Director’s Update: December 2025

Dear Band Families,

I want to apologize that my updates and communications have not been as frequent recently. I am dealing with a rather difficult family death and am currently in my home state of Georgia until Wednesday. I wanted to be sure I provided some updates to you all directly. All of this information has been shared with students either via Slack or in-class announcements, but I know that information does not always make it home. Here are my need-to-knows for now:

Fine Arts Showcase: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 @ CHS Student Union

• Marching Band will kick things off at 5:30 pm sharp outside of the 200 building. The art gallery will open after that performance and the first concert performance begins at 6:00 pm.
• Student Attire: Festive! Students must be in school dress code, but are otherwise encouraged to wear Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, etc. and jeans with nice, closed-toe shoes.
• Marching Band call-time: 4:45 pm (in band room w/ instrument in hand)
• Non-Marching Band call-time: 5:00 pm (in-seat, in Student Union, with instrument)
• How long? one hour max
• Mandatory? Yes. All performances are mandatory events for students enrolled in a class.

Knott’s Berry Farm:

Due to low turn-out, we’re extending the deadline to register students for the April 2026 trip to Knott’s until the end of next week (December 19th). We are also expanding this trip to all students (including marching band students) enrolled in the instrumental music program. All registration information is available in recent Director Updates on this website.

Arizona Cardinals Game:

• I want to re-iterate that tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis of family members. We will not hold tickets by requests. We confirm ticket sales only when we receive payment (check or cash) from you or your student.
• As of Sunday, there were about 20 tickets remaining at $53/ticket.
• We are awaiting final details from VUSD transportation before releasing an itinerary, but plan for this to be a full-day trip.
• Students will wear traditional uniforms; Fun fact: This will be the very last time the band wears these uniforms!

Pep Band Auditions:

• Tuesday auditions have been moved to Thursday. Students unable to attend on Thursday have the opportunity to reschedule for Wednesday or request an alternative audition time with Mr. Koenig.

Winter Guard:

• A no-obligation rehearsal/spin clinic will take place at Mica Mountain this Thursday, Dec. 11 from 4:15-7:00 pm.
• If your student is interested or curious about winter guard, they should attend this event. There is no pressure to register for the season before attending.

Booster Meeting:

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 @ 5:30 pm. Location: Choir Room

I think this is everything. If I missed something, I apologize and will make that correction when I return to CHS on Wednesday. I look forward to being back in the band room with our fantastic musicians again soon.