This Week in Band

Week 21: January 19 - 24, 2026

MONDAY	MLK Holiday - No School
TUESDAY	MS Festival Band Rehearsal until 5:30pm (High Voices) (Flute, Clarinet, A. Sax, Horn, and Trumpet) No Swingphonic Band Rehearsal This Week Winterguard Rehearsal (6:00pm-8:30pm)
WEDNESDAY	No Scheduled Events
THURSDAY	Winterguard Rehearsal (6:00pm-8:30pm)
FRIDAY	MS GMEA District 14 Honor Band Event (details below)
SATURDAY	MS GMEA District 14 Honor Band Event (details below) Winterguard Competition (Cass HS) Report Time: 7:30am; Performance: 11:48am Competition Itinerary (click HERE)

As always, please check the band's calendar at:

BAND CALENDAR (ALL EVENTS)

Facebook: Cherokee Bluff Band "Like Us" on Facebook

FROM THE DIRECTORS:

We are thrilled to share some outstanding news with our band family! This past week, we learned that two of our students have been selected for the 2026 GMEA All-State Band, which represents the very highest level of individual achievement for a band student in Georgia—comparable to winning an individual state championship.

Congratulations to Marcus Bordea (Trumpet – 1st Chair) and Aiden Edwards (Euphonium – Alternate) on this tremendous honor! These students advanced through a rigorous, two-round statewide audition process involving tens of thousands of participants to earn their placement. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, preparation, and musicianship, and they represent our program with excellence.

This past weekend, our high school bands completed a very successful January Mini-Camp as part of our preparation for Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE). In a short amount of time, students made meaningful progress and demonstrated a strong commitment to the high expectations of our program. With the rigor of LGPE preparation, additional rehearsal time outside of the school day is essential, and we are grateful to see our students fully stepping up to the challenge. Our next major preparation event will be the LGPE Prep Camp on February 6–7. More details about this important event can be found in the announcements section below.
As we move deeper into the semester, our focus remains on preparation for Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE). LGPE is a

statewide assessment sponsored by the Georgia Music Educators Association that evaluates both performance and sight-reading skills of student ensembles. Much like academic state assessments (Milestones, EOC tests, etc.), LGPE measures the teaching and learning taking place in our performance classes and provides valuable feedback from some of the finest music educators in Georgia.

At LGPE, students will perform a prepared concert of three selections and then demonstrate their sight-reading skills by studying and performing music they have never seen before. Ratings range from Superior (the highest) to Poor, and while each year brings new challenges, our program has a strong history of earning Superior ratings. We are confident in our students and excited to continue watching their growth throughout this process.

The Middle School Festival Band, CBHS Concert Band, and CBHS Symphonic Band are all scheduled to perform at LGPE on Wednesday, March 4, hosted at East Jackson High School. Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our students and our band program. The hard work and dedication we see across all grade levels each day makes us incredibly proud.

GO BEARS!!

We love you guys!
Mr. Cantrell (CBHS); Mr. Lonberger (CBMS)

CBBA GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CBBA GENERAL MEETING
All parents are welcome to attend (grades 6–12) as we work together to build an awesome experience for our kids. Meetings take place in the CBHS Band Room.

Our next CBBA Executive Board Meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 10 (6:00pm)

It's true that band is a wonderful experience for the students. It's also true that there's a lot of work required to support it! That's why we need you as a volunteer. And, yes, you really will have fun when you volunteer and get to know other parents and band students. Check out our SIGNUPGENIUS link to see how you can help us!

If you haven't joined our Cherokee Bluff Band Parents Association - CBBA Facebook Page, please click the image below! This is a private page for general communications and posting links for photos, videos, directions, changes in schedules, etc. Please invite any band parents, grandparents, or other band family members to join!

Middle School Announcements:

6th Grade Band

Pass-off Lines:
6th Grade Band students will be doing extensive learning in our band book during the 3rd 9 weeks, and they have a list of 10 pass-off lines to check off by the end of the 9 weeks, which will be a significant portion of their grade. We will not be doing weekly practice logs any more, but that does not mean students should stop practicing. Instruments should still be taken home at least 2-3 times per week and always on Fridays. At least 100 minutes of weekly practice will ensure adequate progress is being made and individual growth is occurring.

7th Grade Band

District Honor Band Participant Letter
Congratulations to those students who made the District 14 Honor Band! The event will be held this Friday and Saturday. A letter with all the event details is available HERE. Students should report to the CBMS Band Room no later than 8:15am on Friday morning with their instrument, mouthpiece, pencil, folding music stand (labeled), water bottle, and money for dinner at Huey Magoos. Students should eat school breakfast if needed but should arrive so they can finish eating and be in the band room by 8:15am.
CBMS Festival Band Info
Some of our 7th Grade Band students were invited by Mr. Lonberger to participate with the 8th Grade Band in what we are calling the “CBMS Festival Band” for an upcoming performance known as Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE). Students who were invited to participate have been given a letter with more details that can be found HERE. The letter should be signed and returned by the end of this week. Please mark the extra rehearsal dates and performances on your calendars. The group relies on each individual student being present at all rehearsals.
Festival Band After-School Rehearsals:
As indicated in the Festival Band Letter sent home, all High Voice Instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, French Horn, and Trumpet) students participating in Festival Band have an after-school rehearsal this Tuesday, January 20th, until 5:30pm. Students should be picked up at the bus entrance near the band room at 5:30pm.

8th Grade Band

District Honor Band Participant Letter
Congratulations to those students who made the District 14 Honor Band! The event will be held this Friday and Saturday. A letter with all the event details is available HERE. Students should report to the CBMS Band Room no later than 8:15am on Friday morning with their instrument, mouthpiece, pencil, folding music stand (labeled), water bottle, and money for dinner at Huey Magoos. Students should eat school breakfast if needed but should arrive so they can finish eating and be in the band room by 8:15am.
CBMS Festival Band Info
All 8th-grade band students are a part of the CBMS Festival Band, and students have begun preparing for our upcoming performances in February and March. This is the most important performance of the year, and we will have several mandatory after-school rehearsals and a Saturday Prep Camp during the months of January and February. A letter with more details can be found HERE. The letter should be signed and returned by the end of this week. Please mark the extra rehearsal dates and performances on your calendars. The group relies on each individual student being present at all rehearsals.
Festival Band After-School Rehearsals:
As indicated in the Festival Band Letter sent home, all High Voice Instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, French Horn, and Trumpet) students participating in Festival Band have an after-school rehearsal this Tuesday, January 20th, until 5:30pm. Students should be picked up at the bus entrance near the band room at 5:30pm.
Upcoming Assignments/Pass-Offs for LGPE:
As our 8th-grade students get ready for our upcoming Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE), they are required to participate in music pass-offs aligned with our concert preparations. Each week, 8th-grade students will have specific playing assignments due on Sunday evenings, which will count as a significant portion of their semester grade. Please note that late submissions will incur points deducted. Students should be practicing at home regularly so they are prepared to submit these pass-offs each week.

High School Announcements:

GMEA All-State Band Results:
Congratulations to Marcus Bordea (Trumpet - 1st chair) and Aiden Edwards (Euphonium - Alternate) on earning placement in the 2026 GMEA All-State Band! This is one of the highest individual honors a band student can achieve, and we are incredibly proud of the dedication, preparation, and musicianship required to reach this level! Congratulations, guys! Go Bears!!

January Mini-Camp/LGPE Camp:
Our January Mini-Camp was a huge success as we continue working toward our early LGPE preparation goals. Students made significant progress in a short time, and their focus and effort were outstanding!

Any student who missed any rehearsal for the January Mini-Camp must see Mr. Cantrell to receive make-up assignments and ensure they stay on track with LGPE preparation.

Our next preparation event for LGPE is our annual LGPE PREP CAMP (February 6-7). This is a mandatory event for all high school students.
Upcoming Assignments/Pass-Offs for LGPE:
All students are required to participate in music pass-offs aligned with our concert preparations. Each week, students will have specific playing assignments due on Sunday evenings that will be a significant portion of their semester grade. Please note that late submissions will incur points deducted. Students should be practicing at home regularly so they are prepared to submit these pass-offs each week.
Letter Jacket Ordering:
Scholastic Images, our Official Letter Jacket partner, will be on campus on Wednesday, January 14th, during all lunches to walk you through the easy ordering process.
To place your Letter jacket order, you just need:
- A $150 deposit (cash, check, card, or tap to pay)
- Proof that you have lettered or pre-approval that you will letter in the next 6-8 weeks (varsity letter certificate)
Letter Jacket information is always available at www.scholasticimages.com and in the front office.
Concert Performance for 2025-2026:
LGPE Camp (February 6-7)
Pre-LGPE Concert (Tuesday, February 24: 6:00pm: CBHS)
LGPE (Wednesday, March 4: TBA)
Spring "Pops at the Bluff" Concert (Thursday, May 7: 6:00pm)
Congratulations!
We are so proud of all the students who auditioned for the District Honor Band last weekend. Congratulations to the students who were selected as members of the GMEA District Honor Band and those who scored high enough to audition for the second round of All-State Band auditions in January. You can find a list of these students HERE.
SCROLL DOWN AND LOOK AT ALL OF THE EVENT DATES ON THE CALENDAR! There is a list of events and a calendar. All parents and students are responsible for marking these events on their own individual calendars. A list of upcoming events and performances is provided in the "Upcoming Events & Performances" section below. There is no excuse for not knowing what's going on—please mark your calendars!
Attendance: Every parent and student should read the ATTENDANCE POLICY. Please be reminded that if you anticipate being absent from class or rehearsal, notify Mr. Cantrell so we can plan accordingly. It is recommended that you notify him well in advance (NOT THE DAY OF THE ABSENCE!). This is the link for the ABSENCE REQUEST FORM if you know that you will be missing a rehearsal or event.

Marching Bears Information

Marching Bears Registration 2026:
All students (including rising 9th graders) who are interested in participating in the Marching Bears for next school year (2026-2027) are required to attend our High School Band Registration Night on Tuesday, April 28. More information will be shared later, including registration links and important dates.
Marching Bears Important Dates: (check the Band Calendar for more details)
Mon., April 27: Marching Band Registration (HS Band Room 6:00pm) (Updated Date)
Fri., May 15: Marching Bears "Start-Up" Session (TBA)
June 22-26: Guard & Percussion Camp (All Color Guard and Percussion Students) (8am-4pm)
June 16-17: Band Student Leadership Symposium
July 19: Parent Meeting (Mandatory Parent Meeting) (5:00pm)
July 20-21: Rookie Camp (Mandatory for all First Year Members) (8am-4pm)
July 23-24: Pre-Camp Rehearsals (Mandatory for ALL STUDENTS) (8am-4pm)
July 27-31: BAND CAMP (Mandatory for ALL STUDENTS) (8am-8pm)
Attendance:
Please be reminded that if you plan to be absent from class or rehearsal, please notify Mr. Cantrell so that we can plan accordingly for our rehearsals. It is recommended that you notify him well in advance (NOT THE DAY OF THE ABSENCE!). Use this link: ABSENCE REQUEST FORM to notify us of your absence.

Information about the Marching Bears can be found by clicking the button below. After arriving on the Marching Bears page, scroll to the bottom to find: the summer schedule, band camp info., full marching band schedule for the season, and other marching band resources for parents and students. Updates will be made as we get closer to these events. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Cantrell.

Marching Bears Information 2025

Student attendance at ALL rehearsals is required. Failure to communicate pre-arranged absences will result in a penalty or withdrawal from the group. In order for us to be successful, we need ALL STUDENTS at rehearsal ALL OF THE TIME!

Looking ahead:

Guard & Percussion Camp: June 22 - June 26 (All Colorguard and Percussion students must attend!)
Parent Meeting: July 19 (CBHS Theater - 5:00pm)
Marching Bears Pre-Camp Rehearsals: July 20-21, July 23-24 (All Marching Bears members must attend)
Marching Bears Band Camp: July 27 - July 31 (All Marching Bears members must attend)