newsletter
november 9, 2025

Weekly Newsletter - november 9, 2025

Sent 11/9/2025 4:50 PM

I had such a great time on Saturday at our awards ceremony.  Thanks to all who came out to celebrate the hard work these students put in all year, and get treated to one more performance of that amazing show music.  They played so well.

I also want to thank everyone for their patience during uniform turn-in.  I know it may seem chaotic, but it truly is the best way to ensure accurate uniform accounting.  It simply takes a bit of time to process 170 uniforms.  Thanks to all the parents who helped out with that - we could not have done it without you.

And one more thanks to all the parents who volunteered this season.  This is a such a great community, and committed to making this band program the best it can be for these kids.

I'm happy to say we all get to enjoy a schedule that is a bit less hectic for a short time.  Please make sure to read through Mr. Sayre's section as he lays out details of transitioning from marching season to concert season.  Quick note - if you have not yet paid the $25 band class fee, please do so ASAP.  Details are below in Mr. Sayre's section.

What's in this newsletter?

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

• A word from Mr. Sayre - Important upcoming schedule information

This week in band...

Tuesday 11/11

• VETERAN'S DAY - NO SCHOOL

Wednesday 11/12

• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Winter Guard Class

Thursday 11/13

• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Percussion Class

Now on to the details...

Enjoy the slow week.  And make sure you read through Mr. Sayre's section below.

Go Eagles!

JD

a word from Mr. Sayre...

Hello Eagle Band Community!

What a great end to our marching season yesterday! Your performance was exceptional. Thank you to everyone who helped make this season such a success. I also want to take a moment to recognize an incredible group of individuals who dedicate a great deal of time and energy to this band—our staff members. A big thank you to John Sanks, Abel Cuevas, Cameron Galdoney, Michael Christmas, Josue Hernandez, May Souriyangyong, Autumn Marie, and Maille Albaron for sharing your expertise and commitment to our process and performances. Certificates for students who earned them will be printed and distributed soon.

This has been an eventful week of recording, prepping, and submitting our All-State auditions to NMMEA. We submitted 107 auditions across both Jazz and Concert. Each audition included 4–6 separate recorded components. As we eagerly await results, remember that the most important takeaway from this process is growth. These auditions build skills, habits, and musical maturity that strengthen everything we do in band. Just like the Zero Hour placement tests, these are challenging and technical experiences that make you a more complete musician.

We’re excited to start the next chapter of the year with Zero Hour Concert Band and Winter Guard. The best way to set ourselves up for success next year is by making our concert band and winterguard program as strong as possible the rest of the year. Results will be posted soon! Wind Ensemble students will report to the band room, and Symphonic Band students will report to M4. If you have a concern or question about placement, Mr. Snowden and I will schedule time to discuss those after Monday, outside of preparation and rehearsal times. Remember—placements take into account instrumentation balance, skill level, work ethic, and the developing needs of each ensemble and student.

This week’s rehearsal schedule is straightforward. We’ll begin personal warm-ups at 7:30 AM, with downbeat and attendance at 7:40 AM. Use those ten minutes to set up, play through scales or technical passages, and be ready for rehearsal. Every successful band program has students who are self-motivated and prepared both mentally and physically before rehearsal begins. This habit also reduces the amount of ensemble warm-up needed after 7:40.

Weekly Schedule

Monday, November 10, 2025

Zero Hour – Personal warm-up and prep at 7:30, downbeat at 7:40

Tuesday, November 11, 2025  

No School- Veterans Day

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Zero Hour – Personal warm-up and prep at 7:30, downbeat at 7:40

Chamber Club after school

Winter Guard Class – 4:00–6:00 PM

Thursday, November 13, 2025  

Zero Hour – Personal warm-up and prep at 7:30, downbeat at 7:40

Percussion Class – 4:00–6:00 PM

Friday, November 14, 2025  

Zero Hour – Personal warm-up and prep at 7:30, downbeat at 7:40

Class Fee Reminder:

About half of the students in the program have not yet paid the class fee. Please take care of the $25 Band Class Fee here: SchoolPay – Band Class Fee. Thank you in advance.

Go Eagles!

Mr. Sayre