The Band and Auxillary have begun another championship season.   They captured First Place trophies for Division 4A at the Kennedy Tournament.  The Auxillary followed this up by taking Sweepstakes at the Valencia Field Tournament (Oct 12th).  They outscored Arcadia and Diamond Bar!  Congrats to the Colorguard and Dance Teams!  This Saturday, Oct. 19th, they're at it again...Baldwin Park Field Tournament.

Less than 2 weeks away is the Loara Band Review and Field Tournament; it's Sat. Oct. 26th.  If anyone would like to help out, please contact rfrutschy@prodigy.net.  It's one of the Booster's major fundraisers of the year.  Oh yes! A few days before the ournament, 
Wed. Oct 23rd, is the AUSHD Band Spectacular where all the Bands in the district get to perform for the home crowd.  It's at Glover Stadium. 

Again, HOMECOMING 2002 is Fri. Nov 1. It will be at Handel Stadium this year.  I've had some response (small as it may be) from Band Family Alumni wishing to participate in pre-game activities.  If you happen to be in town and would like to participate, too or have questions, please contact me at: hrz@relaypoint.net. If you need music, just send me your email address and Mr. Schroeder said he can send it out.  Calvacade, Saxon Fight Song, and National Anthem will be played on the field.  Drill Team, Dance Team and Colorguard Alumni are encouraged to participate, too. 

Those Saxon Band Alumni that choose to sit in the stands with the students have the opportunity to play the Alma Mater, Sound Power, Joshua, the Hey Song, Tequila and the Parade March-March Grandioso.

Participation Fee is $20.  This includes an Alumni T-shirt and admission to the game (against Kennedy).  If you participated last year and still have the T-shirt, please let me know. 

Please take the time to check out the Loara Band website, www.loaraband.org.  It has a new look and feel, pictures, and upcoming events. 

The Kennedy Field Tournament is this Sat., Oct 5th at Glover Stadium.  Our Band competes in 4A at 8pm.  Hope Band Family alumni can come out and support the first competition of the season!  Cow Chip Bingo is also Oct. 5th.  The Placentia Band Review and Valencia Field Tournament are both next Sat., Oct. 12th.

Just a few weeks away is the Loara Band Review and Field Tournament; it's Sat. Oct. 26th.  If anyone would like to help out, please contact rfrutschy@prodigy.net.  It's one of the Booster's major fundraiser of the year.  Oh yes! A few days before the Tournament, 
Wed. Oct 23rd, is the Annual Band Spectacular where all the Bands in the district will perform for the home crowd. 

HOMECOMING 2002 is Fri. Nov 1. As always it's a chance for Saxon alumni to see old friends, relive for a short moment those high school days, catch up on old times, and basically just have a good time at a high school football game.  It's an ideal event for all Loara alumni to come out and support their alma mater.

I've had some response (small as it may be) from Band Family Alumni wishing to participate in pre-game activities during Homecoming.  If you happen to be in town and would like to participate or have questions, please contact me at: hrz@relaypoint.net. If you need music, just send me your email address and Mr. Schroeder said he can send it out.  Calvacade, Fight Song, and National Anthem will be played on the field.  Drill team, dance team and colorguard alumni are encouraged to participate too. 

Those band alumni that choose to sit in the stands with the students have the opportunity to play the Alma Mater, Sound Power, Joshua, the Hey Song, Tequila and the Parade March-March Grandioso.

Participation Fee is $20.  This includes an Alumni T-shirt and admission to the game (against Kennedy).  If you participated last year and still have the T-shirt, please let me know.  I'll be putting out another Update in the next week or so since I need to verify the 
location. 

Please take the time to check out the Loara Band website, www.loaraband.org.  It has a new look and feel, pictures, and upcoming events. 

The Loara Band Review & Field Tournament is scheduled for Sat. Oct., 26th this year.  The Band Review will be held on Clementine followed by the Anaheim Fall Festival Halloween Parade on Harbor Blvd.  The Field Tournament will again be held at Glover Stadium.  Looks like we'll have more schools participate this year than last year.

As you know, Loara hosts this event.  We provide most of the supplies, food, and bodies required to put on such an event.  With all the students and Band Booster parents we seem to doing well with personnel, but we won't turn away anyone who wishes to volunteer.  I've learned that there are still are few items that the Tournament 
Director has requested.  For our Treasurer, we need two motorhomes for two locations. They don't move; they sit there for the entire day.  Medical personnel and supplies are also needed.  Anyone with any type of connection to help lower the cost of food for the event or willing to donate would be greatly appreciated. We would especially like to have ice cream or some type of frozen food available to the attendees if it is a warm day.

Program Ads are also available.  These ads are published in 4 programs during the year(the Band Review & Field Tournament, Colorguard Competition, Dance Team Competition and Spring Show).   Finally, Trohpy Sponsorships are available. 

So, if any Loara Alumni feel they can help in any in these areas (or have questions), please contact our Band Review Tournament Director, Richard Frutschy at rfrutschy@prodigy.net. 

Remember, the first home football game is Thur. Sept. 12th.  Our first fundraiser is Cow Chip Bingo on Sat. Oct. 5th. Plots can still be purchased @ $5.00 each; just contact the Band Office, 714-999-3672. 

HOMECOMING 2002 is Fri November 1st.  We have the opportunity to again put together an Alumni Band Family Event, but need Alumni support.  I have only received one response since the last Alumni Update. That won't cut it for the pre-game performance. However, all 
Band Alumni are welcome to sit in with the band during the game and play along. Last year, those that participated had a great time.  The Loara Fight Song, Cavalcade and the National Anthem will definitely be played. If we have enough participation, Rick Marino will lead the 
band. If you're interested, please let me know via e-mail at: hrz@relaypoint.net. 

Well, another school year is about to start!  First home football game is Thur Sept 12.  First fundraiser is Cow Chip Bingo, Sat. Oct 5. As soon as more info comes across, I'll be sure to pass it along.  However, right now my emphasis is with 2002 Homecoming and the Saxon Alumni Band and Drill Team (Dance Team/Color Guard) performing at pre-game.  Once I return from Band Camp I'll try to send out more timely Alumni Updates (assuming I recover from initiation!).

HOMECOMING 2002 is Fri November 1.  We have the opportunity to again put together an alumni Band Family event but need alumni support.  The Loara Fight Song, Cavalcade and the National Anthem will definitely be played.  We may be able to have Rick Marino lead the alumni and students like he did last year. Those alumni that choose to sit in the stands will again get to play along with the students; the Alma Mater, Sound Power, Joshua, the Hey Song, Tequila and the Parade March-March Grandioso will all be played.  Right now I'd like some input on those that feel they can participate. Please let me know by emailing me at: hrz@relaypoint.net. This will be a FUNDRAISER just like last year. 

Please take the time to check out the Loara Band website, www.loaraband.org.  It has a new look and feel, pictures and upcoming events. 

It's June and school is now out for the summer! Still, it was still a busy time in May and the first week of June for the Drumline, Dance Team and Color Guard.

Competitions were completed for the Drumline and Color Guard. All that was left was the Spring Show. It was held May 15-17 in the Loara Gym.  Drumline, Dance Team, Color Guard, Cheer Squad, Drama Department, and the ASB participated.  The ASB's skit was a parody of the Britney Spears' Pepsi commercial. 

Loara hosted the California State Drum Major Grand Championships June 8.  This year Loara had 5 representatives: Chris Dines, Claire Spain, Mickey Gao, Sam Aduong and Mike Allen who place 3rd.

Finally, two assistant principals, Gil Wengert and Don Frank will be leaving Loara.  Mr. Wengert has been at Loara for 6 years and in the AUHSD 31 years.  Mr. Frank has been at Loara 2 years.

This year's Saxon Yearbook was a little diferent.  Throughout the book, there were pages from the '68 Yearbook.  Kind of surrealistic if you happened to have graduated during that time, like myself.  Inside the front cover was a picture from '68; the foreground is the Senior Circle (without Sammy Saxon) at the right and in the background the food court.  The small shrubs were scarce.  The back pages of the Yearbook had the same perspective from '02.  Behind the "forest" of trees and shrubs was the Senior Circle in all it's glory and in the background the updated food court.  It was a nice touch.  I'm sure the current Seniors will appreciate it more 20-30 years from now. 

Finally, just want to mention that the 2002 Homecoming game will be later in the Fall; maybe even the first part of November.  Nevertheless,  Saxon Band Family alumni are invited to participate again during pre-game.  This includes Band, Color Guard, Dance Team and Drill Team alumni.  More information will come as I receive it.

If you have time, visit loaraband.com. In addition to pictures from the past year, you'll see a letter from Nick Kelsey '69 to the Band Family Booster organization.  His donation to the Loara Band Family is greatly appreciated.

It's been a busy month for all the auxillary groups.  And it's not over!  The Annual Spring Show and Concert Under the Stars are coming up.

Dance Team completed its competitive season in fine fashion.  In San Diego, all four solo performers placed as did all the dance groups.  Congratualtions to all the members for another fastastic season!  But all is not over...Dance Team hosts Spring Show so there's not much time for rest.

The Color Guard has been busy, too!  They took home 4th at the Colorguard WGASC competition at Aliso Niguel and earned 1st at the Costa Mesa competition a week later.  Then at the WGI Championships in Dayton, the team made it as far as semi-finals.

Drumline peaked during March. They took 1st at the SC-PA competition back on March 30 then took home the Gold at the SC-PA Championships April 6.  They made it to the finals in Dayton. 

Congratulation to the members of all the auxillary teams on another outstanding Court Season!  And special "Thank You" to all the adults who volunteered their time to bus the kids to these competitions. 

Concert and Jazz Bands traveled to San Francisco to compete this past weekend. The marching band took first as well as 4th Period.  Third Period Band was put into a higher division than expected and took 4th place. 

Spring Show is here! The dates: May 15-17.  The Show Wed night starts at 6:30 (in the Loara gym).  Starting time is 7:30 on Thur and Fri nights. Costs: presale $5 Wed night, $7 Thur/Fri. At the door, $8 Thur/Fri.  Come see, for the last time this year, the talented Cheer squad, Dance Team, Color Guard, and Drumline perform their routines!

The Concert Under the Stars Fundraiser (final one of the year) is coming up, too.  It's held at Pearson Park.  Dinner is served from 5:30-7:30. Cost is $30 for 3 dinner tickets, addtional dinner tickets are $5.  Date: Thur, May 30th.

In closing, the Loara Band Family Boosters truly appreciate the time you have taken to review this update and hope to see you at future Loara High School events.

Talk about March Madness!!  Between February and March, Loara's Dance, Color Guard and Drumline teams are busy every weekend.

Since last month's update, the Dance Team has competed at Arlingon, Canyon and Woodbridge High Schools.  The Large Dance Team placed in all of them, taking 1st at the Canyon competition.  The Small Dance Team took 2nd at Canyon competition.  Two of our four soloists took home awards at the Woodbridge competition.  Two more competitions in March.  Saturday, March 9th is at Savanna and March 16th is the USA Nationals.

The Color Guard has been busy!  They earned second place finishes at both the Jurupa and Escondido High School Competitions. The weekend of March 8-10 is the WGI Regional in Las Vegas.  This is followed by WGASC Competitions March 23rd at Aliso Niguel High School and March 30th at Costa Mesa High School.

The Drumline, too, has gotten into the spirit of winning.  They place 2nd at the Canyon Springs Competition and 4th at Fountain Valley.  Next is the WGI Regional in Las Vegas, followed by competitions March 16th at Valencia High School, March 23rd at Chino Hills, and March 30th at Saddleback College. 

Good Luck to all.

PLease remember that your donations to the Loara High School Band Family are tax deductible.  Also, those instruments that you are no longer using and are just collecting dust are more than welcome as donations to the Loara Band program. In fact, the Booster organization is willing to incur any shipping costs.  Please contact the Band Office at (714) 999-3672.  Again, any donations may be mailed to:

    Loara High School
    1765 W. Cerritos Ave.
    Anaheim, CA 92804
    Attn: Loara Band Boosters

In closing, the Loara Band Family Boosters truly appreciate the time you have taken to review this update and hope to see you at future Loara High School events.

November ended the field and parade season for the Band, Dance Team and Color Guard.  They ended it with a march down Main Street, Disneyland the day before Thanksgiving.  And the day before that, Booster parents hosted the annual Turkey Day, a Loara Band program tradition for a number of years now (18 to be exact).  From what I understand, the students were served from seven in the morning to the end of school day; no one walked away hungry! Just one of the perks of being part of the Band program.  The transition is now to Concert Band.   A new addition is the Jazz Band, organized by Mr. Orr, Assistant Band Director.  Not too much time to rest.  Practices have started already for Drumline, Dance Team and Color Guard for the new season.
Competitions start at the end of January for Color Guard.

Loara Varsity Football made it to the second round of the playoffs and lost. It was going to be  a tough game anyway considering 4 starters were out with injuries.  Boy's basketball league play starts in January so more info on that next time.  Same for Girls Varsity Basketball.  Girls Soccer has done well.  At 6-2, they're poised to win another league title and have a shot at CIF.

Some of the student events during January include a trip to Washington, D.C.
(Jan 14th-21st) for 9 students and Mr. Chylinski.  They'll be attending workshops where they will hear representatives and senators speak and also witness the Presidential Inauguration.  Other activities include, Yellow Ribbon Week, and Saxon Pride & Campus Beautification Week.

To close, I'm reminding Band Family alumni of about the Band Family Newsletter editor's request for articles.  Since we now have Band, Color Guard, and Dance students submitting articles to the our Newsletter relating their experiences during the year, we thought it would be nice to add a regular feature where Band Family alumni "can tell stories of their involvement with the Loara Band, give encouragement to our current students", etc.  Submit articles to the editor via email, ddonut@aol.com.

Wishing Saxon alumni a very Happy New Year!

It's the end of December and a New Year is starting up.  The Band and Auxillary units had a truly phenomenal marching and parade season.  The Band received nothing less than first place at every competition! They could not have accomplished this without the fantastic Auxillary units. The Dance Team received first place at both La Palma Parade and Arcadia. At the Savanna competition, the Dance Team and Color Guard together received a second place finish.  Congrats to the kids, instructors, and Mr. Schroeder for a very rewarding season. Finally, the day before Thanksgiving, the band, dance team, color guard, and cheerleaders made the annual trek over to Disneylandwhere they 
performed their award winning parade march down Main Street. 

Concert/Court season starts in January. Jan 26 Loara hosts the WGASC Color Guard competition.  Then a week later, Feb 2, is the Preview of Champions fundraiser, where the band and attached units showcase their concert music and court shows.  And a week after that, Feb 9, Loara hosts a Dance Team competition!  More specific information regarding this and other events will be included in January's update.

Wishing all Saxon alumni and their families a Happy Holiday Season and a great NEW YEAR!

The Saxon Varsity Football team has come around with the start of Empire League games.  They were 3-0 going into their game with Kennedy (also 3-0).  They lost against Kennedy but still have a chance for the playoffs.

The Silverado Parade was Oct 20.  The Band and Drum Major both took 1st, the Color Guard took 2nd and Dance Team took Sweepstakes!  Then that evening at the Etiwanda Field Tournament, both the Auxillary and Band took 1st and Percussion took Sweepstakes! Not bad.  And that was against 4 other schools in the 4A division.  Last night at the Chino Band Review & Field Tournament, the Saxons took 1st in Percussion, Auxillary and Band.  They came in 3rd overall (parade + field).

Two competitions left.  On Nov 10 is the La Palma Band Review.  And finally on Nov 17 are both the Arcadia Band Review and Savanah Field Tournament.  The day before Thanksgiving the kids get to perform at Disneyland.

Homecoming was Oct 26.  Band alumni came and played along with the students as part of pre-game.  They were honored by being introduced individually over the loudspeaker.  Then they marched off to the stands and took the same seats and played many of the same tunes when they, too,  were students.  Gotta believe they had some "outside" help, though. Wanted to take this opportunity to thank those that took the time out of their schedule to come, participate, and support their alma mater. And, yes, Mr. Marino was there to conduct!  For those that did attend, if you have any suggestions or constructive criticism, let me know.  We'll do it again next year!

Fall is here and that means football season!  The Saxon Varsity is really a young team and it shows.  League games start next week, but the team was 0-4 for pre-season.

The Kennedy Field Tournament was Sat, Oct 6.  First one of the season.  The Band and Auxillary moved up from 4A to 5A.  The Band came in first while the auxillary came in second.  Great start for both.  By the way, the theme this is year is Disney again...Atlantis.

No Saxon Shield yet so no other news from the school to report.

My major focus since this summer has been trying to put together a Loara Alumni Band and Auxillary to perform at pre-game for Homecoming.  The response has been positive. The challenge is trying to contact Band Family Alumni (band, drill team, dance team, & colorguard).  Mailings, e-messages (like this one), and word of mouth 
are being used. Homecoming is a chance for Saxon alumni to relive those days, catch up on old times, see old friends, and basically just have a good time at a high school football game.  In addition, it's an ideal event for Loara alumni to provide support to their alma mater.

HOMECOMING 2001 is Fri October 26 at Glover Stadium. Game time is 7:30 so pre-game would be around 7. Mr. Marino and his red socks will be there to conduct.

Practice will be late afternoon, maybe 4-6 or at least till the football teams have to take the field to practice.  However, sheet music will be mailed out to those who request it (need mailing address).  Pretty standard stuff.  Calvacade, Fight Song, and National Anthem will be played.  Drill team, dance team and colorguard alumni are encouraged to participate too. 

Those band alumni that choose to sit in the stands with the students have the opportunity to play the Alma Mater, Sound Power, Joshua, the Hey Song, Tequila and the Parade March-March Grandioso.

Participation Fee is $20.  This includes a T-shirt and admission to the game (against Katella).  Please email me at: hrz@relaypoint.net if you have any questions or feel you may want to join in this event.

Well, another school year has started!  First football game is Fri Sept 7, 2001.  First fundraiser is Cow Chip Bingo, Oct 7. As soon as more info comes across, I'll be sure to pass it along.  However, right now my emphasis has been with Homecoming and Saxon Alumni Band and Drill Team (Dance Team/Color Guard) performing at pre-game.

HOMECOMING 2001 is Fri October 26.  We have the opportunity to again put together an alumni band family event but need alumni support.  I've had good response so far.  FYI, Bill Schroder, Loara's band director, feels that a practice before the game (3 - 6pm) will be enough.  The Loara Fight Song, Cavalcade and the National Anthem will definitely be played.  We should be able to have Rick Marino, Loara's first Band Director, lead the alumni. Those alumni that choose to sit in the stands with the students have the opportunity to play the Alma Mater, Sound Power, Joshua, the Hey Song, Tequila and the Parade March-March Grandioso.  Please email me at: hrzfantasy@globalpac.com 
if you have any questions or feel you may want to join in this event.  This will be a FUNDRAISER; T-shirts will be provided.  Trying to keep the cost to $25-30.

Please take the time to check out the Loara Band website, www.loaraband.org.  It has a new look and feel, pictures, and upcoming events.  Booster Nancy Spain deserves credit for creating and maintaining the site.  Thanks Nancy!

HOMECOMING 2001 is Fri October 26.  We have the opportunity to again put together an alumni band family event but need alumni support.  This was accomplished a number of years ago with over 200 Saxon alumni participants.  There's absolutely no reason this cannot be done again.  I'm putting out feelers now to see how many are 
interested.  Sheet music, practices, uniforms (shirts), more practice sessions, and Mr Marino (& his red socks) directing the alumni band and drill team on the field would all be involved in this endeavor.  But the first step is gather those interested in participating.  Please email me at: hrzfantasy@globalpac.com if you have any 
questions or feel you may want to join in this event.

SAXON Alumni!

It's June and school is about out for the summer! Still, it was still a busy time in May and the first week of June for the Drumline, Dance Team and Color Guard.

Competitions were complete for the Dance Team and Color Guard. All that was left was the Spring Show. It was held May 16-18 in the Loara Gym.  Drumline, Dance Team, Color Guard, Ballet Folklorico, Jazz Band and even the ASB participated.  Their skit was a light hearted look at a day in the life of a Saxon, titled "The Real World at L.H.S. 

Competitions were completed for the Drumline.  At the Las Vegas Competition the Loara Percussion Ensemble were awarded 2nd place in the finals (just 3 tenths of a point behind 1st place).

At the Band Family Awards Banquet, held June 8th, it was announced that Robin Orr, Assistant Director of the Loara Band, will be moving over to Magnolia High School to direct their band and auxillary units.  And Mr. Graves, Director of the Band Program at Ball Jr. High for the past 14 years, will be moving over to Lexington Jr. High.  Both will be missed.

A couple of FIRSTS for Loara related to sports: The Lady Saxons Softball team made it all the way to the CIF semi-finals, a first in Loara's softball history.  They lost 1-0.  Next, in wrestling, Sr. Orlando Galvin was 1st in CIF, 2nd in Masters 7th in the State, and 
came away as the first National Champion in Loara's history.   The Varsity Boy's Tennis Team was outstanding, too.  They earned the Empire League title by going undefeated.

Finally, two teachers with a total of 51 years of experience will be retiring.  Math teacher Mr Traw will be leaving.  He has been teaching math at Loara for 30 years!  Ms. Brown, Spanish teacher, will also be leaving.  She's been at Loara for 21 years.

As a reminder, those Band Family alumni that have experiences they'd like to share, you're welcome to either post you thoughts at the loara eGroup site:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loaraband or send them to me: hrzfantasy@globalpac.com and I'll forward it to our Band Newsletter editor. 

ALUMNI LETTER

The following is strictly Band Booster info, but, as usual, everyone is welcome to listen in.  It's really FYI.  First some background:

At the March General Booster Band meeting, the 2001-2002 budget was discussed.  Due to delinquent dues from parents and some fundraisers not being as profitable as expected, thoughts  of cutting back the band and ancillary programs were addressed.

SAXON alumni from all years can remember one constant throughout their years at Loara...the LHS Band and ancillary teams were always at the top, competitively. As one alumni parent from the 70's pointed out, "during the late 60's and '70's Loara raised the bar that all other schools in the district strived for.".  She did not wish to see that "bar lowered".  Mr. Marino established that tradition and the current one, Bill Schroeder, have worked to maintain it.  A parent of a drumline member related the joy of watching her son receive the Championship Medal at the Dayton Competition last year.  No amount of money could replace that feeling.

In the end it was decided that these opportunities for the students would NOT be curtailed; the band program would NOT be compromised.  Instead the General membership voted to approve the 2001-2002 budget as is and greater efforts would be made to collect dues from Band Family parents.  Also, better communication regarding financial responsibility will be emphasized, especially towards Freshman Band Family parents.

So goes the background.  Now what?

The Band Boosters are proud to announce a way to for Saxon alumni to be active  in the Loara community by participating in donations to the Loara Band Family Boosters.  We are hopeful that alumni donations might help support students whose families cover the most basic program expenses.  This organization is non-profit.  As such, we have added it to the website, WWW.Helping.org.  Tax-deductible donations may be made through this site to either a Band Family student or to the General Booster Fund.  The site is secure and does email back to you verification of your dontation for your tax records. However, if you do not feel comfortable donating in this manner, you're encouraged to send any donation directly to:

                                Loara High School
                                1765 W. Cerritos Ave.
                                Anaheim, CA 92804
                                Attn: Loara Band Boosters

For years, the Boosters have provided encouragement, volunteer support, as well as monetary support to the students and school.  Here's a chance for SAXON alumni to join in with the same support and ensure the tradition of one of the top band programs in the state carries on.

Again, I thank you for taking the time to review this Alumni Update.

SAXON Alumni!

All the Band Family teams were busy in February and March.  Following are some the of results from their respective competitions.

The Dance Team traveled to Burbank Feb 17th.  The large dance group took 3rd while the small group took 2nd place.  In the solo performances, sophomore Shannon McCance took 3rd place while Junior Shelby Kielich took 1st.  The team has since competed on successive weekends at Canyon, Woodbridge, and Arlington  High Schools.  At Arlington, the small lyrical group took 3rd, the small dance group took 1st and  Shannon McCance took 2nd place in the solo performance.  Congratulations to all!  There's still the Katella HS competition March 17th and Miss Drill Team in April.

At the RCC Regional competition held Feb 10-11, the Drumline took first place!  UPDATE!  Then this past weekend at the RCC Regional in Las Vegas they took 2nd place.

The Color Guard took 1st place at both the Ayala and Saddleback HS competitions.

At this writing the both the Color Guard will be in Las Vegas but no scores yet.  It then travels to Arlington HS March 24th, UCI Bren Center March 31st and finally to Milwaukee, WI April 4-8.

The next major Band Family fundraiser is the Spring Show, May 16-18.  More about that in subsequent updates.

The Boys Basketball team had another winning season, 20-6; that's a 20 win average 4 years running.  They did make it to CIF but unfortuneately lost in the first round.   But for his efforts, the Coach Prange received Coach of the Year honors by the O. C. Register.  I'd also like to recognize one our own Saxon alumni who competed and finished in the L.A. Marathon.  Congrats to Barbara Aguilar (nee Bruce, class of '75).

Finally, at the last General Band Booster meeting, there was a discussion on next year's program based on the budget.   Bottom line is that the program will not be compromised, but more on that in the next update.

Reminder to ALL Saxon alumni!  The LHS Alumni Class Reunion from '65 -Present is being held in Las Vegas, Sept 22, 2001.  Information and contacts can be found at Classmates.com and LoaraAlumni.com if interested.  Or contact me at hrosenson@loaraalumni.com.

SAXON Alumni!

The new season's competitions are coming fast and furious!  And the first Booster fundraiser was a major success.

The WGASC Color Guard Competition held Jan 27 saw over 50 schools in attendence.  Due to the efforts of Color Guard Booster Rep, Julie Geddis, everyone including judges, particpants,, and spectators were extremely impressed with the quality of the event.  We made well over the amount budgeted for this event.

Earlier in Jan, the Cheer squad traveled north to Lodi, to compete. I understand fun was had by all.  They even had time to visit the sites of San Francisco.  Oh yes, they took 1st Place at Regionals!  Those Saxon alumni living locally may want to make a note on your calender; March 3rd, LHS Cheerleaders will be hosting a cheer competition.  As always, with any and all Loara events, Saxon alumni support is greatly appreciated.

The Dance Team traveled to Claremont on Feb 3 to take part in their first competion of Court Season.  They performed their large dance, small dance, and solo routines.  Even though they did not place, the experience was invaluable, especially for new members.  They go to Burbank on Feb 17th, then Canyon H.S. on Feb 24th.  Three more competitions in March, but more on that next month.

Saturday night, Feb 3rd, was the Preview of Champions show in the Loara gym.  I understand the dinner, this year, was Chinese.  Drumline, Dance Team, Color Guard, Band, and the new Jazz Band performed for the home crowd. This, too, was a fundraiser.  I'll have information on the financial results next month.

The Drumline competion starts Feb 3rd at Riverside.  Then it goes to Mission Viejo HS and Valencia.  The title of the program is "Voices" with music by Maurice Ravel.

The next major fundraiser is coming on March 2nd......CASINO NIGHT.  This is a Fri evening and runs from 7-11.  From personal experience last year, this is a great event!  Everyone has a terrific time especially the students.  There's Blackjack, Roulette, Wheel of Fortune, and Craps.  There is a snack bar and at the end of the evening, "winnings" are exchanged for raffle tickets.  Advance tickets are $15/adult, $10 student.  At the door, $17/$12 respectively.

If you feel you can come out to support the students and want more information, please feel free to contact me at: hrosenson@loaraalumni.com or call the Band Room & Hotline at 999-3672.

Picked up the Saxon Shield the other day.  A couple of interesting articles thought I'd pass on.  Nine participants from the Close Up program and chaperone Paul Chylinski made the trek to Washington, D.C. for workshops and the Presidential inauguration.  A priceless educational experience for all.  The AUHSD Board of Trustees have a proposal, and I emphasize proposal, on the table.  The new rule requires students to stand whenever an adult enters the room; they'd need to address superiors as "Sir" or "Ma'am".  Also, teachers would be required to address students as Mister or Miss.
Guess some school districts in the South are looking into doing the same.  Finally, saw where the topic of "book banning" is beings addressed again.  However, it's not in Anaheim.  Some of the books another O.C. school district is looking into banning are: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Color Purple, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Of Mice and Men, and , of course, The Catcher in the Rye.  Just food for thought.

Reminder to ALL Saxon alumni!  The LHS Alumni Class Reunion from '65 - Present is being held in Las Vegas, Sept 22, 2001.  Information and contacts can be found at Classmates.com and LoaraAlumni.com if interested.  Or contact me at hrosenson@loaraalumni.com.

SAXON Alumni!

The start of a new year also brings a new season of Band Family competitions and fundraisers!

The Color Guard's first competition is Saturday, Jan. 20th at Fountain Valley High School.

A week later, Saturday Jan. 27th, Loara hosts its own Color Guard Competition.  This is also the first Band Booster fundraiser of the new year.  The event will go on between 6am - 10pm in the Loara gym.

It doesn't stop there!  Saturday night, Feb 3rd, there's the Preview of Champions show in the Loara gym.  This is another fundraiser.  Band Booster parents will be serving dinner and attendees are treated to previews of the band's concert performance and respective court shows of the dance team,  color guard, and drumline (or as Mr. Schroeder calls it, "percussion theater").

If you feel you can come out to support the students and want more information, please feel free to contact me at: hrzfantasy@globalpac.com or call the Band Room & Hotline at 999-3672.

Final note.  Happened to see in the paper last week that boys varsity basketball went 11-5 in pre-season.  The league starts now.  It will be a challenge considering they're in the same league as Katella and El Dorado (14-2).

October has come and gone and it's almost  time for Thanksgiving..  October saw Homecoming, football wins, Band/Drill Team competitions and, of course, fundraisers.

Homecoming saw Loara beat Cypress.  This year, the ASB set aside a section in the stands for alumni and their families.  During the game, Mr. Hurlbert made an announcement to recognize all the Loara alumni.  Per the ASB, this will now be done every year.  By the way, our football team went undefeated in league and the playoffs begin Friday night at Glover Stadium.

There were a number of band review/parade competitions during October and the first half of November.  To summarize:  At the Magnolia Tournament, Loara took 3rd while the Auxillary took 2nd.  Loara also received the high score overall in Marching.  At the Irvine Tournament deuces were wild! Band, Color Guard, and Dance Team all placed 2nd.  But again, Loara received the highest overall score in Marching.  At the Chino Parade, the Band placed 2nd, Dance Team 1st, and Drum Major, Harrison Spain placed 3rd.  And at the Chino Field Tournament, the band placed 4th.  Finally, the Dance Team took 2nd at the Placentia Parade and 3rd at the La Palma Parade.  No info at this time regarding the Band or Color Guard at these events.

The Band Review that Loara hosted was a success.  For Southern California, it was the largest review with number of schools participating, thiry-seven.  Cow-Chip Bingo did not go as well as in previous years, but a few alumni did participate which was encouraging.

The past month has seen a number of Band Family Alumni added to our new email database.  All have expressed interest in hearing about what's happening at their alma mater since graduation.  From their messages, some have have not heard from Loara or their classmates for 20-30 years.  And some of them still  live in Orange County.  In addition, alumni not part of the Band Family have shown the same interest; they too will be added to our database.

Of related interest is Homecoming.  Alumni were invited to sit with the students and play along.  I do know a few did show up instruments in hand, but decided not to participate.  Next year we should be able to plan something more structured for alumni during Homecoming.  I know if we could persuade Mr Marino to participate, this could sway a number of alumni  to attend. 

The latest emailing to alumni will include information regarding the Carebar and its use as a Band Booster fundraiser.  A more detailed message will be sent out by Harrison, Publicity Chairperson.  They will also be encouraged to submit articles for our Newsletter.

To close, I'm including a request from the editor of the BG Bugler (stands
for Band Geek) Band Family Newsletter, Donna Dunnahoe.  Since we now have
Band, Color Guard, and Dance students submitting articles to our
Newsletter relating their experiences during the year, we thought it would
be nice to add a regular feature where Band Family alumni "can tell stories
of their involvment with the Loara Band, give encouragement to our current
students", etc.  Submit articles to the editor via email, ddonut@aol.com.

Very busy October.  The Band Booster Alumni Directory is growing with new Band Family alumni.  I've taken the approach of contacting new members to Classmates.com and have had outstanding response.  There's no way to tell just from a name whether or not the new alum was ever a part of the band family so the end result is that we're adding graduates that were NEVER in the band, drill team, color guard or dance team.  These Loara alumni want to be updated on what's happening at Loara.  We're also adding alumni that were part of the band family.  In addition, from Harrison Spain's publicity regarding Cow Chip Bingo, we did sell a few tickets to these alumni.  That's a few tickets sold that were not last year, or the year before, or the year before that.  It can only grow as our database grows.

Homecoming for alumni will be a little different this year.  The Loara ASB will be setting a bleacher section aside just for alumni.  It will be roped off and there'll be a banner.  I'd like to thank Paul Peterson, ASB President, for presenting this idea to the Student Council and the Student Council for approving.  Acutally, the voice message I received from Paul was that the Council thought it was an "awsome" idea.  An invitation was written then emailed by Harrison through our new alumni database.  It really does work!  The response was excellent!  Even those that could not come and be part of the activities had positvie comments.  To quote a 1965 graduate, "It has been a very long time since I have heard anything from or about my High School" ..."Good Luck,  and thank you for keeping the spirit of Loara alive in all our hearts."  Past band members will be attending and may sit with the band.  I had messages that some will be bringing along their instruments.  Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures which can then be posted at the Seaxe Archive next month.  Recognition at Homecoming,  can go a long way in getting alumni participation in our events and fundraisers. 

Till next month....

Our General Booster meeting was Monday, Sept 11.  Some minor goal changes have taken place:

1. Help create and maintain an electronic database of Band Family Alumni.  This will include both permanent mailing and e-mail addresses.
2. Peridically update these alumni on what's happening at LHS by working with the Publicity Committee.   This will include (but not limited to) meetings, events, and fundraisers.
3. Encourage current Band Family students to stay connected to their high school after graduation.  This can be accomplished by awaraness of the various LH alumni sites including loaraband.org. 

Alumni participation in Homecoming is being explored.  I've had several  alumi already express interest in this, especially those that attended the '95 Homecoming.  As our database grows it will become easier to explore such events as this and others like an Alumni Concert or even a Marching Exhibition.  Other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

A final reminder: Be sure to visit website put together by the Spains, loaraband.org;  sign up for onGiving.com; and for any alum, please visit the Seaxe Archive and read some interesting articles. 

On August 10, 2000 I had a meeting with Tom Allen to review this year's goals for the committee.  There are three: 

• to update all LHS alumni regarding happenings, meetings and events involving the school and extra curricular activities;
• to encourage support of the LHS Band Booster Family through participation and/or donations
• to compile one mailing list of band and drill team (dance and color guard) alumni which can be easily updated and ported to any system at anytime; this will be an ongoing project.

 I already have a commitment from Doug Hunt, a LHS alumni and classmate of mine, who over a year ago put together the Seaxe Archive website, to post the Band Family Calender and display a banner of any announcement or upcoming event.  Any visitor will immediately see this. 

 Finally, I encourage any LHS alumni to sign into classmates.com. You do not need to pay the yearly fee to just log your name and e-mail address.  However, you do getaccess to other alumni e-mail addresses and other benefits if you become a paying member.  When I first joined years ago there were maybe just a few hundred members.  Last summer there were about 800.  Today there are over 1700!  And after joining classmates, you should go over to the Seaxe Archive and sign up....no membership fee at this site.   I am looking into ways to update 1700 members with the goings on at LHS with just one e-mailing but this will be more of a challenge.

Till next month....Happy Surfing.