MINI-CAMP UPDATE AND WBA SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT
Congratulations on an incredible three days of mini-camps! This was our first, full-scale set of online rehearsals, and we had nearly 120 students participating simultaneously across breakout rooms for woodwinds, brass, battery, front ensemble, and color guard. We would like to thank our instructional staff and boosters for making these camps possible. Special thanks to the following students who were nominated by our staff and leaders for their outstanding participation! STUDENTS: Please make sure you are continuing to practice and keep up with any video assignments from your instructors. We look forward to seeing you at our next set of online mini-camps July 21-23, from 2-5PM each day.
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WBA CANCELATION
This weekend, the Western Band Association (WBA) formally announced the cancelation of all regularly scheduled events for the Fall 2020 season. This news comes during an already difficult time for all of us. We have not yet heard from the California State Band Championships (CSBC) circuit, but unfortunately are anticipating a similar decision.
For all of our current members and supporters, we want to assure you that our marching band program is NOT canceled. While we may not be able to compete as we normally would, 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 to continue to strive for the next level of excellence.
Please be assured that your band director, boosters, and instructional staff have gone to extraordinary lengths to create new and exciting performance-based opportunities, while adhering to county and district guidelines. In addition to continuing to create virtual performances, we may be participating in virtual festivals, honor bands, individual & ensemble festivals, and various education events and clinics. Our staff has also begun work on designing an “Indoor Winds” marching band production for second semester that would include winds, percussion, and color guard.
Thank you for your commitment and dedication as we continue navigating the pandemic together. We will do everything we can to make this year worthwhile and memorable. This is temporary and we will get through this.
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UPCOMING REHEARSALS 📆
Mini-Band Camp (online)
July 21-23 from 2-5PM
Band Camp (in-person, tentative)
August 3-7 from 8:30AM-5PM
Band Camp (in-person, tentative)
August 10-14 from 8:30AM-5PM
Band Camp (in-person, tentative)
August 17-21 from 8:30AM-5PM
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POPCORNOPOLIS FUNDRAISER! 🍿
We are once again pleased to feature gourmet popcorn from Popcornopolis! These products make great gifts and are equally welcome as everyday snacks. ALL FAMILIES MUST SELL A MINIMUM OF FIVE (5) BAGS (OR TURN IN $25 PROFIT). The profit from all bags sold thereafter (50% of the cost) go to students’ account. This is a great way to raise money for your marching band donations. Popcornopolis comes vacuum sealed for freshness and safety. The student who sells the most bags will win a $50 Visa Gift Card!!
Fundraiser kickoff: Tuesday, July 7th
Orders due: Wednesday, July 22nd
Sell a minimum of five (5) bags
Collect money when taking orders
Make checks payable to “Gahr Band Boosters”
Be sure to write the seller and organization name on the top of your order form
Promote to family, friends, coworkers & social-media circle to maximize sales
The Band Room will be open on Tuesday, July 21st and Wednesday, July 22nd from 9AM-5PM to turn in Popcornopolis orders and money. All orders and money must be submitted by Wednesday, July 22nd.
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PHYSICAL EXAM UPDATE 🩺
UPDATE: For the 2020-21 school year, Athletic Clearance packets will be completed online through a third party vendor. The link will be posted to the Gahr High School website it becomes available. At this time, please wait to complete your physical exam.
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ONLINE MINI-CAMPS RESUME JULY 21-23! 💻
Mini-Band Camp is for ALL STUDENTS and will be taking place online July 21-23rd from 2-5PM each day. There will be separate meeting links for winds, battery, front ensemble, and color guard. Even though we may not have a competitive marching season, students will still be able to learn from our instructors and continue developing their musicianship and performance skills. STUDENTS: Make sure you have a reliable internet connection, access to Zoom, and your instrument/equipment.
Band Camp is TENTATIVELY in-person starting Monday, August 3rd. As we get closer, we will have detailed procedures that are aligned with the national and district guidelines for marching band practice. The length of rehearsals and size of sections on campus may be reduced depending on what we can do safely. Please stay tuned for what the daily check-in procedure and guidelines will look like.
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GOOGLE CLASSROOM 👨🏫
All new students and returners need to sign up for the “Marching Band” course on Google Classroom using the class code: ppjhupg. This is for ALL SECTIONS in the band program and where we will post important information and assignments. WINDS - Your first video assignment is due Thursday, July 16th.
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PAY THE 1ST DONATION OF $150 🎶
The deadline for the first donation of $150 is Monday, August 3rd. This first donation is crucial to provide instruction and music. The bare-minimum plan for hybrid or online instruction might still be able to include coaching on a weekly basis. This specialized instruction inspires students to keep at it, a valuable skill they can apply to their other classes.
We accept checks made to "Gahr Band Boosters," cash, or you can pay online here: https://gahrband.org/store/marching-band-donation. If you need to work out additional fundraisers or a different donation plan, please speak to Mr. Loney.
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INSTRUMENT & EQUIPMENT DONATION OF $35 🥁
There is a $35 Instrument & Equipment Donation for all winds players who need a school instrument, in addition to all the members of the battery, front ensemble, and color guard. For percussionists, this helps to cover "consumable" items such as drum heads and cables, and also ensures students have their own sticks or mallets. For color guard, this allows students to have their own flags and rifles.
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BUY A FACE MASK… OR THREE! 😷
As wearing face masks has become a regular part of daily life, do your part to slow the spread of the virus while supporting the Gahr Marching Gladiators! This cotton mask is super comfortable and breathable. It is recommended that reusable face masks be washed daily, so consider getting enough for the week. Save money when you purchase a 3-pack!
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BAND REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT ✅
All new and returning students must fill out the Band Registration and Participation Agreement: https://forms.gle/Dc2NkHqjdcQfnjxW8. This tells me that you are in the program and helps me contact you with important information.
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GET YOUR BAND CAMP GEAR! 🧢
Water jug (labeled with your name)
Hat (with a brim)
Athletic clothing
Athletic shoes (no Vans)
Sunscreen
Mask (worn at all times)
Black 3-ring binder with sheet protectors
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STAY IN CONTACT 📣
WEBSITE: www.gahrband.org
INSTAGRAM: Follow us @gahrband
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/gahrband
REMIND: Freshmen text "@music2024” to “81010”
EMAIL: darren.loney@abcusd.us
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