking this time to learn, condition, and grow through these experiences. Our priority is to provide the best music education to our students and strive for the next level of excellence. Have a great first week of school and see you Monday!!
