Directors’ Notes: August 17-21, 2026
I hope you have all had a restful weekend. Please see the following information regarding this week’s events and important information in the Cienega Band & Orchestra Program.
A Request to Symphonic & Concert Band Families:
Both levels of wind band ensembles utilize the method book: Foundations for a Superior Performance as part of our curriculum. We have always been fortunate enough to be able to provide a method book for each student through our classroom set. However, I am proud to announce that we officially outgrown our classroom supply of method books! There are literally too many students in the program to provide one for each student in both classes. While we are working on ordering a new set of books, that process is likely to take multiple weeks due the demand for the books this time of year. My ask: If your family is in a position where they can consider purchasing a personal copy of the method book for your musician, we would be grateful if you considered doing so. Especially if your child anticipates moving through the program and spending the next few years in the Symphonic Band, a personal Foundations book is a great investment. Again, this is a request and not a requirement!
Private Lessons:
If your musician is interested in advanced learning and growth opportunities on their instrument, we are fortunate enough to have a network of private lessons instructors either on the band staff at Cienega or otherwise at our disposal. Please reach out to the appropriate director for contact information/suggestions for private lessons:
- Mr. Bailey: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Oboe, Drum Corps/Leadership training, Jazz opportunities
- Mr. Iniguez: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Dbl Bass, Bass Guitar
- Mr. Branderhorst: Percussion (marching, concert, orchestral)
Marching Band Weekly Agenda:
I am beyond proud of the progress the band is making so early in the season. As a result of that hard work, the band is about 2.5 weeks ahead of schedule! As promised, I have canceled the Saturday Camps scheduled for August 22 and September 5. Please note that any show days later in the season remain unchanged and the band will have its usual morning run-through prior to traveling for shows.
Monday 0 Hour: Visual on Field
Monday PM: full ensemble rehearsal to clean Pre-show/Part 1 of show
- Guard/Percussion start sectional warm-ups at 5:30 pm
Tuesday 0 Hour: Visual on Field
Tuesday PM: Open Band Room until 5:00 pm.
Wednesday 0 Hour: Music rehearsal (indoors)
Thursday 0 Hour: Visual on Field
Thursday PM: Sectionals 4-6 PM
Friday: NO SCHEDULED EVENTS
Saturday: NO SATURDAY CAMP 🙂
Eligibility Reminder:
Marching Band students are required to meet academic eligibility standards as set by Cienega High School, regardless of what their home site is. Students that do not meet academic eligibility may be pulled from performance events or receive mandatory study hall hours. Please encourage your student to take ownership of their academics. The vast majority of eligibility issues we see in the marching band are completion work-related, not content related. We are always available to help your musician set up a study/homework schedule to help make sure they stay on track with their grades.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Mr. Iniguez or myself!