Week 28 of School – 3/23/20 – 2/27/20 – Distance Learning Begins
Thank you, Charger Band, for your patience and future learning online. This is a very odd and unsettling time in our world today, historic in fact, but please take time to focus on all of this with an open mind and an optimistic outlook. This will pass and when it does, I hope we are all more grateful for who and what we have. Make positive memories with loved ones, even though your brothers and sisters are around you for every second of everyday! It was great to see the some of the band members the other day and keep the smiles on! Continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands and don’t touch your face as we would like to be back to our norm sooner than later.
Clearly, there is not much to report this coming week, but below you find band expectations during this time and quick updates on topics and events. Have a good week Charger Band and we will see you all real soon! Here is the info for the week:
MONDAY – FRIDAY
Distance learning begins with all classes
Expectations in Band
Directors have set up assignments via Google Classroom with Smartmusic and Zoom in addition to that.
Assignments are to be completed each week and will include playing assignments for UIL Music as well as listening and watching videos and evaluating or performance activities
Directors will take some time to meet with small groups or full ensembles to check in with students during this time as well as playing or performance opportunities.
During the first week of distance learning the directors will not give too much in assignments/practice sessions as we want to offer time for students and other teachers to get comfortable with online learning.
When assignments, sectionals, private lessons, ensemble meetings are assigned via Zoom, we do ask that you try your best to be online at that time or email a director if you cannot so we can share information given.
Though your assignments are due on specific days, please take time EVERYDAY to practice: fundamentals, new techniques and excercises on Smartmusic, you concert music, video practices and yes, our private lesson staff is still working online or one on one, You must maintain and get stronger as a performer and musician.
UIL Activities
At this time we know that the earliest a UIL Concert and Sightreading evaluation can happen is on May 4th. UIL is in constant evaluation along with the State of Texas to make sure the right decisions are being made with information they have.
If a new UIL date is selected or a suspension or cancellation is given, information will go out as soon as possible. Until then, we can only continue to prepare as is we will have a UIL performance
Honor Band Recordings for Wind Ensemble
Venues have had to cancel for our scheduled recording opportunities, but we will continue to work to find possible dates and new locationss.
Until then, we can only continue to prepare and maintain our ensemble music individually or in small groups.
Band events: Leadership Auditions, Spring Concert, Band Banquet, Fiesta
Drum Major auditions are scheduled to begin on the 6th. If we are able to attend school, we will meet each morning at 7:30 am. If we are not able to attend school, there will be online conducting videos, lessons and information given. The same is possible for all other leadership positions.
Spring Concert will currently remain on the calendar on it’s current date. Due to possible UIL dates being pushed back and recordings being needed, some end of the year ceremonies maybe moved and added to banquet.
Banquet will currently remain on the calendar on it’s current date an location. If that changes, information will be sent out as soon as possible.
Fiesta has been moved to November with Battle of Flowers parade on the 13th at 9:30am and Band Festival on the 11th. We will participate in both of those events.
BPA Meetings/Nominations and Elections
- At this time we have suspended our March meeting. We plan to have an April meeting and continue with nominations/elections.
As always, if you need to contact the directors, feel free to email us. Take time each day to stay active, healthy, practice your instrument or performance techniques and don't binge watch too much! See you real soon, Charger Band.
Let’s have a GREAT week!
-Ms. Stevenson
