BACK TO SCHOOL!
Hope you had a good week off, and congratulations again on an awesome three weeks of Band Camp! We capped it off with a fantastic Sneak Preview Concert last Friday at Ross Middle School!! We would like to thank all the parents who made Band Camp possible — from check-in, to donations, to lunch prep, to serving, to the concert — we could not have done it without you. We have an incredible parent team this year, and it's not too late to be a part of the fun! Join us at our Kick-Off Booster Meeting on Wednesday, August 31st at 6:30PM in the Band Room. There’s also still time to become an official Gahr Band Booster — click here to purchase your booster membership which includes a 2022 field show t-shirt & Gahr Marching Gladiators lanyard. THANK YOU to everyone who supported the music program by going to 7Leaves last week! We have a busy week with after school practices and our first Saturday rehearsal from 9AM-5PM. Please read below for the complete schedule.
The 2nd Donation of $150 is due this Monday, August 22.
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THREE IMPORTANT UPDATES — This Friday’s football game has been changed to an away game, so we will not be sending our band to perform. Our first “home” football game will be the following week, Friday, September 2nd at Artesia High School. Starting Monday, August 29th, the battery section will have Monday rehearsals from 6:00-8:30PM (instead of 3:30-5:30PM). Due to the stadium construction, we do not currently have a lighted practice field for our Tuesday evening rehearsals. We MAY need to move Tuesday’s practices to after school from 3:30-6:00PM starting next week, Tuesday, August 30th. We will have an answer ASAP based on staffing availability.
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REQUIRED ITEMS — In addition to the black marching shoes on the Marching Band Order Form that was already due, ALL BAND STUDENTS WILL NEED A BLACK SLEEVELESS COMPRESSION T-SHIRT, BLACK COMPRESSION SHORTS, AND LONG BLACK SOCKS. You can also get these items even cheaper at Big 5 Sporting Goods. ALL WIND PLAYERS WILL NEED A FLIP FOLDER & LYRE FOR PEP TUNES (available from Mr. Loney ranging from $5-20 depending on the instrument they play). ALL MARCHING MEMBERS (WINDS, BATTERY, GUARD) NEED A DOT BOOK (3x5 spiral-bound index card notebook available from Mr. Loney for $2). Students must wear a hat, athletic clothes, athletic/tennis shoes (no sandals or converse), sunscreen, and bring a 1-gallon water jug to ALL rehearsals. You may keep these items in your cubby during school. Make sure you're continuing to hydrate 24 hours ahead of time, eat breakfast & lunch, and get plenty of rest.
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1. MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE — Rehearsals start on time, so please use the restroom and change immediately after school. Make sure you bring dinner or have a plan to eat before evening practices. This is the 7th period marching band practice schedule:
MONDAYS
3:30-5:30PM Winds, Front Ensemble, and Battery*
*BATTERY WILL BE MOVING TO 6-8:30PM BEGINNING NEXT MONDAY 8/29.TUESDAYS
Homework time during class period
5:30-8:30PM Everyone**
**WE MAY BE MOVING TO 3:30-6PM STARTING 8/30 UNTIL THE STADIUM IS FINISHED.WEDNESDAYS
6th Period-5:30PM Color Guard onlyTHURSDAYS
3:30-6:00PM Everyone
***If we have a football game, we typically have rehearsal and a run-through after school. Some games are on Thursdays and some are on Fridays.
****Rehearsals start and end at the scheduled time. Please allow up to 15-20 minutes after rehearsal for students to put away equipment and walk back. This also depends on what instrument they play and the rehearsal location.
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2. UNIFORM FITTING THIS WEEK — We will be fitting all band students (winds & percussion) for their uniforms. Students will need to bring their black sleeveless compression shirt, black compression shorts, and long black socks. All returners should also bring their black marching shoes (if you are new and don’t have the shoes, we will have some you can borrow). This is the schedule for uniform fitting:
Seniors/Juniors: This Tuesday 8/23 at 4PM in the Portable
Sophomores: This Thursday 8/25 at 6PM in the Portable
Freshmen: This Friday 8/26 at 3:30PM in the Portable
2. REHEARSAL THIS SATURDAY 8/27 — We have an important marching band rehearsal this Saturday, August 27th from 9AM-5PM. We will be covering A LOT of new material and are hoping to begin learning drill. Make sure you always hydrate the day before because we will typically be out on our practice field the entire day. This will be a similar schedule to a day of Band Camp and we will have lunch available for just $5. PARENTS: We will be sending out a Sign Up Genius on Monday for lunch donations and help cooking/serving. Thank you!!
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3. 2ND DONATION — The 2nd donation of $150 is due on Monday 8/22 in the Drop Box. We accept checks payable to “Gahr Band Boosters,” cash, or you can pay online. It is critical that all donations are turned in on time. We cannot pay our instructional staff, purchase materials for props, or register for competitions without your contribution. Please communicate with Mr. Loney if you have any issues.
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4. JOIN THE JAZZ BAND — Be a part of the Gahr High School Jazz Band! This year, zero period Jazz Band starts at 7:20AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It also counts for HONORS CREDIT! In addition to jazz, we also play other fun music styles such as Latin, funk, and rock. We are looking for saxophones, trumpets, trombones, drumset, guitar, bass (electric/upright), and piano. This may also be a good opportunity to learn a secondary instrument. Let Mr. Loney know if you’re interested or if you have any questions! Our first Jazz Band rehearsal is this Tuesday, August 23rd at 7:20AM in the Band Room!
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5. COURSE CHANGES — Is something not right on your class schedule? All students in the music program should have one class during the school day — either Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion, or Color Guard. Everyone should also have 7th period Marching Band. This counts for your PE credit, so you shouldn’t have a PE class in your schedule. Optionally, you may also have zero period Jazz Band. If something isn’t correct, students and parents will need to fill out the Course Change Request Form ASAP.
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6. MARCHING BAND & GUARD ORDER FORM PAST DUE — There are several required items you will need to be in the marching band. Many of these items should be a one-time purchase that can be reused year after year. If you are in the winds or percussion sections, you will need a Gahr Marching Gladiators Hoodie and Black Drillmasters Marching Shoes. If you are in the color guard section, you will need ALL of the items listed on the color guard order form. Any color guard members who already have warm ups do not need to purchase new ones.
7. BAND JACKET — Get your official Gahr Marching Gladiators Band Jacket! Jackets are $120.00 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 THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 26. Click here to download the jacket order form.
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8. FIELD SHOW PROGRAM ADS — Advertise in our event program for the Gahr Invitational Field Tournament, held on Saturday, November 5, 2022! The deadline for all advertisements is Friday, October 7, 2022. We cannot accept late ads once the program is sent to the printer. Click here to download the form.
Many local businesses are looking for ways to advertise to the community. This is also a great opportunity to put a "shout-out" for your son/daughter in the program! Best of all, students earn 90% of profit from program ads! You can now also purchase a program ad through our website. Just make sure you email the ad to Mr. Loney at darren.loney@abcusd.us.
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8. STUDENT SPONSORSHIP LETTER — The Student Sponsorship Letter is a great way to raise money for marching band, Winter Drumline, Winter Guard, or even the Hawaii trip! 100% of the money sponsorships goes directly to your student account. While these may take a few hours to complete and mail out, the return on investment is HUGE, and many students raise $500+ if done properly. Click here to download the instructions and letter.
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9. ATHLETIC CLEARANCE PAST DUE — All new AND RETURNING STUDENTS must complete their athletic clearance to be admitted into the band or color guard. Here are the steps to complete athletic clearance:
STEP 1 - Get a physical exam. You need to bring a print out of Gahr’s Physical Evaluation Form for the doctor to fill out. It is highly recommend to use a walk-in clinic instead of scheduling this with your primary care physician. If you are looking for a clinic, this one is available for $30 cash but you must call ahead for an appointment:
Sheila Weddle, DC, CCSP
Phone: (562) 866-8384
Address: 5687 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood, CA 90713
SETP 2 - Take a photo of the form. Click here for instructions on how to use your iPhone as a document scanner.
SETP 3 - Register and upload your form on the Family ID website: https://www.familyid.com/gahr-high-school
When you complete the clearance, it will ask if you would like to purchase an ASB card and pay for transportation. You can do this on the FamilyID website, the Gahr High School webstore, or in-person at the finance office.
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10. REGISTRATION FEE DUE TO WORLDSTRIDES — Click here to download the itinerary and payment sheet. The performance trip includes accommodations for 6 days and 5 nights, a performance at the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor, a clinic at the University of Hawaii, a visit to Diamond Head State Monument, a dolphin and snorkeling excursion, a luau, and more. All participants should have signed up on WorldStrides and have paid the $269 Registration Fee. All payments at this point should be made directly to WorldStrides. Your initial deposit of $100 is applied to your final balance (last payment). The next payment of $267 is due on September 1st. Please follow the instructions below if you still need to register and get caught up with payments:
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11. FOOTBALL GAME NEXT FRIDAY 9/2 — Next Friday we have our first “Home” Football Game vs. Heritage Christian HS! Because the stadium is still under construction, the game will take place at Artesia HS. The band and drumline typically play pep tunes and cadences throughout the game, and at half-time the Gahr Marching Gladiators will perform some of our 2022 field show production. Call time will be 5:30PM to bus to Artesia HS. Attire will be the same as the Band Camp Sneak Preview — Winds wear the field show t-shirt, jeans, and athletic shoes. Color Guard wears the field show t-shirt, black leggings, and black athletic shoes.
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12. FUNDRIVE CLOTHING DONATION EVENT 9/17 — Clean out your closets and win a $40 Amazon Gift Card! We’re collecting men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, coats, scarves, ties, belts, bedding, comforters, blankets, towels, linens, pillows, and more! Place donated items into 13-gallon kitchen trash bags. All items must be clean and in sellable condition. We’re asking each family to donate a minimum of three (3) bags.
DROP-OFF: Please drop off bags at Gahr High School on Saturday, September 17th from 9AM-2PM.
BONUS: We’re raffling off a $40 Amazon gift card! Each student who donates three full bags will receive one (1) raffle ticket. If you donate five full trash bags you’ll receive two (2) raffle tickets!
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13. GET YOUR OFFICIAL BOOSTER MEMBERSHIP — Become an official Gahr Band Booster Member! You’ll receive a high-quality embroidered lanyard and a 2022 field show t-shirt. You can wear your shirt to home football games and get in free when you volunteer at our concessions stand! Membership is just $25 per person.
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14. INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT DONATION — There is a $35 Instrument/Equipment Donation for all members of the battery, the front ensemble, the color guard, and any wind players who are using a school instrument. For color guard this helps pay for school equipment including flag silks, rifles, and sabers. For percussionists, this helps cover drum heads, sticks, mallets, etc. Thank you!
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15. SIGN UP FOR REMIND ANNOUNCEMENTS — If you’re not getting Remind text messages, please take a moment to sign up now by your student’s grade level. This is our primary method of communication.
FRESHMEN: Text "@music2026" TO: 81010
SOPHOMORES: Text "@music2025" TO: 81010
JUNIORS: Text "@music2024" TO: 81010
SENIORS: Text "@music2023" TO: 81010
If you are a student, please also sign up to use “Slack” for important rehearsal communication:
https://join.slack.com/t/gahrband/shared_invite/zt-1a9al3s2v-mqytQ9nRPPVnRnZgaE86kQ
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THIS WEEK:
MONDAY 8/22
SCHOOL STARTS! BAND ROOM WILL BE OPEN TO DROP OFF INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT, REHEARSAL CLOTHES/SHOES, AND WATER JUG.
NO ZERO PERIOD JAZZ BAND
Arrive early to pick up your class schedule in the morning.
3:15-3:30PM Come to the Band Room, change into athletic clothes/shoes, wear hat, get water jug.
3:30-5:30PM Winds, Front Ensemble, and Battery* rehearsal
*Battery will be moving to 6:00-8:30PM starting next week, Monday 8/29.
TUESDAY 8/23
7:20AM Jazz Band starts!
STUDY HALL DURING CLASS PERIOD
AFTER SCHOOL: Do your homework, eat dinner, and hydrate.
4:00PM SENIOR & JUNIOR Band Uniform Fitting in Portable (bring compression gear and marching shoes)
5:00PM Set up for rehearsal
5:30-8:30PM Rehearsal (everyone)
WEDNESDAY 8/24
NO ZERO PERIOD JAZZ BAND ON WEDNESDAYS
6th Period-5:30PM Color Guard Only
3:30-4:30PM Sectionals (optional)
THURSDAY 8/25
7:20AM Jazz Band
3:30-6:00PM Rehearsal (everyone)
6:00PM SOPHOMORE Band Uniform Fitting in Portable (bring compression gear and marching shoes)
FRIDAY 8/26
7:20AM Jazz Band
NO HOME FOOTBALL GAME
3:30PM FRESHMEN Band Uniform Fitting in Portable (bring compression gear)
DRINK A LOT OF WATER BEFORE YOU GO TO BED
SATURDAY 8/27
IMPORTANT SATURDAY REHEARSAL 9AM-5PM
ALL MARCHING MEMBERS (WINDS, BATTERY, GUARD) WILL NEED A DOT BOOK (3x5 spiral-bound index card notebook) AND PENCIL. You can buy a dot book from Mr. Loney for $2.
Hydrate and eat a good breakfast. Wear athletic clothes/shoes, hat. Bring water and $5 for lunch.
7:45AM Band Room open
8:59AM-12:00PM Rehearsal Block 1
12:00-1:00PM Lunch (bring $5)
1:00-5:00PM Rehearsal Block 2