newsletter
january 19, 2026

Weekly Newsletter - january 19, 2026

Sent 1/19/2026 4:00 PM

Congrats to all the all-state participants this weekend.  You all put on some great performances.  This week - Jazz All-State!  And some basketball games.  Things are starting to get busy again. 😉

On top of all that, I have a few things for you from the booster board.

Here is what I have for you this week.

What's in this newsletter?

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

• Donations Needed - It's time to start collecting donations for our spring events

• Jazz Fest Volunteer Needs - The Jazz Festival committee needs your help!

• Yearbook Update - our yearbook chair has some updates for you all

• A word from Mr. Sayre - As always, make sure to read this

This week in band...

Monday 1/19

• MLK Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

Wednesday 1/21

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

• Basketball (Band A) vs. Manzano Girls - Call Time: 6:00 PM, Game @ 7

Thursday 1/22

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

Friday 1/23

• Basketball (Band B) vs. La Cueva Girls - Call Time: 6:00 PM, Game @ 7

Now on to the details...

Donations Needed

We have another great opportunity to raise funds for the Golden Eagles Band! We are seeking concession donations to be sold at the annual ABQ/UNM Jazz Festival, hosted by the Band Boosters in the PAC. 100% of all proceeds from concession sales go directly to support the band.  It takes all of us to make this a success!

All donated items may be dropped off in the band room anytime before February 12th. Thank you for helping support our musicians!  Please bring items based on current year in school, as below:

• Freshman: Canned or bottled drinks (Not bottled water, please)

• Sophomores: Candy or Sweet Treats (not individually wrapped candies)

• Juniors: Salty Snacks (individual packs)

• Seniors: Drinks and/or Sweet Treats

Jazz Fest Volunteer Needs

The ABQ/UNM Jazz Festival is a long-standing tradition in the Eldorado band community, hosted by our Band Boosters with support from UNM Jazz Studies for over 30 years. This year, the Jazz Fest Committee is looking for a few parents to shadow the administrative side of the festival and learn how it all comes together. Shadow volunteers will watch and work with the current committee (Beth Whiston, Liz Strot and Addison Cruver) and our band director, Mr. Sayre, helping organize paperwork, judges’ packets, certificates, and supporting student office runners during the event. If you’re interested in learning the ropes this year and possibly stepping into a committee role next year, we’d love to hear from you!  

Yearbook Update

Don't forget to order your 2025-2026 Band Yearbook! Yearbooks are $24.54 with 90 full color pages. 

To order a yearbook visit www.TreeRing.com and enter passcode: 1016667234694117

If creating an account, make sure to click the "not applicable" option for Teacher/Grade.

Seniors, you have received information about your senior pages. If you did not receive that email, PLEASE reach out to Mrs. Whiston very soon!  

Reach out to yearbooks@eldorado.band with any questions. 

Go Eagles!

JD

a word from Mr. Sayre...

Hello Eagle Band Community!

As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I hope everyone is enjoying a restful and well-deserved three-day weekend. Congratulations to our Concert All-State performers on the honor of performing on the Popejoy Hall stage this past Saturday. We are proud of the hard work and professionalism you represented.

This week we turn our focus to Jazz All-State, which will take place in Portales, New Mexico, with performances on Saturday at the ENMU Performing Arts Center.

NMSU Desert Winds Performance

• Wednesday at 10:00 AM – Eldorado PAC

• The NMSU Desert Winds will be performing a showcase concert featuring outstanding ensembles and performers from the New Mexico State University music department. This show is touring across New Mexico and will absolutely be worth seeing.

• Students are encouraged to ask teachers if they may bring their class or allow them to attend after first period. This will be a memorable performance and a great opportunity to experience collegiate-level music making.

Basketball Band – Wednesday & Friday Night

Our first Basketball Band performance will be Wednesday (January 21) and Friday (January 23) at EHS.

• Please check Google Classroom for your band assignment. These are the same groupings used for the car wash, so double check that you know which band you are in. If you wish to switch bands, please first find someone to trade or cover for you, then notify Mr. Sayre of the arrangement. Students are encouraged to perform at more than the required four games to earn additional lettering points.

• Call time is 6:00 PM. Please wear your band shirt and bring your flip folder. We will also need help setting up the drum set, so arrive early if you are able to assist.

• Friday, January 23: The game will be run by Mr. Snowden.

Jazz All-State

The charter bus will depart Thursday morning shortly after 10:00 AM. Bring everything you need for performances as well as several days of travel. Itineraries and permission forms have been distributed, and rooming assignments are posted on the hallway board.

Thursday and Friday Sectionals

While Mr. Sayre is attending Jazz All-State, students still in Albuquerque should refer to Google Classroom for sectional instructions. Your earned grade will be based on the information you submit about your sectional work and the recording you upload.

Pictures for Bands and Clubs

We are scheduled for band and club photos on Monday, January 26, taking place throughout the day. Group photos will be taken for all band ensembles, and individual photos with your instrument will also be available. Individual photos are optional and may be purchased if you choose.  Plan on wearing all black.  Jazz Bands, please bring your performance uniform as well. 

This Week’s Schedule

Monday, January 18

• MLK Day - No School

Tuesday January 20

• Normal schedule

• Chamber Club after school

Wednesday January 21

• NMSU Desert Winds performance, 10:00 AM (PAC)

• Basketball Band game 6:00 PM  call time (A Band)

• Color Guard Class after school

Thursday January 22

• Jazz All-State travel day

• Sectionals during Jazz Band (see Google Classroom)

• Percussion Class after school

Friday January 23

• Sectionals in Zero Hour for Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band is with Mr. Snowden. 

• Sectionals (see Google Classroom)

• Basketball Band game 6:00 PM  call time (B Band)

Have a great week!  

Go Eagles!

Mr. Sayre