August 18 Update
Good evening ROG Families,
We are getting to an exciting point in the season. The students have spent the last few weeks building the foundation of our show, and we are now moving into the part of the process where we start putting those pieces together on the field.
There are also a few important things coming up for families. We will have a mandatory parent meeting this Thursday after rehearsal, and over the next two Saturdays we will have full-day rehearsals that will function much more like band camp days. Please take a moment to look ahead at the schedule and make sure these dates are on your calendar.
Quick Overview
The big things to have on your radar:
Thursday, August 20 — Mandatory Parent Meeting
6:45 PM at Cerritos High School
Immediately following marching band rehearsal
Saturday, August 22 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM — Saturday Rehearsal
Focus: Learning drill for the show
Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM — Saturday Rehearsal
Focus: Getting as much of the show on the field as possible
Mandatory Parent Meeting — Thursday, August 20
As the year has gotten rolling, there have been a number of questions that have come up from both new and returning families. We want to make sure we start the year as strongly as possible and make sure everyone is on the same page.
We will be holding a mandatory parent meeting on Thursday, August 20 at 6:45 PM at Cerritos High School, immediately following rehearsal.
We'll use this time to go over important information for the year, answer questions, and make sure families understand the expectations, logistics, and opportunities that come with being part of the ROG.
We will also be discussing a possible Spring Break Hawaii Trip! 🏝️
Parents/guardians should plan to attend. Please make arrangements now to be there.
Week at a Glance
Wednesday, August 19
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Thursday, August 20
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
6:45 PM — Mandatory Parent Meeting @ Cerritos High School
Saturday, August 22
9:00 AM–4:00 PM — Saturday Rehearsal
This is our first big production day.
Our primary goal will be learning drill for the show. Students will spend significant time on the field learning where they go, how they move, and how the visual elements of the production fit together.
Please treat this like a band camp day. Students should arrive prepared with everything they need for a full day outside, including plenty of water, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and food.
August 24–29
Monday, August 24
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Wednesday, August 26
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Thursday, August 27
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Saturday, August 29
9:00 AM–4:00 PM — Saturday Rehearsal
Our second Saturday will be another major production day.
After spending the previous week learning drill, our goal will be to get as much of the show on the field as possible. We'll be connecting the music and visual work the students have been learning and seeing how much of the production we can put together.
This is where we should really start seeing the show take shape as a complete production rather than a collection of individual pieces.
Again, this should be treated like a full band camp day. Please plan accordingly and make sure students come prepared to work for the entire day.
August 31–September 5
Monday, August 31
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Wednesday, September 2
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Thursday, September 3
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Student Expectations
As we move further into the season, preparation and consistency become increasingly important.
Come prepared. Students should have their instrument, music, equipment, water, and appropriate rehearsal clothing every day.
Be present and engaged. Learning drill requires everyone to be in the right place at the right time. When someone is missing, it affects more than just that student.
Take care of yourself. Especially on our Saturday rehearsals, students need to stay hydrated, eat enough, get enough sleep, and come prepared for a full day outside.
Stay on top of schoolwork. Marching band is a significant commitment, but students are still responsible for their classes. Please make sure students are communicating with teachers and keeping up with their work.
Athletic Clearance — Please Take Care of This Now
All students participating in the music program need a new Athletic Clearance on file with the school for the 2026–27 school year.
If your student has not completed this yet, please start the process now. The school may take up to 5 school days to process a complete clearance, so this is not something to wait on.
Full Athletic Clearance Instructions
The basics:
Clearance is completed online through HomeCampus.com.
A new clearance and physical are required each school year.
Physicals for 2026–27 must be dated on or after April 1, 2026.
You will need to upload the physician-signed/stamped physical and medical history questionnaire.
The clearance is not complete until it has been reviewed and approved by the school.
There is also a mandatory annual transportation fee:
$175 — includes ASB card
$225 — transportation only
Questions about the clearance process can be directed to Ana Herrarte, Athletic Secretary at ana.herrarte@abcusd.us. Questions for the Athletic Director can be directed to Todd Denhart at todd.denhart@abcusd.us.
If you haven't started your clearance yet, please do it this week.
2026–27 ROG Registration Paperwork
Please make sure the following forms are completed for your student:
Getting these completed early helps us keep student information, emergency contacts, uniforms, and volunteer coordination organized throughout the season.
New: Rehearsal Absence Form
We are introducing a new absence reporting process this year.
Any time a student is going to miss a rehearsal, they need to complete the absence form. Students should submit the form as soon as they know they are going to miss something, rather than waiting until the day of rehearsal whenever possible.
Submit a Rehearsal Absence Request
This gives us a consistent way to track absences and helps us plan rehearsals appropriately.
Looking Ahead
I'm excited for the students to start seeing the show come together in a much more tangible way. Thank you for helping them arrive prepared, for communicating with us when issues come up, and for supporting the work they're putting in.
We appreciate everything our families do behind the scenes to make this program possible.
Thank you!
Bobby Westphal
Director of Instrumental Music
Cerritos High School
