Band and Orchestra Banquet This Saturday, May 19

All students and parents from symphonic band, percussion ensemble, marching band, and orchestra are invited to the Instrumental Music Banquet this Saturday, May 19, from 6 – 10 pm at La Casa de Cristo, 63rd St and Bell Rd. The event is put on by the students’ Band Council in celebration of a year of instrumental music success and camaraderie. Please join us for buffet dinner, awards, and recognition of seniors and their parents. The theme this year is Culture Clash, with Chinese-Mexican food from Chino Bandido to suit the theme. Students and parents alike are invited to choose apparel that mixes cultures — sombreros and saris, lederhosen and leis, berets and bolos, kimonos and cowboy boots, fezzes and anything. Tickets are $20 per person, and payment was due last Friday, so if you haven’t yet, RSVP to Mr. Harrison right now and bring your payment (checks payable to Band Fans) with you to the event.

Registration Packets Are Past Due

Band registration packets and fees were due Tuesday, May 1, for students who will be participating in Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Marching Band, and Color Guard next year. If you need a packet, download a PDF packet. If you’d like to pay your fees by credit card or PayPal, complete the forms first to calculate your total, then go to our online payment form.

Drumline Auditions


Students interested in auditioning for drumline for the Horizon Pride Regiment should check the calendar and check with Mr. Harrison for details. Auditions (snare, tenors, bass) will be May 29 – 31 from 3 to 5 pm (during Percussion Mini-Camp, see below).

Marching Band Mini-Camps Begin May 29

Marching Band Rookies Mini-Camp

All marching band woodwind and brass students who are new to the Horizon Pride Regiment, whether they are incoming freshman, transfers, or current Horizon students, are expected to attend the Rookies Mini-Camp. Mini-Camp is held at Horizon High School in the music room (G103) on Tuesday through Thursday, May 29 through 31, from 6 to 8 pm.

Percussion Mini-Camp and Drumline Auditions

All percussion students in the Horizon Pride Regiment, both rookies and veterans, are expected to attend the Percussion Mini-Camp, May 29 through 31 from 3 to 5 pm. Drumline (snare, tenors, bass) auditions will also be held during the Mini-Camp. Percussion students who want to play in the front ensemble (also known as “the pit” and consisting of mallet instruments, gongs, and other stationary percussion instruments) do NOT need to audition, but are expected to attend Mini-Camp.

Color Guard Mini-Camp

All color guard students in the Horizon Pride Regiment, both rookies and veterans, are expected to attend the Color Guard Mini-Camp, May 29 through 31 from 6 to 8 pm.

Summer Marching Academy and Curry Summer Music Camp

The Summer Marching Academy, held June 14-16 in Mesa, is optional but highly recommended for every student who is serious about performance and leadership in marching band. Past attendees have raved about the camp. Register today!

At the Curry Summer Music Camp at NAU in Flagstaff, June 24 – July 7, young musicians have the opportunity to work with instructors from the NAU School of Music as well as renowned musicians from across the country. Details are on their website.

See the Best Drum Corps in the Country at Southwest Corps Connection

This year’s show, on Wednesday, June 20 at 7:30 pm at Dobson High School, features an outstanding line-up of some of the world’s best and storied drum and bugle corps, including Tempe’s own The Academy. You’ll definitely want to be in attendance for this, the ONLY DCI event in Arizona for 2012. The event sold out last year, so order your tickets today.

Summer FUNraising

Even though summer is nearly upon us, you can still be raising funds for band fees and music activities while you’re having fun. You’ll probably be seeing a lot of movies this summer, so stock up on Harkins Theatres Gift Cards before school ends. And if you haven’t already, sign up for Doozy of a Deal for big discounts on dining, activities, and other goodies.