Hello everyone,
As usual, if you want the TLDR (Too long, didn't read) version, scroll down to the bold print. Anyway, it seems like a year ago that we were able to get some live performances in for the marching band. Unfortunately, I was out on quarantine for a couple weeks and just finished my first week back instructing in person. Unfortunately, there is still lots of uncertainty regarding almost every aspect of our daily life and that includes band. I figured it has been a long time since you've gotten an update, so I put one together with what I know, what I think will happen, and what band kids and their parents should be doing to keep current and prepared for the coming months..... Here we go.
What do I do if I am in quarantine? Read below!
First of all, sorry you are in quarantine, hope you are safe and healthy. If you are in quarantine, check Schoology every day. If there is an assignment you can find it there. If we get new music, it will be digitized and available in your music folder. If I am in quarantine or if we are virtual, I will post Zoom meeting times in your Schoology calendar. If you are sad or are having a bad time of quarantine, please reach out with an email (smigellj@howellschools.com). I mean it. We will see what we can do to make your life a little brighter.
Will we be going virtual soon? Probably...
That's the big question. If you want my opinion, I think yes, we will be going virtual for at least a while in the near future. There obviously will still be band class if we go virtual. Unlike last time though, children will be expected to complete assignments if they want to get a good grade. Don't worry, I will try to make them as fun, relevant, and doable as possible.
Should I be taking my instrument home more often? DUH! (yes)
Yes, obviously you should be taking your instrument home more often. I have a feeling that if they pull us out of school there will be a better notification and lead time so everyone can be more prepared. All the same, you never know. Please try to be ready.
But I am a tuba/percussionist/large instrument player! What am I supposed to do?
There will be an opportunity for kids to pick up their large instruments if the announcement to pull out of school is made. LARGE INSTRUMENT PLAYERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO PLAY FROM HOME THIS TIME. I will be individually talking to percussionists this time to make sure that they at least have a bell kit and a practice pad or better this time around so that no one gets stuck needing an instrument. If you are a tuba player and your parents only own a Prius, don't worry, I will help you figure it out, but that tuba is GOING HOME.
What about our concert?!?!? Ummmmmm.... read below.
We have not completely ruled out an in person concert for this calendar year. I think things will become much clearer in the next week what is going to happen with that. If we are unable to perform in person, obviously we will be putting together some sort of virtual/streamed/something else. event so the kids can show everyone how hard they have been working. Unfortunately that's all I have right now for you.
What is MusicFirst? THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE OF THEM ALL PLEASE READ!
MusicFirst is a new feature for all of our bandos! It is a suite of music applications bundled into one website that we will be using for online assignments and projects. It includes much more interesting music theory, an improved practice monitor for instruments, a music writing/composition program and even a recording/beat making app! EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO DO THE FOLLOWING ASAP:
1. Go to: howellhs.musicfirstclassroom.com
2. Enter your username. Your username is your last name plus your first initial (Jason Smigell would be smigellj)
3. Login using your password. Your password is your Howell Student ID number.
Lots of kids are out for quarantine and still need to log in to Music First. PLEASE LOG IN ASAP AND EMAIL MRS. ALLEGOET AT allegoel@howellschools.com IF YOU WERE UNABLE TO DO IT!! We will fix it for you or show you how to properly do it.
Ok, that's it for now. I hope you all are safe, healthy, and not watching the news too much. Kids, you are heroic. Parents, you have raised GOOD KIDS.
Please keep wearing your masks! (even over your nose :)
-Smigell
