I hope you are all doing well. I realize I have not spoken with all of you in a while. I thought I would reach out to tell you what we are up to and the plan for band as it stands. Please keep in mind that there is still much up in the air.
Homework:
Until I hear otherwise, homework is "enrichment" and not for a "grade." That being said, I would hope that you are finding the homework as enjoyable! Also, there have been many items in our homework that don't even involve your instrument like writing a letter to a future band member or making a band meme. What is most important is that you are enjoying and spreading the gift and joy of music in this time of uncertainty. Don't loose your "band chops!"
I'll keep checking in with you at least once a week for the homework on Google Classroom and once a week on a Zoom Hangout! Friday's hangout we will be cooking lunch together at noon. The link/password will be in the Google Classroom.
CB/SB Ensemble Auditions:
We are going to need to select membership for the band this next year. Everyone that is currently in symphonic band this year, I will recommend you for enrollment in Symphonic Band next year (except seniors, of course). If you are in Concert Band and would like to move up to Symphonic Band, please get in touch with me and we will talk. Chair placement auditions will be in the first few weeks of school after we get back.
If you are in concert band and would like to stay in concert band, no action is needed; I'll re-enroll each student on that list. If you are in concert band and would like to discontinue band, send me an e-mail and I will remove you from the list.
Marching Band Trip to Washington DC 2020:
Jared and I will make the final call on the Washington DC trip the week after Easter. If we need to cancel the trip, we will work to make sure that we get everyone a full refund on all the money put into the trip so far.
I am currently looking into a December trip for the seniors if we do cancel. Something we can do with the seniors when they are back for winter break. More information on this will be discussed when this becomes a greater possibility.
Be assured that the student's safety is our first concern through all of these measures. We will not go, if it is of great risk to do so.
Marching Band Leadership Team:
We are needing to select the Marching Band Leadership Team for next season! The marching band runs on student leadership. If you are interested in becoming a student leader for the marching band, fill out this form by April 24. After we have received all interest forms, we will work to schedule leadership interviews over Zoom.
Once we set the Leadership Team, we will then work on registering the rest of the marching band.
Marching Band Registration:
The 2020 Marching Band will be incredibly important. Following this global pandemic, the 2020 Marching Bearcats will spread much needed cheer and excitement throughout the Paint Valley Community. Look for an application to come out early May with registration due before Memorial Day.
Drumline Auditions:
The Paint Valley Marching Band Drumline is hardest working section of the Paint Valley Marching Band. The drumline will begin practicing long before the offical start of the season and will continue to have additional sectionals throughout the season, beyond regular practices. As a result, the Paint Valley Drumline will learn and grow together as its own family.
Because of the large interest in the drumline, and the nature of the section, we will need to have drumline auditions to ensure that each student is placed on the instrument best suited for their skill level and personality. Look for that information to come out soon after Easter. I will get with Jared and we will have open clinics potentially over Zoom leading up to the auditions. Stay tuned!
4th Grade Recruiting:
Due to the coronavirus, it is highly unlikely that we will be able to have spring recruiting for next year's 5th grade band. As such, we will need to recruit in the fall. We will move our parent meeting and instrument fittings to August/early September. If you are a high school student, we could really uses your help with this. Looking to use a phone tree to call all the fourth graders to let them know band is coming up!
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I miss all of you! There is so much we do in band that *cannot* be transferred to the virtual classroom. We miss not just the music, but the jokes, friendship, and fellowship of band. I look forward to seeing you all again after this is over. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if you just have something to share! I am attached to my e-mail all day; you are never a bother.
Stay safe, wash your hands.
Nicholas Turo
[email protected]
#OneSchool #OneSound #OneFamily