Hello everyone! Thank you for reading this little post about how things are going in class!
Well...
All things considered, they are going great!
- The kids are all wearing their masks, even past the normal requirements during band activities. 99.9% of the time they are following my guidelines for playing , and the anomalies are fixed once I remind them. I am sincere when I say THE KIDS ARE FANTASTIC! I really could ask for nothing more from them. At every turn they have been cooperative and "on board" with all of the changing guidelines and procedures I have been throwing at them. I really think that if we KEEP IT UP and not slack in our vigilance, we will be able to make it through this year with some pretty cool things being able to happen. I am so proud of all the children, and want to give them the best experience I possibly can.
-We have been taking things slowly at first to figure out what we can do safely. As we get more data from other places and as we accomplish things without incident, we will continue to progress in increasing the amount that we can play and maybe even perform. I appreciate everyone's patience. I know it will pay off in the end with the best outcome possible.
-In the band room, we have managed about a four foot distance for the chairs (which by the way is larger than almost any other distance in the school right now) and when we play outside, we currently are staying ALWAYS over six feet away (usually more like 9).
-At this time we are only playing outside. This poses a problem sometimes when it rains. When it rains we will be working on music theory, conducting, music history, and sometimes a little bit of sitting around (just a little)
-We have ordered band specific PPE for most wind players. They are special bell covers that are recommended for indoor rehearsal and suggested for outdoor rehearsal. I feel that for long term we will eventually be requiring them for outside playing as well (These days you really CAN'T be too careful). They will arrive in about a week and a half. The cost will be between $10 and $20. We are expecting people to purchase these covers from us. We understand that some people may be hurting financially and are prepared to cover the cost for some families. Please email me at smigellj@howellschools.com if you and your family fall into that category.
-People who can sew, please read!
There are two designs for masks that I would like to have produced. One is for flute players and one for the rest of the wind players. If you can sew and would be willing to be part of the HOWELL BANDS SEWING CORPS, please email me at smigellj@howellschools.com or Mrs Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com . These masks will be used in conjunction with the bell covers that we ordered. We need about 30 of the flute masks and around 175 of the general band masks (percussionists are the lucky ones in this, as they are the only group of kids that can currently play inside and do not need a special kind of mask).
Ok that's about it. I wanted to put out a post about the good things happening in band. If you think about it, this kind of is a battle for the soul of music in the schools. We must keep the flame alive in any way we can. Band is definitely not the way it used to be, but with hard work, patience, and a lot of flexibility, it can be enriching, worthwhile, and fun!
-Smigell
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