Director’s Update: AZ Cardinals Game, Drum Camp, Bailey out-of-country

Copper Thunder Marching Band @ Arizona Cardinals Game!

The moment we have been patiently waiting for has arrived! The Copper Thunder Marching Band has been selected to be the official, game-day marching band of the Arizona Cardinals for the final home game of the 2025 season! Details below:

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025

Itinerary: released at a later date

Cost: $53/ticket; CTMB is allowed 151 tickets. After a student count is determined and finalized, we will open up ticket purchasing to family and friends.

• Our families pay enough to participate in marching band. With the plans to also travel with the concert ensembles in the Spring of 2026, I do not want to burden students and parents with an additional cost for the fall season. The plan is to use our fall fundraiser to raise the total cost of student tickets for this trip. Should we be unable to meet this fundraising goal, a back-up plan will be implemented.

I also understand that the timing of the game may affect some families holiday plans. Please know that we were assigned this game date by the Cardinals. I fully understand that this may inconvenience some families or make it impossible for some students to attend. I will be sending out communication during the week of full band camp to get a commitment list. I just ask that you please try to be flexible for this event if at all possible. This is a fantastic opportunity that our students earned because people associated with the Cardinals recognized their hard work and talent.

DRUM CAMP PRIOR TO FULL BAND CAMP

Mr. Constantine will be running a drum camp for the following mornings prior to full, band camp in July. Students who successfully made the drum line for next season should make plans to attend.

Why? Percussion camps are standard parts of most summer band camp schedules. This time is dedicated to percussion-specific techniques and items that help get the drumline performing at a foundational level before the rest of the band arrives. This helps provide a necessary foundation for the entire band and sets the season up for greater success.

Dates: June 30-July 2

Times: 8 am – Noon

• We start at 8:00 am sharp. Students should arrive no later than 7:45 am.
• Bring a snack, water, and dress for band camp.

BAILEY OUT-OF-COUNTRY

I will be out of the country for most of the month of June. While I will have email and phone access, it will be very difficult to communicate with you all in a timely manner. Should you have questions, concerns, or need assistance with anything in my absence, please contact Mr. Koenig at koenigt@vailschooldistrict.org. You may feel free to email me as well, but I cannot guarantee a timely response until July 2.

I look forward to seeing you all again when I return!