FESTIVAL SOLO VIDEOS DUE THIS WEEK
Thank you to everyone who supported the program by purchasing a Sax-y Gram!! Special thanks to our saxmen and saxwomen who made this fundraiser possible. We have another short week, and every student in the program will be recording their final video for our Solo Festival. Remember tomorrow, Tuesday 2/16 is periods 1/3/5/7. We also resume our wind sectionals starting tomorrow after school.
ON-CAMPUS PRACTICE UPDATE: Due to new guidelines from the state and LA County, it may be possible for band and color guard to begin practicing soon in small groups. We are still coordinating the logistics of this with athletics and with the school on allowing our instructional staff on campus. If we are able to make this happen for our students, it would be approximately 1 hour per week after school, 100% optional, and following all state, county, and district guidelines.
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SOLO FESTIVAL 2/22-2/25
All students will be recording final videos this week for our 1st ever Solo Festival! STUDENTS: We will be scheduling time slots where you will play your pre-recorded solo performance for an adjudicator and receive feedback. Each student will only have a 10 minute window, but please block out next week from February 22-25 from 3-5PM each day. Let Mr. Loney know ASAP if you are unable to make any of those possible days/times. In addition to verbal feedback, you’ll receive a festival rating, and you’ll also be in the running for placement medals. This should be a fun experience, but make sure you practice every day and work hard this week leading up to your video recording. Good luck!
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WIND SECTIONALS THIS WEEK
All winds have sectionals tomorrow 2/16, except clarinets that are on Friday. In addition to being part of your grade, sectionals are a valuable way to make improvements and get extra help in a smaller group setting. Arrive early, rename yourself with your section, and use the 7th period Zoom link for your sectional.
FLUTES: Tuesday 2/16 from 2:30-3:20PM
CLARINETS/BASS CLARINETS: Friday 2/19 from 2:05-2:55PM
ALL SAXOPHONES: Tuesday 2/16 from 2:30-3:20PM
TRUMPETS: Tuesday 2/16 from 2:05-2:55PM
HORNS: Tuesday 2/16 from 2:05-2:55PM
TROMBONES/BARITONES: Tuesday 2/16 from 2:05-2:55PM
TUBAS: Tuesday 2/16 from 2:05-2:55PM
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2ND SEMESTER DONATION PAST DUE
The 2nd semester donation of $150 was due Friday, February 5th. We are unable to continue to afford coaches, music, or end-of-year awards without your donation. Please use the link below to pay your donation online, or if you did fundraisers and have a credit, you can use the other link to pay a specific amount. If you need to work out additional fundraisers or a payment plan, please email Mr. Darren Loney, Director of Bands, at darren.loney@abcusd.us.
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ABCUSD VIRTUAL HONOR BAND
We are pleased to announce that the conductor for the 2021 ABCUSD Virtual Honor Band will be Dr. Jermie Arnold from California State University, Long Beach! This is a wonderful opportunity for winds and percussionists to work with an incredibly talented guest conductor on new and challenging literature. We are currently aiming for just one piece and two Zoom rehearsals in an effort to lower the time commitment required. Don’t miss out on this fun and exciting experience!
TENTATIVE DATES:
Music should be released this week.
2/28 Honor Band audition videos deadline
3/15-3/26 Rehearsal window with guest conductor
3/28 Final Honor Band video due
4/15 ABC Virtual Honor Band Concert!
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KEEPSAKE PILLOWS ARE HERE!
Uniform pillows are now in stock!! Our old marching band uniforms have been transformed into beautiful, keepsake pillows! Each pillow is $65, approximately 15” x 15”, and is professionally handmade. We currently have approximately 5 pillows left IN STOCK - first come, first served. If you pre-ordered a pillow and have not received it yet, please let Mr. Loney know. Thank you!
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SAVE THE DATE: CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER 2/24
Please join us for a “Dinner Night Out” on Wednesday, February 24th from 5-9PM at Chipotle in the Los Cerritos Mall at 33% will be donated to the Gahr Marching Gladiators! Make sure you show the flyer or order on chipotle.com with the promo code “6YA2RTD” before checkout.
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THIS WEEK:
MONDAY 2/15
NO SCHOOL
Video Assignments Due on Google Classroom
TUESDAY 2/16
PERIODS 1/3/5/7
9:37AM 3rd period Wind Ensemble
10:47AM 5th period Wind Ensemble
12:50PM 7th period Marching Band
2:05-2:55PM ALL BRASS SECTIONALS
2:30-3:20PM FLUTE & SAXOPHONE SECTIONALS
WEDNESDAY 2/17
9:37AM 3rd period attendance
PRACTICE SOLOS
THURSDAY 2/18
FESTIVAL TIME SLOTS
9:37AM 3rd period Wind Ensemble
10:47AM 5th period Wind Ensemble
12:50PM 7th period Marching Band
Color Guard rehearsal until 2:30PM
FRIDAY 2/19
9:37AM 4th period Concert Band
10:47AM 6th period Percussion
12:50PM 8th period Color Guard
2:05-2:55PM Clarinet/Bass Clarinet Sectional