Keeping on Beat: November 2026

8th Grade Night @ SMHS

Monday, November 9: 8th graders join in with the SMHS Marching Band to play and watch the community showcase @ 5pm

Gig Jazz Performs @ Helen Bougher Park

Wednesday, November 11 @ 10am

Parent Band Rehearsal - Two options to come and practice!

Thursday, November 12 @6pm and 7pm in the PAC

Turkey Concerts

Tuesday, November 17, Wednesday November 18 & Thursday November 19

See full schedule below!

House Jazz Performs @ LCM for Friday Flag Salute

Friday, November 20

The Turkey Concert Series is just around the corner, and we’re getting ready for a fun evening of music and community! Gates open at 5:30pm, Doors to PAC open at 5:50pm, Concerts begin at 6pm

Tuesday, November 17: Turkey Concert #1

Gig Jazz, Period 7 Beginning Band, Concert Band & Parent Band

Wednesday, November 18: Turkey Concert #2
Gig Jazz, Period 5 Beginning Band & Golden Eagle Band & Parent Band

Thursday, November 19: Turkey Concert #3
House Jazz, Period 2 Beginning Band, Wind Symphony & Parent Band

Be sure to sign up if you’d like to volunteer! We’ll need help with set up, concessions, the turkey feather and flower stand or tear down. Help us out while you come early for drop off and get great parking! Or help on a night when your student wants to see their friends play. No matter which volunteer role you do, we will be sure you can step away to watch your child perform!

We’d love your help during this busy week, please sign up to volunteer and help us make the Turkey Concerts a success! 🎶🦃

Poinsettia Fundraiser Info

Our 2026 SEMS Music Program Holiday Fundraiser is underway and will run now through Nov 20. WE NEED YOUR HELP to reach our Poinsettia fundraising goal of $31,000. This will help us reach our $50,000 annual fundraising goal!

Funds raised will be used to support program costs including purchasing music and supplies, coaches, acquiring and repairing instruments and equipment, sponsorships, festivals, concerts, and more. Each locally grown poinsettia costs $20 and goes directly to our SEMS Music Program. Online orders have a convenience fee for using the platform (you will see $21 cost per plant online, $13.45 from each plant will go directly back to our Music Program. Alternatively, direct donations are a great option to make a contribution of any size, or for anyone not local (making plant delivery difficult), but wanting to support the Music Program.

Our 8th graders are invited to join the SMHS Knight Regiment for the Community Showcase on Monday, November 9th! Students will rehearse and then perform Land of 1000 Dances on the field before KR’s final show. Parents, please plan to attend this event as well and to learn more about the program!

Students arrive at SMHS at 5pm for mentoring and dinner with the high school band.

What to Wear: SEMS Band shirt/sweatshirt + jeans or warm pants and closed-toed shoes (sneakers recommended).

We look forward to a fun night of music and community! 🎶

Help the SEMS Music Program earn money! With RaiseRight, you turn everyday shopping into instant earnings for our band program.

How it works:

• Shop: Buy physical or digital gift cards for 750+ popular brands (like Target, Starbucks, Amazon, and Chevron) at face value.

• Earn: A percentage of every gift card purchased goes directly back to your student’s band account.

• No Extra Cost: A $50 gift card costs you $50, and you get the full $50 to spend.

Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up the gas tank, or grabbing your morning coffee, you can fundraise in the background of your regular routines.

Get Started in 3 Steps:

1. Download the RaiseRight app or visit RaiseRight.com.

2. Enter our Band Enrollment Code: AFL187887L449

3. Start shopping!

Thank you for supporting the SEMS Music Program!

There are so many rewarding reasons to volunteer with the Boosters and play an active role in your middle schooler's music experience!

See Your Kids & Their Friends – Get a front-row seat to the memories they’re making, music they’re learning and spend time around an amazing group of parents and teachers.

Give What You Can – Whether you have an hour, a day, a special skill or want to give financially—we will graciously accept your support! Every little bit helps and collectively we make a difference for our students.

Easy Tasks = Big Impact – Not every volunteer job requires a huge commitment. There are plenty of simple ways to jump in and help.

Meet Other Band & Choir Families – Make new friends, connect with other families, and become part of the SEMS band and choir community.

Whatever you have to give, we’ll take it! There’s a place for everyone in our band family. Be sure to get your volunteer requirements completed with the district in September. Get started here!

Open Roles

• (PRIORITY) Fundraising Coordinator – Take the lead on our fundraising efforts such as dine-outs, spring concert ad sales and grant opportunities, to support the music program.

Good to know

• Team up with a friend because these roles can be shared.

• You won’t start cold: binders, notes, and templates are ready.

• New parent leaders will help keep our program thriving this year!

Interested?
Email semsbandpresident@gmail.com

• Wednesday, December 2: SEMS Music Booster Meeting
• Wednesday, December 9: Winter Choir Concert @ SEMS
  
• Thursday, December 10: Gig Jazz performs @ SEES Festival of Lights
• Friday, December 11: House performs @ Carrillo Festival of Lights 6-9pm

Looking for an easy way to make a difference? Our directors have created an Amazon Wish List filled with items that directly benefit our students in band and choir. Every donation helps provide the tools and supplies needed to keep our music program strong and thriving. Thank you for helping us create more opportunities for our young musicians!

Amazon Wish List

September 2026

October 2026

The Music Boosters are a nonprofit that supports the San Elijo Middle School Band and Choir programs. We help fund, organize, and support our 400+ student musicians in class and at events.

Booster meetings are held monthly in the SEMS PAC — all are welcome! Check the calendar for dates. Please click here to read our Organizational Bylaws.

President(s): Michelle Guerra & Kari Sausedo

Treasurer: Diana Lopez

Assistant Treasurer: Indira Lemonds

Secretary: Janna Massoth

Communication & Media Master: Chelsea Lewis

Jazz Coordinator(s): Erene Mina & Lauren Mathson

Fundraising Coordinator: **Open Position**

Events & Hospitality Coordinators: Stephanie & Tony Bussen

Poinsettia Coordinator: Melanie Murphy

Solo & Ensemble Coordinator: Akari Kwai

Volunteer, Chaperone & Trip Coordinators: Megan Gerrard & Lisa Luczyk

Fall Concert Coordinators: Rayane Ari

Boosters At Large: Katie & Christian Marroquin, Trevor McInnis, Andrea Dunning, Julie Smart, Lauren King, Debra Bucci