For Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band student and parent,
We have been approved by WCPSS to begin offering a “band class” once a week after school hours. Per state guidelines, we will be offering the schedule below beginning NEXT week!
Tuesdays (beginning Oct. 20):
4:00-5:30pm – Wind Ensemble woodwinds only in the band room; Wind Ensemble percussion with John in the cafeteria.
6:00-7:30pm – Concert Band woodwinds and brass only in the band room; Concert Band percussion with John in the cafeteria.
Thursdays (beginning Oct. 22):
4:00-5:30pm – Wind Ensemble brass only in the band room; Marching Band Percussion with John in the cafeteria.
6:00-7:30pm – Symphonic Band woodwinds and brass only in the band room; Symphonic Band percussion with John in the cafeteria.
Please note the following:
1) Because we may not have more than 25 persons in the band room and/or cafeteria at one time, we needed to split up the Wind Ensemble personnel (woodwinds on Tuesdays/brass on Thursdays). Also, we cannot allow students to participate if they are not presently enrolled in band class. If the student is presently enrolled in band class through virtual academy, they may participate.
2) All students must go through a health screening process (mainly temperature check) in the parking lot outside the band room. No student may enter the building unless they have been checked off. We will have an approved parent or two (and maybe even me) screening the students outside beginning 15 minutes before the start of rehearsals. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late to rehearsal may not be permitted to participate. Any student who exhibits an above normal temperature as specified by WCPSS will not be permitted to enter the building. Toward this end, if you are driving your child to rehearsal, please do not leave campus until your son/daughter has received the screening.
Also, once rehearsals have concluded, we will ask you to leave campus immediately so that we can get ready for the next group and that our chaperones/staff may be relieved from duty in an efficient manner.
3) These rehearsals are OPTIONAL for students enrolled in band classes. We sincerely hope that most of our students will attend as we will strive to make them as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. We will have the students separated per state guidelines and restrict sharing of equipment. Toward that end, PLEASE BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT, ACCESSORIES, PENCIL, TUNER (OR PHONE) to every rehearsal. Also, if you picked up music a few weeks ago, please BRING YOUR MUSIC!
It is our intention to create an environment that is reasonably sanitary and safe for your child. Toward that end, we will be sanitizing chairs/stands after each rehearsal and will space chairs in the band room 6 feet apart.
We realize that there are many reasons why a student may not be able to participate from health concerns to logistics in finding transportation. Please know that students will not be penalized in any way for not being able to attend. Also, students should attend as many weekly rehearsals as possible, even if they need to miss some. The rehearsals are meant to get their “chops” working again and to experience the JOY of CREATING MUSIC TOGETHER!
4) We are going to have a Band Parent/Booster meeting at Athens Drive on Thursday, October 15 at 5:30pm around the flagpole, which is located near the band barn outside the gymnasium. We will be discussing these rehearsals and providing a bit more information about other upcoming events.
Yay! I have never been so excited to hear the sound of a Bb scale and the “beep-beep-beep” of an electronic metronome! It’s starting to get “all good” again! “Ya gotta luv that!!!”
