Keeping on Beat: September 2026

Cousin's Attire for SEMS Music Program Concert Attire

To be performance-ready, students in Concert Band, Golden Eagle Band, and Wind Symphony will need formal concert attire. Advanced Choir students wearing black pants/shirt and Jazz Band students choosing the black shirt may also order through Cousins. If you would still like your child to be fitted in person, you may do this at Friar Tux in Vista and order in their store.

• Orders: Cousin's Attire orders need to be submitted by Monday September 14

• Delivery: Cousin's orders will be delivered to SEMS before Picture Day on October 23

Find more concert attire details at semsband.com/concert-attire.

Find the Cousin's Attire order form at https://sanelijomsmusicfall2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/.

If your child is beginning band, they'll need to have a SEMS band shirt. Shirts can be purchased here: https://semsbandandchoir.square.site/band-and-choir-spirit-wear

Jazz Band Dine Out at Pizza Nova

Tuesday September 29 (See more info below!)

Our goal this year is to raise $50,000 to support the many opportunities that make our music program special, including coaches, concerts, festivals, transportation, and so much more!

Every dollar makes a difference! Your support helps ensure our students have the resources and experiences they need to learn, grow, and shine as musicians. Thank you for helping us make these opportunities possible!

Welcome Back Campaign

• We raised $8,000 during the Welcome Back Days! Our goal is to hit $50,000 so if you're still interested in donating directly to our students, click here: https://semsbandandchoir.square.site/donations

Annual Homecoming Jazz Band Dine-Out Fundraiser

Join us on Tuesday, September 29th, from 5:00–9:00 PM at Pizza Nova!

141 N Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos

🎶 Jazz Band Performances:

• 6:00–6:45 PM House Peforms

• 7:15–8:00 PM Gig Performs

This is one of the easiest ways to support the SEMS Music Program because all you have to do is mention SEMS Music Program when ordering/paying, and Pizza Nova will donate 25% of your bill back to our students!

👉 Families don’t need to be in Jazz Band to attend. Invite your friends and neighbors for dinner, enjoy live jazz, and help raise funds for our musicians.

🎺 Special Homecoming Tradition: All SEMS Band alumni are encouraged to join in and play with the Jazz Band!

Let’s pack the restaurant, enjoy some music, and raise money for our students!

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, or a special skill—we’ll take it! Every little bit helps.

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 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!

We need parent volunteers to help on picture day (October 23rd) by guiding the students in straightening their bow ties, preparing their instrument, lining up the students to keep the photos snapping and ensuring they get to their next class on time. Sign up for a time slot!

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.
• Fall Concert Coordinator – Help coordinate the details for fall concerts.

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 October 7: Booster Meeting in SEMS PAC 6pm
  
• Friday October 23: Band and Choir Picture Day (photos taken during periods 0-7), All music department photo taken at lunch this year in the SEMS Circle

• Tuesday October 27: SMHS Knight Regiment Marching Band @ SEMS 7am-12pm​
  

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

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 Luczy

Fall Concert Coordinator: **Open Position**

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