Keeping on Beat: October 2026

Band and Choir Picture Day

Friday October 23: (photos taken during periods 0-7)

All music department photo taken at lunch this year in the SEMS Circle

SMHS Knight Regiment Marching Band

Tuesday October 27: @ SEMS 7am-12pm​

Gig Jazz Dine Out @ Tin Leaf

Thursday October 29: 5pm-9pm

Jazzy Friday

Friday October 30: Families are welcome on campus to come and watch the Jazz Band perform outside! Coffee and donuts will be available for purchase.

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! If you're still interested in donating directly to our students, click here: https://semsbandandchoir.square.site/donations

Join us for a fun night out and support Gig Jazz at Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen on October 29, from 5:00–9:00 PM!

Grab dinner with your family and friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and help support our amazing student musicians. It’s an easy way to enjoy a night out while giving back to our music program!

Gig Jazz performs from 6:00-6:45pm and 7:15-8:00pm.

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.

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 November 4: Booster Meeting in SEMS PAC 6pm
  
• Tuesday November 17: Turkey Concert #1
• Wednesday November 18: Turkey Concert #2
• Thursday November 19: Turkey Concert #3

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

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 Coordinators: Marie Hunter & Rayane Ari

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