Director’s Update: January 26-31, 2026

Congratulations to all students that auditioned for the 2026 AMEA Region Honor Band/Choir/Orchestra! Students should find out their results on Monday, January 26, but this process sometimes takes longer.

Why musician made regionals! Now what?

Our region’s (Southeast) honors festival rotates every year. This year, the festival is being held at Sabino High School. Regional weekend is always the same as Vail Pride Day weekend. This year, that means the festival is on Friday, February 13-Saturday 14, 2026 with the concert happening that Saturday. A detailed itinerary for times is released by the region shortly after results are posted. Here are some “definites” to answer some questions ahead of that itinerary:

• The school excuses all students that make an honors ensemble from the half-day of classes on that Friday.
• We transport all students to Sabino HS on Friday both days. They only need to meet us at CHS before leave-time both mornings.
• We transport students back on Friday evening after rehearsals conclude. On Saturday, we encourage parents to attend the concert and pick your child up from Sabino after the performances. If we are able to bus students back to Cienega on that Saturday, that update will come from Mr. Bailey directly.
• The Cienega staff always make plans for lunch on both days of the festival after the host school informs us about any accommodations that will provide.

After regionals: Students that participate in regionals are eligible to move on to the All-State audition round. Those auditions happen live at Gilbert HS on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Upcoming Performances:

Saturday, February 21- NAU Jazz Festival (Navy Blues) time TBA

Tuesday, February 24- ABODA Preview Concert (all ensembles)

Thursday, March 5- ABODA Area Festival (Symphonic Band)

• Catalina Foothills HS; 1:15 pm

Bailey Out-of-Office:

Mr. Bailey will be away from the band room on Wednesday and Thursday of this week to attend All-State Jazz with Rachel. Mr. Koenig and Mr. Morgan will both be available these days if you need them.