BANDS OF AMERICA REGIONAL SATURDAY
WE HAVE A BIG WEEK AHEAD WITH BANDS OF AMERICA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS SATURDAY AT ETIWANDA HS! PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE FULL ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL TUESDAY 3:30-6PM, NO REHEARSAL THURSDAY (HALLOWEEN), AND REHEARSAL FRIDAY 3:30-6PM. THIS IS CRUNCH TIME – WE NEED ALL STUDENTS TO BE IN ATTENDANCE AT ALL REHEARSALS AS WE FINISH LEARNING THE SHOW THIS WEEK.
PLEASE JOIN US THIS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH AT 6:30PM FOR OUR MONTHLY PARENT BOOSTER MEETING IN THE BAND ROOM. THE WBA CHAMPIONSHIPS PAYMENT OF $250 IS DUE THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST. WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR THE BANDS OF AMERICA COMPETITION THIS SATURDAY!! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO HELP.
Good work this past week at the Homecoming Rally, Senior Night and Homecoming Football Game, and Saturday’s practice finishing Movement 3! We have a super important week as we finish preparing for Saturday’s competition. We have full ensemble rehearsal on Tuesday from 3:30-6:00PM, no rehearsal on Thursday (Halloween), and a rehearsal/run-through on Friday from 3:30-6:00PM. Please note that we will be loading PROPS on Friday following the run-through. This is crunch time – we need 100% on-time attendance this week. Make sure you’re staying on top of your homework, continue hydrating, wash your hands, and stay healthy.
BANDS OF AMERICA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – This Saturday 11/2 is the Bands of America California Regional Championship at Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga. This is an all day event with a performance in the afternoon in Prelims and the possibility of performing again in the evening for Finals.
STUDENT CALL TIME IS 7:50AM – DO NOT BE LATE. Make sure you pack everything you need for the competition the night before, including your water jug, money for two meals (early dinner concessions and possibly dinner offsite), everything for full uniform – black sleeveless compression shirt, black compression shorts, LONG black socks, black marching shoes, and everything for guard hair and make up. Please note that BOA is cashless and there is a clear bag policy (it is recommended not to bring a bag into the stadium).
UPDATED INFORMATION: https://marching.musicforall.org/2024-california-packet/
Cashless – Please note that BOA has gone cashless. This includes ticket booths and may include concessions. Please plan accordingly for both parents and students.
Clear Bag Policy – Bands of America encourages spectators not to bring bags into venues. Only clear bags and emergency bags will be permitted. Spectators will be allowed to bring items such as cameras, provided they are not in cases that would violate the bag policy at that venue.
Live Streaming of all Bands of America Championships – Watch the 2024 Bands of America Regional, Super Regional, and Grand National Championships streamed live online at BOAlive.tv powered by BOX5 Media! Choose the BOA Pro Pass to save for the full season or select your shows individually.
WE WILL BE LOADING ALL PROPS ON FRIDAY AFTER REHEARSAL AND THE RUN-THROUGH. WE WILL NOT BE USING MOST OF THE PROPS FOR SATURDAY’S REHEARSAL AND RUN-THROUGH.
UPDATED ITINERARY:
7:30AM Band Room open (bring battery/tuba cases to stadium)
7:50AM CALL TIME – SET UP AT STADIUM ASAP (gacks, scaffolding pull-up bar, no other props)
8:00AM Warm up/Rehearsal in sections
8:25AM Full ensemble rehearsal at stadium (NO PROPS)
9:45AM Run-through
9:55AM Band load ASAP / Guard change, hair & make up ASAP
10:30AM Band change into uniform / Load instruments under busses
11:00AM Meet in Band Room with change of clothes, uniform bag, money for two meals at concessions. Be prepared for the venue to be CASHLESS.
11:15AM Depart for Etiwanda High School – 13500 Victoria St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
12:15PM Arrive / Percussion help unload ASAP
12:30PM Eat pizza lunch at center quad / Use restroom
1:05PM Walk / push to warm up zone
1:25PM Official Warm Up Time in “Area B” – WE CANNOT START WARM UP BEFORE THIS.
1:55PM Pit Warm Up Time Ends
2:05PM Pit report time – PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A LIMITED NUMBER OF FIELD CREDENTIALS. ALL PARENTS (AND STAFF) GOING ON THE FIELD MUST HAVE A FIELD CREDENTIAL. You will not be able to help push pit/props with only a wristband like other competitions. Mr. Loney will be prioritizing giving out field credentials to parents who have already been helping this season at football games and competitions.
2:10PM Band Warm Up Time Ends
2:20PM Band Report Time
2:30PM Performance Time! There are “moments” in the show where we need your applause :)
2:45PM Quick debrief
2:50PM Head back to trailer to load ASAP / Change out of uniform
3:30PM Go into stadium – BRING MONEY FOR CONCESSIONS. GROUPS OF 4+ OR MORE, even if using the restroom. YOU MAY NOT LEAVE THE STADIUM. Eat concessions and watch other bands. SIT AS A GROUP WHEN YOU ARE IN THE STANDS. Remember, Gahr is a CLASS ACT and we cheer for all the participating bands. We do NOT use our phones or talk during performances (just like we wouldn’t want others to do that during our show).
4:15PM Preliminary competition ends / All Competing Band Drum Majors
4:30PM Presentation of Awards
4:45PM Finalist Directors Meeting / Stadium Cleared
* Finals performance schedule will be announced following the awards ceremony
Approximately 5:00PM…
If we have an early performance time for Regional Finals, we will provide sandwiches/snacks before students warm up and perform. Bring money for concessions after we perform and load.
If we have a later performance time for Regional Finals, we are planning to bus to the Victoria Gardens Shopping Mall for dinner (12505 N Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739). Bring money to eat at the food court. GROUPS OF 4+ OR MORE. When we get back, we will unload, change into full uniform, and warm up.
Bands of America Regional Finals!
NOW — Victoria Gardens Shopping Mall for dinner — 12505 N Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
5:30PM Groups of 4 or more to eat dinner. Stay in the shopping mall. Keep hydrating hands
7:15PM Back on bus — DO NOT BE LATE. Return to Etiwanda HS — 13500 Victoria St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
7:25PM Change into full uniform ASAP
8:00PM Get instruments/equipment
8:25PM Official warm up time in AREA C
9:05PM Pit report time — SIDE A
9:10PM Winds/Battery go to stadium — SIDE B BACK CORNER FOR PROPS (Wireless wind mics go with front ensemble through SIDE A corner entrance). Drop water jugs by uhauls.
9:20PM Stand by — ready to throw down
9:30PM Performance time
9:45PM Stack by uhauls ASAP. Stay in full uniform.
9:55PM Line up for FINALE — FULL RETREAT!
10:30PM FINALE – PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
11:00PM Approximate Ceremony End Time / LOAD ASAP — EVERYONE HELPS.
11:30PM Walk back to busses, change out of uniform ASAP. Snack.
12:00AM Depart for Gahr High School
1:00AM Arrive at Gahr / Unload ASAP – EVERYONE HELPS
1:30AM Approximate dismissal
The Gahr Marching Gladiators will be traveling to Fresno to compete at the Western Band Association (WBA) Championships from Friday, November 22nd through Sunday, November 24th. The cost for each student is $250.00 due this Friday, November 1st, 2024.
Students will be traveling on charter buses and staying at Spring Hill Suites by Marriott. Most meals will be covered (breakfast, lunches, and two dinners).
The address for the student hotel is:
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott
6844 North Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93710
If this is your first overnight trip, please know that it is standard to have students stay four to a room, typically with two queen-sized beds. Students can select who they would like to have in their room and we will do our best to accommodate their requests if possible. As with all trips for the Gahr Instrumental Music Program, students must stay in the hotel with other students. A block of rooms has already been reserved and we are able to keep the trip cost low based on the students staying together.
Parents are encouraged to go on this trip as well. We will need parent help as we always do with uniforms, transportation, equipment, and props, and having as many parents in the stands cheering for the kids can greatly motivate the kids (and the judges).
Parents are responsible for paying for their own trip. However, to make this easier for you, we have secured a block of rooms with a special rate for the parents to use at the Homewood Suites in Fresno. When calling, make sure to mention you are booking for the block of rooms set aside for the "Gahr High School Band Boosters." This special rate includes cook-to-order breakfasts and parking. The rate negotiated for this block is $169.00 (plus tax) per night. You will need to book your room no later than Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 to take advantage of this special price.
The address for the parent hotel is:
Homewood Suites Fresno
6820 North Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
Telephone: (559) 440-0801
We have a mandatory meeting on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at 7PM in the Band Room where we will go over all the details for the trip. Please note, this meeting is after the date to reserve your room so don’t wait until this meeting to make your reservation. Feel free to reach out to Deanna Varney at (562) 413-3068 or email her at dvarney15@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
We ask that students stay together as a group for the entire weekend.Please do not pull your child away from the rest of the group.This is a school trip, and students will need to stay with the rest of the group for the duration of the weekend.
Thank you for your support and helping to create such an amazing experience for the students!
GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD SHOW JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY!
The Gahr Invitational Field Tournament is Saturday, November 9th! We have a MANDATORY Gahr Invitational Parent Meeting on Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30PM in Gahr HS Stadium. We are asking for all students to donate soda, water, or baked goods. Please check the list below, broken up by section. Donations can be dropped off to Mr. Loney in the Band Room.
PARENTS: IF YOU HAVE NOT SIGNED UP FOR A SHIFT YET, PLEASE CLICK HERE. WE ARE COUNTING ON ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO VOLUNTEER AT THE GAHR INVITATIONAL FIELD TOURNAMENT. Thank you in advance for your support, and we’re looking forward to an amazing tournament!
ALL DONATIONS PAST DUE – The last donation of $150 was due Friday, October 18th. AT THIS POINT, ALL DONATIONS ARE PAST DUE. We accept checks made payable to “Gahr Band Boosters,” cash, or you can pay online with a credit card. This is super important so that we are able to pay our instructional staff and continue to pay for production costs. All students must be caught up with donations to participate in the WBA Championships trip.
605 ALL-STAR BAND – Please make sure you’re caught up with your final payment for the 605 All-Star Band. This will be covering everything for the Rose Parade, including your ticket to perform at Disneyland. Our next rehearsal is Sunday, November 10th at Bellflower High School. Our first community parade performance is Sunday, December 1st at 1:30PM from Ron Yary Stadium in Bellflower to Mayfair Park in Lakewood!
THIS WEEK:
MONDAY 10/28
7:17AM Jazz Ensemble – RHYTHM section only
3:30-6:00PM Winds/Guard/Front Ensemble rehearsal (Mvt. 3)
6:00-9:00PM Battery rehearsal in stadium (bring warm clothes)
6:30PM Tom Kubis Big Band at the Gas Lamp!
TUESDAY 10/29
7:17AM Jazz Ensemble – wind section only
3:30-6:00PM Rehearsal (EVERYONE – full ensemble Mvt. 3)
6:30PM Monthly Parent Booster Meeting in Band Room
WEDNESDAY 10/30
Practice/Study hall in class
5:30-8:30PM Full Ensemble rehearsal in stadium
THURSDAY 10/31
Happy Halloween!
7:30AM Jazz Ensemble rehearsal (everyone)
NO REHEARSAL AFTER SCHOOL
FRIDAY 11/1
WBA Championships Payment Due ($250)
7:17AM Full Jazz Ensemble
3:30-6:00PM Full Ensemble BOA Rehearsal/Run-through at stadium
6:00-6:45PM Winds load props / Percussion push back equipment to Band Room
HYDRATE AND GO TO BED EARLY!
SATURDAY 11/2
BANDS OF AMERICA CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
INFO PACKET: https://marching.musicforall.org/2024-california-packet/
VOLUNTEER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-52750223-11224#/
WISH LIST: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AFA82EA3F8C61-52750535-gahr
LOCATION: Etiwanda HS – 13500 Victoria St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
CALL TIME: 8:30AM – Eat a good breakfast and DO NOT BE LATE.