WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Exciting News – Welcome Our New Band Director!

We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Brendan Lockie has been selected as the next Director of Bands at Mira Mesa High School! Mr. Lockie brings exceptional talent, passion, and dedication to music education. We are excited for the future of the Mira Mesa Band Program under his leadership.

To celebrate and officially welcome Mr. Lockie, we invite all students, parents, alumni, and families to a “Meet-n-Greet” on:

📅 Monday, July 7th

🕕 6:00 PM

📍 Mira Mesa HS Band Room

Let's give Mr. Lockie a warm Sapphire Sound welcome and kick off an exciting new chapter for our Band program! 

All in, always. 💙💛

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Color Guard & Percussion Camps

Color Guard Camps are for all 2025 - 2026 Sapphire Sound students in the Color Guard: June 17 - 20 & July 15 - 18 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm each day. Wear athletic shorts, t-shirts, and athletic shoes each day.

Percussion Camp Days: June 18 - 20 & July 16 - 18 for new & returning members from 5:00 - 7:30 pm each day.

Band Uniform Sizing in June

Band Uniform Sizing: June 17 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm & June 18 - 19 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.  

To size for our formal band uniform, students need to wear athletic shorts or leggings, a t-shirt, socks and sneakers. Bring a hair tie if hair is long. 

Sapphire Sound Fall Band Camp

Sapphire Sound Fall Band Camp: 

WHEN: July 28 - August 1 & August 4 - 8 from 2:00 - 9:00 PM

WHERE: MMHS in the Band room (801) and in the Stadium

WHO NEEDS TO ATTEND: All new and returning students in the Marching Band and Color Guard are to attend these two weeks. There are two blocks of rehearsal. Block #1 is Music, followed by dinner each evening. Block #2 focuses on marching.

WHAT TO WEAR & BRING: Students should have blue athletic shorts or leggings, a black t-shirt (print or design on it is fine), athletic shoes, instrument (school instruments will be checked out during the summer and during camp based on availability), 3-ring binder, pencil, and a water container with them each day. 

Information & Registration for Band & Color Guard: Fill out by Wednesday

Please complete this INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORM for the fall semester. All current and incoming Band and Color Guard members need to complete this form. 

On this form, instrument needs are also listed, so we will begin to check out instruments at school during June and July based on availability.

Fundraisers

CURRENT AND ONGOING FUNDRAISERS:

SPAM MUSUBI: Monday is the last day for spam musubi in the school year! Thank you to Kris Tokunaga and the entire set of volunteers from this school year for the dedication to our program for this wonderful fundraiser each week for the Sapphire Sound. You are welcome to contact Kris at: kristok4@gmail.com to help volunteer for August when we start the new school year. 

GIFT CARDS (Virtual): Rather shop online? Shop anytime online with RaiseRight. This is an easy way to help support our program. RaiseRight is the same as gift cards, but virtual and easy to use. Go to the website, sign up, and select, “Join a Program”, then put in our group code: 9ED4DA7733861. 

Do you have a business or place of work that would like to help support us this coming school year? Contact any board member with information on how you or your place of work can help support the Sapphire Sound. To make a donation, use this link to pay online: https://mira-mesa-instrumental-music-boosters.square.site/

In the Director's Corner 

As the school year comes to a close this week, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the past 31 years—a journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary. This message is not only a thank you for another successful year, but also my final weekly update message to you as I step into retirement. The next message will be to come to the band room to meet the new band director in a few weeks. 

It has been the honor of my life to serve as the Director of Bands of Mira Mesa High School. Over the decades, we’ve shared unforgettable moments—from the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, to performances in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Colorado, Hawaii, and many other stages across the country. No matter how far we traveled, the heartbeat of our program has always been the Mira Mesa community—a true reflection of diversity, strength, and unity.

To the students: You are the reason I have been “all in” every single day. Your passion, resilience, and commitment have inspired me time and time again. Never forget to “never give up”. The lessons learned through music, discipline, and teamwork will carry you far beyond any field or concert stage.

To the parents, alumni, and families: Your support, trust, and unwavering belief in our mission have been the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished. Whether you were sewing uniforms, fundraising, building and moving equipment, cheering from the stands, or simply encouraging your student to keep practicing, you made this program what it is and I know you will continue to do so.

To the incredible Sapphire Sound band and color guard staff: Your dedication, creativity, and countless hours of hard work have been instrumental in shaping the success and excellence of this program. Thank you for standing beside me, guiding our students, and helping build the legacy we are so proud of today.

I retire with a full heart, proud of the legacy we've built together. Though I may no longer be on the podium, I will always be your biggest fan. Wherever the Mira Mesa Band goes, be it a concert hall, a national parade, or a Friday night football game, I’ll be cheering you on with pride.

Thank you for 31 incredible years.

With love, gratitude, music…All In, always. 

💙💛,

Mrs. C