Dear Bulldog Band Families,
We are excited to share additional information regarding our upcoming State Championships trip, November 13–15, 2026. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to represent Dr. Joaquín García High School at the highest level of competition while also celebrating the culmination of an outstanding marching season together.
As we have finalized transportation, lodging, and activities for the trip, the overall cost has exceeded the funding currently available within the band program. In order to make this experience possible while maintaining the financial stability of the program, there will be a State Championships Trip Fee of $350 per student.
The $350 student trip fee will help offset the cost of transportation, lodging, and admission to Universal EPIC Universe. Even with this assessment, the Bulldog Band program will continue to subsidize a portion of the overall trip expenses in an effort to keep the cost to our families as manageable as possible.
Payment Schedule
To help families plan for this additional expense, the trip fee may be paid according to the following schedule:
Students
$175 – Friday, October 16
$175 – Friday, October 30
Total: $350
Families may also choose to pay the full $350 balance at any time prior to the final deadline.
All State Championships trip balances must be paid in full by Friday, October 30.
Payment may be made through SchoolCash Online, cash, check, or money order. Please note that this is a separate trip fee and fundraising credits may not be applied toward this expense.
We understand that this additional expense comes on a relatively short timeline. If your family is unable to meet the October 16 payment deadline, please contact Mr. Rodriguez as soon as possible. We want families to communicate with us early so that we can discuss individual circumstances and determine what options may be available. Please do not wait until the final payment deadline to reach out.
Chaperones
We have a limited number of chaperone positions available for this trip. The cost for participating chaperones will be $300 per person, which may be paid according to the following schedule:
$150 – Friday, October 16
$150 – Friday, October 30
Total: $300
Chaperone accommodations will be based on double occupancy, with two chaperones assigned per room. Availability is limited and will be determined based on the needs of the trip and the band program.
Chaperone payments must also be made through SchoolCash Online, cash, check, or money order, and must be paid in full by Friday, October 30.
Thank you for your continued support of the Bulldog Band and for everything you do to make opportunities like this possible for our students. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished this season and look forward to representing Dr. Joaquín García High School at the FFCC State Championships.
