Time For Camp!
Happy last day of summer!
Band camp kicks off tomorrow! 🎺🥁
There is a lot happening over the next couple of weeks before school starts. Please make sure you read this email, and are checking the Band App regularly. Attendance, participation, and knowing what is happening is incredibly important to make sure we have a great start to the year.
Also, jazz auditions are this week. Find more info below.
Please read through the information below carefully so students are prepared and families know what to expect.
Band App
The Band App is one of the main ways that we communicate with you throughout the year. Make sure you are signed up for the new one (Cerritos High School Band 2026-2027) and have NOTIFICATIONS TURNED ON please! You should be checking the Band App regularly!
Join the band app by clicking here: https://band.us/n/abafb379V0rfR
Jazz Auditions
Auditions dates:
Monday, July 27- Saxophones
Tuesday, July 28- Trumpets
Wednesday, July 29- Trombones
Monday, July 30- Rhythm Section
Sign up for your audition slot by clicking here: https://calendar.app.google/TCzULnNGxXruYSo79
Please note that if nobody is before you, or if the previous audition is done, you will be asked to begin your audition early.
Audition materials can be found by clicking here. They were also sent out on the Band App.
Quick Overview
Here are the big things to know:
✅ Required every day: instrument/equipment, water, athletic clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, food/snacks as needed, and a ready-to-work attitude
✅ Make-up uniform fitting will be Tuesday, July 28
✅ Athletic Clearance due ASAP
Week 1 at a Glance
Monday, July 27
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Jazz Auditions: SAXOPHONES- sign up here (https://calendar.app.google/TCzULnNGxXruYSo79)
Each day, we will focus on marching basics, protocol, music warm-ups, team building, and music that we will play in the fall.
*****Please note that the start time means being in the right place, with all equipment set-up, ready to go at that time! You should arrive at least 15-20 minutes before to ensure that we start at the listed time.*****
*****Along the same lines, the listed time is the time we conclude rehearsal. Please allow students time to pack their equipment, and make sure the campus and band room are clean and properly maintained.*****
Tuesday, July 28
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Jazz Auditions: TRUMPETS- sign up here (https://calendar.app.google/TCzULnNGxXruYSo79)
🌯 Chipotle Dine Out Fundraiser (click here for details)
💂 Make-up Uniform Fittings after camp
Wednesday, July 29
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Jazz Auditions: TROMBONES- sign up here (https://calendar.app.google/TCzULnNGxXruYSo79)
Thursday, July 30
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Jazz Auditions: RHYTHM SECTION- sign up here (https://calendar.app.google/TCzULnNGxXruYSo79)
Friday, July 31
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Lunch will be provided by the boosters this day!
After camp, walk on over to Heritage Park for our Family Picnic. Check the Band App for more details.
Saturday, August 1
Each year, we go to Golf N Stuff in Norwalk to hang out and play some mini golf. All purchase you make that day make money for the program, and it is a fun way to wrap the first week of camp. More details will be on the band app.
Week 2 at a Glance
Monday, August 3
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
School Distribution for band. Your student should attend camp as normal, and will leave to go to distribution at their assigned times.
Alpha Last Name A-E: 8:00-9:00AM
Alpha Last Name F-K: 9:00-10:00AM
Alpha Last Name L-R: 10:00-11:00AM
Alpha Last Name S-Z: 11:00AM-12:30PM
There will be a student leadership meeting immediately following camp this day. Leaders, plan to stay a few extra minutes!
Tuesday, August 4
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
🧋 7 Leaves Dine Out fundraiser. (Click here for more details)
Wednesday, August 5
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Thursday, August 6
Band Camp: 9:00 am-2:30 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
We will be ending camp a bit early today. DCI Prelims are being streamed at the Long Beach Regal theater. We are encouraging all students who are able to go watch!
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Friday, August 7
Band Camp: 9:00 am-4:00 pm @ CHS (lunch break 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
We will have our Parent Preview Show to wrap up the week. Student call time will be 5:00 pm, and we will be providing the students dinner. Gates will open for parents at 5:30 pm, and the show will start at 6:00 pm.
What Students Need Every Day 🎒
Students should come prepared for both indoor and outdoor rehearsal. Please bring:
Instrument and all needed equipment (reeds, valve oil, etc.)
Music, coordinate sheets, dot book, pencil, and binder/folder (more info to come regarding this)
Large water bottle (most students have a gallon jug of ice water)
Athletic clothes appropriate for movement (shorts and t-shirt that are comfortable)
Closed-toe athletic shoes
Sunscreen
Hat and/or sunglasses (it is bright and hot- hats are REQUIRED)
Lunch/dinner/snacks as needed
A few “please don’t make future-you regret this” reminders:
🚫 No sandals
🚫 No Crocs
🚫 No slides
🚫 No boots
🚫 No small water bottles
We will be outside, and students need to be dressed in a way that allows them to move safely, stay healthy, and actually rehearse well.
Attendance and Rehearsal Expectations ⏰
Band camp is where we learn the foundation of the show and build the habits that make the season possible. It is very difficult to make up the information from a missed rehearsal, especially when we are learning drill, music, and ensemble responsibilities at the same time.
Please remember:
Students should arrive early enough to be ready to start on time.
“On time” means ready with instrument/equipment, water, music, and materials.
Students are expected to communicate ahead of time if there is a conflict.
Students should take care of themselves: hydrate, eat, sleep, and come ready to work.
We will work hard, but we will also take care of each other.
If your student has a conflict, please contact robert.westphal@abcusd.us as soon as possible.
Make-up Uniform Fittings 👕
Make- up uniform fittings will take place after band camp on Tuesday, July 28. Students will be fitted for their band uniform and marching shoes.
Students should wear:
Athletic clothes that are easy to change in/out of
Socks
Appropriate underlayers for trying on uniform pieces (lightweight shorts and t-shirt)
Parents, we may need help with uniform fittings. If you are available to assist, please contact Kelly Ha (uniforms@cerritosrog.com).
Uniform questions can be directed to: Kelly Ha at uniforms@cerritosrog.com.
Athletic Clearance 💪
All students participating in the music program next year need a new Athletic Clearance on file with the school.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uO7AWi0VgI_yITFgupmi-zyokhcFR0yN69h9lu2BNNs/edit?tab=t.0
✅ General Overview
All athletic clearance is done online via HomeCampus.com.
Required for all students participating in sports or auxiliary units.
Only one clearance packet per school year, even if the student participates in multiple activities.
New packet and physical are required each year and expire at the end of the school year.
Physicals must be dated on or after April 1, 2026, for the 2026–2027 school year.
Allow up to 5 school days for processing a complete packet.
📝 Clearance Process
Go to HomeCampus.com→ Select California.
Login or create an account with parent/student emails.
Select “Start Clearance Here!” → Search “Cerritos” → Choose the correct school year/sport.
Fill out student info → Click “Save and Continue”.
Upload documents:
Physical form (with physician’s stamp, dated/signed)
Medical history questionnaire
Optional: Private Vehicle Use form (if student drives themselves)
Confirmation email sent when clearance begins.Clearance completed once reviewed. Status viewable online.
📄 Physicals
Signed, dated, and stamped by a physician.
Performed after April 1, 2026 (or within one year of submission).
Forms downloadable from the school's site or accepted electronically (e.g., from Kaiser, if questionnaire is also uploaded).
🏥 Insurance Requirement
All students must have health insurance.
Low-cost options available via Myers-Stevens & Toohey.
💲 Transportation Fee
Mandatory annual fee (yes, it is cheaper to get the ASB card!):
Option A: $175 (includes ASB card)
Option B: $225 (transportation only)
Payable to the ASB office via cash or check.
📧 Contacts
Ana Herrarte (Athletic Secretary): ana.herrarte@abcusd.us – For help completing the form.
Todd Denhart (Athletic Director): todd.denhart@abcusd.us – Response times may vary.
Final Reminders 📌
Students and parents should check the Band App regularly.
Families should make sure all forms, payments, and clearance items are completed by their Uniform Fitting date.
Please label water bottles, binders, and personal items.
Students should start hydrating before camp, not just during camp.
Get sleep. Band camp is much harder when students are running on empty.
Thank you for helping us start the season strong. I’m excited to see the students come together this week and begin building the version of the Regiment of Gold that we will become this year.
See you at camp!
Mr. Westphal
Director of Instrumental Music
Cerritos High School
