Dear YHS Band Students and Parents,
Happy New Year! I hope that you enjoyed the holiday break with your families. Below is our first update of 2026 – please note the dates and info.
JANUARY LESSON CALENDAR
Is attached, FYI
EVENTS THIS WEEK:
JAZZ BAND ~ THURSDAY 1/8
Our new music, recordings, and an assignment are posted on Dashboard. I’m looking forward to diving into our new music this Thursday 1/8/26 from 6:50-8:30pm. Happy practicing!
Jazz Band – Please save the date:
Wednesday 2/4: Jazz Band’s annual “World Tour of Yorktown” Fieldtrip (7:45-3:00pm, Mohansic, Crompond, Brookside, BOCES Pinesbridge School and MESMS)
SWING DANCE CONCERT PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING ~ THURSDAY 1/8
We need parent volunteers, please, to help us plan this event. Roles include: securing raffle prizes, creating raffle baskets, planning logistics, and working the raffle table, admissions table, and buffet table the evening of the event.
Our committee meeting is Thursday 1/8/26 from 6-7pm in the YHS Band Room. Please let me know if you would be able to help – we would love to have you join our team!
POLAR PLUNGE – 1/10/26 -SUPPORT THE FIRST NIGHTERS!
The Friends of Yorktown Parks and Recreation are holding their 5th annual Polar Bear Plunge. The event is open to all residents, businesses, community service organizations and Not for Profits. It’s a great way to support our Parks and Recreation facilities and raise money for our organization. All proceeds help fund the activities of The First Nighters. There is no other participation fee. Sign up here
For those who wish to donate to your plunge, they can pay by checks or by using Zelle or Zeffy.
Zelle – [email protected]
Zeffy – https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/polar-plunge-copy
Checks: payable to “First Nighters of Yorktown” with “Polar Plunge” in the Memo, and send to Karin Cabral, 1221 White Horse Lane, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. Please note the name of your polar plunger!
CITRUS SALE – CONGRATS!
Thank you for supporting our fundraiser! In total, our band students earned $3,115 in profit! Student profits will be put toward their participation in our spring festival trips.
SPRING MUSIC FESTIVAL TRIPS ~ FIRST PAYMENT INSTALLMENT DUE
I am so excited to present these festival opportunities to our students! Paperwork will be distributed and reviewed in class this week. We are asking for a first payment installment, please, by Friday 1/16/26.
WIND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL TRIP
Destination will be announced in class this week. Cost estimate is $680 per student. Down payment is $200 and will include student citrus earnings.
Most importantly, please note that our travel dates have changed: Monday 4/20 (leaving at 1pm) through Wednesday 4/22 (returning in the evening)
CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL TRIP
Students in the Concert Band will participate in the 2026 Rhythms International Music Festival at Six Flags Great Adventure on Saturday 5/9/26. Cost estimate is $220 per student. Down payment is $100, and will include student citrus earnings.
BASKETBALL PEP BAND PERFORMANCE ~ FRIDAY 2/6
Come out and support our Huskers and Blythedale Children’s Hospital at YHS’s 5th annual “Charlie Strong” game!
WHEN: Friday 2/6/25. Report at 6:00pm in the Band Room
BRING: Bring your instrument and charged cell phone.
WEAR: Your YHS Band polo. Music and Snacks will be provided.
GAME: The basketball game will run from 7-8:30pm.
SWING DANCE CONCERT – SATURDAY 2/7/26
Our next major event is the fun and fabulous Swing Dance Concert! Please save the date: Saturday, February 7th 2026 from 7-10:30pm in the YHS Gym. All YHS Band students are required to attend.
Now in its 17th year, the Swing Dance Concert is an eagerly anticipated, well-attended and fun evening for our entire Yorktown community (each year we have many senior citizens and community members attend and enjoy the evening with us!).
SWING DANCE CONCERT SNOW DATE
Please be aware that the Swing Dance Concert Snow Date is Saturday 2/28.
As always, please contact me with any questions and thanks for your help and support! Best wishes to you and your family for a healthy and happy 2026!
Always Musically Yours,
Ms. Kluga