newsletter
July 13, 2025

Weekly Newsletter - July 13, 2025

Sent 7/13/2025, 5:30 PM.

Band camp is here!  I know our percussion section has been hard at work last week, and now this week we get to bring together the entire band.  Very excited to start a new season with you all.

First of all, thanks to all the parents, family, and students that came out on Saturday morning to help clean up the practice field and cage.  Everything looks clean and ready to go for another busy season.

We have a very packed week ahead, so make sure you know the schedule.  See the Band Camp section and Mr. Sayre's section below for all the details - when to be there, what to bring, etc.  

And don't forget about our Band Family Picnic on Thursday evening!  Its a great time to hang out with the band community, signup for volunteer opportunities, and generally get to know each other.  I'd love to see everyone there!

I have a TON to cover this week - please make sure to take the time to read through it all.

What's in this newsletter?

Here's what I have for you all this week:

• Calendar - our calendar is the best way to make sure you have all the information on what is coming - make sure you subscribe today, if you haven't already

• Forms - we sent some Google forms out this week for uniform sizing and parent volunteering - Please fill these out ASAP

• Uniform Distribution - we have a lot of uniforms to distribute, and will need some volunteers to help out

• Band Camp - starts this week - make sure you know what is coming each day - All the details on the Band Camp page

• Fundraising Update - details are coming soon

• Volunteer Opportunities - all our current volunteer opportunities will be listed here throughout the season

• And a word from Mr. Sayre - always make time to read through this section

This week in band...

Monday 7/14

• 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Color Guard Camp

• 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Leadership Camp (Section Leaders, Officers, Drum Majors)

Tuesday 7/15

• 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Color Guard Camp

• 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Organization Day (Section Leaders, Officers, Drum Majors)

Wednesday 7/16

• 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Color Guard Camp

• 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - New Member Camp (All new members of the band program, Section Leaders, Officers, Drum Majors, ALL Percussion) - Lunch will be provided

Thursday 7/17

• 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Full Band Camp

• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Band Family Picnic - El Oso Grande park

Friday 7/18

• 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Full Band Camp

Saturday 7/19

• 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Full Band Camp

Now on to the details...

Calendar

The band Google calendar is the best way to keep track of everything upcoming regarding band and color guard.  We work very hard to keep it as up-to-date as possible.  All the important dates for the year have already been added, and if anything new comes up or anything changes, that will be reflected on that calendar.

If you haven't yet, I highly recommend you subscribe to the calendar.  You can subscribe by doing the following:

1. Go to the Calendar page of the website (https://www.eldorado.band/Calendar)
2. In the lower-right corner of the embedded calendar is a little blue plus sign - click on the plus sign
3. The Eldorado Band calendar will now be joined to your own Google calendar

Forms

Two forms were sent out this week from our secretary, Anne Claspell.  One was for uniform sizing and the other was for getting parent volunteer clearances.

Please fill out the uniform sizing form ASAP.  This drastically helps with getting all our uniforms distributed quickly and correctly.  The form contains instructions on what to measure and how.  Click on the link below to submit:

• Uniform Sizing Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MIRQG6hMpo06rFdEqPtIf_UHAKwH37GWQD11SnAp7tU/edit 

Also, it takes a ton of parental volunteer support to make this program a success.  And in order to volunteer, we need you to be cleared with APS.  If you think you will help out at all this season, please click on the form below to start the process of getting your APS unsupervised background clearance.  We have funds to reimburse you for the cost, if needed, so save those receipts to submit to our treasurers.

• Unsupervised Volunteer Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ue6yoIjxiFdz-eoZFkF5o8gyYQHmcV0fmVB3BZcMxlc/edit 

Uniform Distribution

This year we have brand new uniforms!  This is very exciting, but with a band of our size, it takes a lot of effort to ensure all those uniforms get to the students.  Uniform distribution will start on Friday, 7/18 and go through the following Friday, and happens during the lunch break of band camp.

We need a number of volunteers to help make this happen, so if you can be there for about an hour during the lunch break those days, please consider signing up for a slot.  You can volunteer using the link below.  NOTE: You do need to have your unsupervised background clearance with APS on file with our VP, Robby Claspell.  If you have questions about your clearance, please contact Robby at vicepresident@eldorado.band

• Uniform Distribution Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D48ADAA2DA1FB6-marching1#/ 

Band Camp

This is the first week of band camp.  This week, our color guard gets a head start on the season, while our leadership will be getting things setup for full camp later in the week.  Remember, a sizable portion of our marching show for the upcoming season is put on the field over these 2 weeks, so make sure you are in attendance at all scheduled sessions.

Some important things to know before camp:

1. The calendar has all the band camp dates/times on it - make sure you subscribe.
2. There is a Band Camp page on the website that also has the schedule and other band camp related information, such as what you should bring
3. Speaking of what to bring - make sure the students are wearing cool, light-colored clothing and athletic/tennis shoes (no sandals, boots, crocs, flip-flops).  Bring LOTS of water (i.e., the largest water bottle you have) and sunscreen/hats.  And of course, all the supplies they need to play and maintain their instrument.
4. Make sure the students are getting outside this next few days to help acclimate themselves to the heat before getting out there during band camp.  It will make the week much easier on them.  Also start getting up earlier - it will make the 7:30 AM report times much easier when they get here.
5. Bring a sack lunch, or money to buy lunch at surrounding restaurants near campus.
6. Pay attention to special days, such as marching shoe fitting day, or uniform fitting day for specific classes.  Those happen during lunch, so plan accordingly.

The annual band family picnic is this Thursday evening, July 17th at El Oso Grande park at 6PM.  Bring yourself some dinner, and come hang out with the band community.  The boosters will be there as well to answer any questions and provide opportunities to signup to volunteer this year.  You don't want to miss this - its such a great opportunity to get to know the rest of this amazing community.  I really hope everyone can make it!

DON'T FORGET! There will be a very important parent meeting at the end of band camp.  While the students are rehearsing that morning, the boosters and parents will be meeting in the Eldorado PAC at 9 AM and will be going over EVERYTHING you need to know as a parent (not just new parents, but returning parents as well), including finances/fees, schedules, rules, chaperoning/volunteering, uniform care - literally everything.  We have some new things going on this year, so it is very important for everyone to be in attendance.  After we get done, we will go up to the practice field and watch the students perform what they learned over those weeks.  Mark your calendars!!

Fundraising Update

I apologize that we were not able to get our fundraiser started this week.  We are still working out the final details on our campaigns.  We are really close on working things out, so be on the lookout for an announcement from our Fundraising committee with all the details.

Our summer fundraisers are the best opportunity to lower band program shared costs for all band families, so it will be in the best interest of all families to give this effort some attention when we launch. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Here is a list of all our current volunteer opportunities.  You can also see these anytime on the Volunteering page of the website.

• Uniform Distribution Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D48ADAA2DA1FB6-marching1#/ 

Go Eagles!

JD

a word from Mr. Sayre...

Hello Eldorado Band Community,

We’re so excited to finally kick off the 2025 Band Camp season and see everyone back in action! We’ve got a lot of great things ahead, and this week is all about getting organized, getting moving, and getting into the rhythm of the season. Below are some important reminders and updates to help everyone get ready for the week.

Officer & Section Leader Training

Our student leaders—both officers and section leaders—will be in the band room this Monday and Tuesday for training and preparation. This time is important for organizing materials, setting the tone for band camp, and making sure we’re ready to welcome our new and returning members. Thank you to all of our student leaders for stepping up early and helping move things forward!

Color Guard Camp – Monday, July 14 to Wednesday, July 16

Color Guard Camp kicks off Monday at 7:30 AM and will run each day through Wednesday until 4:30 PM.

• Please wear clothing that’s comfortable to move in—we’ll be active throughout the day.

• As with the rest of band camp, hydration, sun protection, and the right mindset will go a long way toward making the experience successful and fun.

New Member Day – Wednesday, July 16

All new band members will report to the band room at 9:00 AM and we’ll go until 3:00 PM. This is a big day to get to know each other, get introduced to how things run, and get comfortable with what band camp will look like.

• Make sure to wear clothing that is appropriate for outdoor activity—lightweight, breathable, and sun-safe. We will be outside for part of the day and it’s likely to be warm.

• At LUNCH, we’ll check out any instruments that new members need.

• Lunch will be provided, so just bring yourself, a water bottle, and a good attitude!

Full Band Camp Starts – Thursday, July 17

All EHS Band students—new and returning—will report to the band room by 7:30 AM.

• We’ll start the day together in the band room and get into the full band camp schedule.

• Instruments will be checked out to returning members after lunch on Thursday.

• From this point on, band camp will run every day (except Sunday) through July 26.

• This is an intense but incredibly rewarding stretch where we’ll learn more than we could in months of regular class time. Your presence and energy matter!

Band Camp Safety Reminders

Band camp is a physically demanding activity, and the best way to have a positive experience is to be prepared:

• Wear appropriate footwear. No slides, Crocs, sandals, or dress shoes—athletic shoes only, with socks. You’ll be on your feet and moving all day.

• Bring a LARGE water bottle (not a small disposable one). You’ll need to hydrate often and in large amounts. DO NOT count on water being provided.

• Wear sunscreen every day, and reapply as needed. Hats and sunglasses are also strongly encouraged.

• Dress for the weather. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is best. Avoid dark colors and heavy materials. 

• Take care of yourself. Start adjusting your sleep and eating schedule now so that early mornings and outdoor activity won’t be a shock to the system.

If you come prepared, you’ll not only survive band camp—you’ll enjoy it and be ready to succeed this season.

Stay Informed

Make sure you’re checking the calendar and reviewing all the information at: https://www.eldorado.band

Here you’ll find past newsletters, detailed schedules, and plenty of other info to help you stay organized.

We can’t wait to get going and bring this Carmen-themed season to life. It’s going to be bold, dramatic, and filled with excitement—and that’s just day one of band camp. Let’s make it count.

Go Eagles!

Mr. Sayre