newsletter
AUGUST 16, 2026

Weekly Newsletter - august 16, 2026

Sent 8/16/2026, 5:15 PM.

Big thanks to everyone who helped out the program through our summer campaign.  We did not hit our ideal target, but we still raised over $35,000!  Thanks again everyone. We will be working the last few adjustments to the operating budget and fundraising revenue and will begin charging student accounts for direct charges (shoes, show shirts, gloves, etc.) and shared costs very soon - be on the lookout for those on your Cut Time dashboards.

Quick note - last chance uniform sizing will be tomorrow after school, before sectionals.  If you still haven't gotten a uniform, or are still having uniform issues, this is the time to get it taken care of.

Don't forget - Spring Trip registration is open, so get registered!  Registration period closes on 9/15.

And we have our first football game this week!  Excited to see all the hard work these kids have been putting in so far.  Details below.

Please make sure you read through Mr. Sayre's section - a lot of details on what is coming and what is expected.

Let's get into it.

What's in this newsletter?

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

• Last Chance Uniform Update - tomorrow is the last chance for remaining uniform sizing needs - after school/before sectionals

• Spring Trip Registration - Spring Trip registration is officially open - get registered today!

• Volunteer Opportunities - Now available inside of Cut Time

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

This week in band...

Monday 8/17

• 3:30 PM - Last Chance Uniform Sizing

• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM - Woodwind/Brass Sectionals

Tuesday 8/18

• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Tuesday Afternoon Rehearsal

Wednesday 8/19

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

Thursday 8/20

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

Friday 8/21

• 7:00 PM - Football Game vs. La Cueva (Away) - Wilson Stadium - Report Time: 4:45 PM in the band room (more details in Mr. Sayre's section)

Saturday 8/22

• Annual March-A-Thon - Report Time: 8:00 AM in the parking lot (more details in Mr. Sayre's section)

Monday 8/24

• Restaurant Night @ Il Vicino - See the Restaurant Nights for details

Now on to the details...

Last Chance Uniform Update

We have a game this week, so everyone needs to have their uniform setup.  If you still have not yet received a uniform, or have major sizing issues, tomorrow is THE day to get things taken care of.  Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Slade will be outside the band room after school but before sectionals to finish up any sizing/problems with uniforms.

Spring Trip Registration

Spring Trip registration is officially open!  We're going to San Antonio, TX this year, and it's shaping up to be a great trip.

You can get all the details, plus a link to the registration, on the Spring Trip 2027 page.  

If you have any questions, you can contact our trip coordinator JP at trips@eldorado.band. 

Volunteer Opportunities

We are now using Cut Time to manage our volunteer signups.  This system allows you to signup for volunteering at events within the same place as you get your announcements, finances, etc.

Remember, if you want to volunteer at any time this year, please get your background clearance started now so you are ready to go.  It's easy - all the details are on the How To Volunteer page.

Currently available signups:

• Friday, 8/21 - Football Game vs. La Cueva (Chaperone and Hydration)

• Saturday, 8/22 - March-A-Thon (Hydration, Food/Fun, and Walking with the Band)

• Thursday, 8/27 - Football Game vs. Albuquerque High (Chaperone and Hydration)

Go Eagles!

JD

a word from Mr. Sayre...

Greetings Eagles!

Great first full week of school and band. This week was primarily about establishing routines and getting everyone familiar with the weekly and daily procedures that are different from band camp. We have had a good start.

For our upperclassmen, please take some time to help our newer members understand the routines and expectations. August and September involve a lot of work, and the schedule can be demanding. It is important that we support each other and keep moving forward.

This Week at a Glance

Monday: Sectionals after school with section leaders, 3:45 - 4:45 PM

Tuesday: After-school marching band rehearsal - bring your LARGE water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Wednesday: Color Guard Class after school

Thursday: Percussion Class after school

Friday: Football Game vs. La Cueva at Wilson Stadium - see information below.

Saturday: Annual March-A-Thon - report time is 8:00 AM.

Permission Forms: Permission forms were due Friday. If you have not turned yours in, please get it submitted ASAP. You do not want to be left behind for an event because we do not have your paperwork.

Playing Tests: The memorization playing test for the first movement was also due Friday. Students who have not completed and passed their test will not perform the show on Friday. If you still need to complete your test, please take care of it as soon as possible.

Class Activity Fee

The $50 class fee can be paid any time.  This is the class fee for the band program that is paid to the school activity account and is used for some transportation, supplies, and additional staffing that isn't paid through the boosters.  

You can follow this link: https://aws.schoolpay.com/pay/for/BAND-CLASS-FEE/Sc2cgXM 

or follow the QR Code at the bottom of the page.

New Drill

We will begin learning new drill this week. The sooner you have The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Danse Macabre memorized, the easier it will be to put the drill and music together.

Football Game — Friday vs. La Cueva

Our first football game is Friday at Wilson Stadium.

Call Time: 4:45 PM in the Band Room

Please arrive ready to go for attendance.

What to Wear:

• Band shirt

• Marching bibs/pants

• Black marching shoes, if you have them

What to Bring:

• Instrument

• Flip folder

• Lyre for holding your music

• Water

We will be performing Pre-Game, before the football game, because we are the visiting band.

We will be stationed on the East Side of the stadium, facing the sun until it sets. Please bring sunglasses and be prepared for the heat.

Annual March-A-Thon — Saturday

On Saturday we will have our Annual March-A-Thon.

Report Time: 8:00 AM in the parking lot

What to Wear:

• A fresh band shirt — not the one from the night before

• Comfortable shorts or athletic pants

• Comfortable athletic shoes

Please make sure you are prepared for the weather and have water with you.

Go Eagles!

Mr. Sayre