Hello all,
If you want the TLDR (too long didn't read) version, basically I am going to tell you nothing until after the Governor's announcement (there really isn't a point since that announcement will change and finalize a lot of things) this is basically an update to tell you all I haven't forgotten about you, and that we are working on all kinds of stuff. Please bear in mind that after the Governor's order (Which I now will refer to as ATGO) it will take a little time to formulate plans that comply with what the school is going to do in response.
Ok... On with the update!
Let me start by saying that I miss you all terribly (kids AND parents). I have been ill (ironically) with H1N1 infuenza (was tested) which although is not COVID-19, is not a picnic and am just starting to feel about 80%. I just picked up my horn yesterday for the first time, found a good reed, and started playing things. Now that I am back on my feet I can start dealing with all the things that are coming up:
ITEMS ON THE BURNER:
-Band camp: We will know much more ATGO. We still intend on going to Eagle Village for the full amount of days at this time. Deadlines for money and scholarship applications will probably be extended, but we cannot be sure. THERE WILL BE MARCHING BAND, DON'T WORRY.
-Drum major auditions, color guard, and drumline announcements on how to proceed will be made ATGO.
-Getting your instrument or returning your instrument if you are a senior: The school will have a formal plan in place ATGO for students to enter the school and get belongings (including instruments) that they might have left at school. YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS SO YOU DON'T MISS THE BOAT. There will most likely not be many more opportunities to get in the building, we will try and help you as much as we can.
-Placements for next year: First of all, if you were planning on doing marching band and/or taking band during the day PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE SIGNED UP FOR IT. All the same great music, concerts, and wonderful things that are band will be back next year. They can't keep us at home forever, and there will be band. I will be back, Mrs. Allegoet will be back, I'LL BE THE SAME GUY YOU ENJOYED SEEING EVERY DAY AND YOUR FRIENDS WILL BE THERE TOO! We will make music and laugh and learn together (I might have to scold you a little but not much, you know that :) Anyway, for placements next year I still plan on having some kind of audition process. I would like to involve Smartmusic because I think it might make the process easier for everyone (more on that in a sec). Any way you slice it, I will make sure that the process is as fair as possible and in your best interests.
-Connecting with students: I MISS YOU FOLKS A LOT. Now that I am feeling better, I will be setting up meetings online. I haven't decided whether to use Zoom or Google hang out. We most likely will be using Google classroom to help keep track of people. I definitely want to talk with as many of you as possible, whether that is in the form of group lessons or just chatting. A plan will come out ATGO. SENIORS YOU ARE INCLUDED! I feel so bad for you guys and gals, there's no other way to put it. Try not to dwell on all the crappy stuff that this *&%&$# disease has caused. We didn't ask for this, but we all have to deal with it. Unfortunately some of our burdens are going to be heavier than others. If you are feeling particularly pooey about this, PLEASE CONTACT ME. Sometimes just talking it out can help. Please don't be shy about reaching out. YOU KNOW I WILL TALK TO ANYBODY. Email me at smigellj@howellschools.com for starters.
-NEW YORK. Mrs. Allegoet is going to have a form for all the people that bought the insurance to fill out. I hear that the money is going to take some time to get back to us (stinks but at least it's coming back). Stay tuned.
-Smartmusic is really cool but really clunky and has been paralyzed by all the free traffic on the website. Once it calms down it should be really cool I NEED EVERYONE TO CHECK THEIR EMAIL FOR THE EMAIL MRS ALLEGOET SENT A WEEK AND A HALF AGO AND ACCEPT THE INVITATION. I have talked with a couple of students trying to use it and it is actually pretty easy to poke around on it. If you sign in and go to the "find music" section and select solos, you can find pieces of music for your instrument. Try the jazz section too, it has backup tracks where you can practice improvisation. MORE ON THIS WILL BE HAPPENING AS THE SERVERS CATCH UP WITH THE TRAFFIC.
-Finally, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN OR SHOULD BE DOING FOR YOU? Again, now that I am up and running, I know some kids asked for letters of recommendation or advice or correspondence. COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME AGAIN? I'll go back and check what I missed but I would hate to overlook something. As I understand it, a lot of scholarship deadlines have been extended.
Ok.. that's about it. By the way, I don't think I've told you lately...
YOU ARE GOOD KIDS AND I'M STILL PROUD OF YOU.
Stay strong. We will get through this. Follow the Governors orders, come back safe to me!
-Smigell
