Great news! Live Stream for Marching Band Live! 10/20 & 10/21

Thanks to Mr. Aaron Metz, we are live streaming our marching band LIVE performances!  Both performances will be available to watch live!  Click on the link below around 7 p.m. on the day or days you'd like to watch:

Tuesday, 10/20 - Band Performance

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/howell-high-school-howell-mi/evt7db2e30c5f

Wednesday, 10/21 - Senior Night Performance:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/howell-high-school-howell-mi/evt3046e49fcf

• We are also videotaping the Wednesday night performance and will post/share at a later date.  We hope to correct live stream issues with sound but may not be able to do so.  No worries!  There will be a video for later viewing!

ALSO - if you need to change the date you attend a performance, please email me at allegoel@howellschools.com  With the last minute rescheduling of last night's performance, we definitely understand that might be necessary.  

Thank you also to Ryan Lane for bringing this live stream option to light! - Laura :)

PERFORMANCE CANCELLED FOR TONIGHT. RAIN DATE IS TOMORROW. WE WILL BE PERFORMING THEN.

 

I am SO sorry, but we have to cancel postpone tonight's performance until tomorrow night.  The rain literally popped up out of nowhere.  Unfortunately the nature of this rain system really had us thinking that we could pull it off.  I want you to know it was not my intention to waste anyone's time.  

TONIGHTS PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO THE RAIN DATE: TOMORROW, TUESDAY 10/20/2020 7PM.  

I understand some people will be upset as they made plans and babysitting and everything else.  Please direct all complaints to me as I'm the one who made the decision smigellj@Howellschools.com 

If you are unable to attend tomorrow's performance, please let us know, as we have some wiggle room with letting people attend Wednesday's performance.  Please sign up on the google form so we know how many people to expect.  We cannot have everyone attend Wednesday because the crowd would too big, but we should should have enough room for people who absolutely cannot attend Tuesday.  

Marching Band Live 10/19 & 10/21! All the Info!

It was great to have our HHS Marching Band back on the football field Friday night!  Great job Highlanders!  Thank you to everyone that helped - we couldn't do this without you. We're happy to have two more performances on October 19th and 21st.  Here are the details:

SCHEDULE / SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Report time - 6 p.m. in the band room!  Students arrive for temp checks and get into uniforms.
• Monday, October 19th - 9th & 10th Grade guests (October 20th rain date)
• Wednesday, October 21st (Senior recognition ceremony) - 11th & 12th Grade guests (October 23rd rain date)
  
• Gates open to football stadium for spectators/guests- 6:30 p.m.  Check-in at the gate.  Please do not enter the football stadium earlier.  The football team has practice until 6:30 and we cannot be in the stadium during this time.  There will be plenty of seating for everyone so that you get a great viewing spot!
• Marching Band Live Performance begins - 7 p.m. in the stadium.  Students will be performing their step-off routine at the stadium so no need to be over at the band room to see this great tradition.  Get comfy at the stadium and ready for a great show!
• ALL students will perform at each performance.  They are able to have 4 guests at ONE of the performances as listed below. Physical tickets will not be issued - signing up on the Google form below is your "ticket"
  
• Admittance is through the main gate only and you MUST: be on the "pass/ticket list" and wear a mask in order to enter.  Masks must remain on at all times while you are in the football stadium.
• Performance ends - approximately 7:45 p.m.  Students return to the band room to turn in uniforms and put instruments away.
• Unfortunately, no visitors in the band room please!  We love to see our band families but, due to safety precautions, please only come to the band room if you are in the marching band OR are signed up with Christyne MacDermaid to help with uniforms.  
• Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are limited on the number of helpers we can have in the band room this year.  If you are interested in helping with uniforms, please email Christyne MacDermaid at christynemacdermaid@gmail.com and she will contact you to let you know if help is needed.
  
  

IF YOU STILL NEED TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR PASS / "TICKETS":

Deadline to sign up is Sunday the 18th!

• Freshman and Sophomores (9th & 10th grade) may have 4 guests per student on Monday, October 19th (rain date is Tuesday, October 20th):   

            Click here for:  9th & 10 Grade Student "Pass" (ticket) Request - REVISED 

            

• Juniors and Seniors (11th & 12th grade) may have 4 guests per student on Wednesday, October 21st (rain date is Friday, October 23rd).  

            Click here for:  11th & 12th Grade Student "Pass" (ticket) Request- REVISED

SENIORS

• Seniors only! - Please fill out your info on the Google form below for the Senior recognition ceremony on Wednesday the 21st.  Form is due on Tuesday!
  
• Senior parents / family / friends: meet your senior next to the bleachers where the band typically sits for football games to line up AFTER the step-off performance. 

SENIORS - CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE SENIOR GOOGLE FORM!

Scheduling conflicts or questions?  Please contact Laura Allegoet at ALLEGOEL@HOWELLSCHOOLS.COM.  Passes must be requested by Sunday the 18th (Google Form will be turned off for reservations after the 18th).

FOOTBALL GAME 10/16 - MARCHING BAND INFO!

The time is here!  Football Friday for marching band!  Here are the details:

Home Game vs. Brighton - Friday, October 16th - @7pm

Marching band will be sitting in the end zone area (on the track) under the score board.  We will have chairs for them and everyone will be seated 6 feet apart.  Once we arrive at the stadium, students will not be permitted to leave the marching band area except to use the restroom.  No visitors in the marching band area on the field AND no spectators outside the football stadium.

TICKETS - $5 each collected at gate

Due to limited number of tickets, we have the following plan for distribution of tickets to Friday's game.  Marching band students will receive a physical ticket for spectators as follows:

• Seniors - 2 tickets per student 
• All other marching band members (9th, 10th & 11th grade) - 1 ticket per student
• Tickets will be handed out Wednesday at marching band practice.  Do NOT lose your ticket!  We do not have extra tickets and cannot replace them.  No admittance to the game without a ticket.  You will receive your ticket in advance but the $5 per person will be collected at the gate.
• Physical tickets are only needed for the football game this Friday the 16th. See previous blog post for info about the performances on the 19th and 21st and how to reserve your spot, if you haven't already done so: Click here to reserve your spot on Oct. 19th or 21st

SCHEDULE

PLEASE - EAT DINNER BEFORE REPORT TIME! No tailgate this year :( Students cannot stay in the band room after school.

* Report Time: 5 pm ON THE FIELD*** (Please try not to be late, we only have enough time to run through the whole thing a couple times)
* Uniforms: 5:45 pm - get in to uniforms and ready for step off.  Rehearse outside band room, if time.

* Step Off (loading dock area outside band room): 6:30 pm (spectators may watch step off but MUST wear a mask at all times. Marching band marches over to the stadium.)
* Pregame: 6:45 pm - MB Performs Pregame Show in the football stadium
* Kickoff: 7 pm - MB Performs During Halftime
* Game Ends: 9 pm-ish (Depending on timeouts, injuries, etc.)  Marching band marches back over to the band room.  Students should be picked up outside the band room AFTER their uniform is turned in.

* Uniform turn-in:  After the game in the band room and hallway.  Students must hang up and turn in their uniform after the game.  Please allow between 15 and 30 minutes for your student to do this.  We will have uniform stations so that students will be spread out and socially distanced.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

Marching band members will be wearing our formal marching band uniforms on Friday.  Everyone has been fitted for their uniform which is kept in the uniform room in the band room.  

Here is what you'll need:

• Black shoes and black socks - shoes must be ALL black. No white or colored laces, soles, etc.
• Marching band tshirt - please wear this and dress in thin layers.  It's supposed to be chilly Friday.  You want to keep warm but you can't wear bulky clothes like hoodies under your uniform or it won't fit properly.
• We will provide white, lightweigt, performance gloves.  You can also bring hand warmers for later in the evening.

SNACKS AND WATER

Concessions will not be open during the game.  We would like to provide our marchers with a snack and water after half-time.  Please sign up using the sign-up link below if you can help with a donation:

CLICK HERE FOR:  SNACK / WATER DONATIONS

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are handling volunteer opportunities differently this year.  If you are interested in helping with uniforms, please email Christyne MacDermaid at christynemacdermaid@gmail.com and she will add you to our interested volunteer list and contact you if help is needed.

Thank you to all of our marching band students and their families for your support and patience as we make this great event possible!  You're awesome!  Questions?  Please email Laura Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com

We are going to try and have practice

 Hello everybody,

If it were any other time then the second to last practice before our last set of final and only performances, we would have had everyone stay home. This however is one of our last chances to get any kind of rehearsal in. 

We are going to have everybody come out and see if we can wait out the rain.  I still don’t feel comfortable with rehearsing that many people inside.  Having said that there are a bunch of things that we need to do like pass out music, distribute uniform masks, finish uniform fittings, and at least sing through our new pep tunes.

Parents I know that this is a pain for you all but please be prepared to pick up your children early as we most likely will not be going all the way to 830

I’m sorry I held out this long.  Just trying to make the right call

Sorry for the haggard look of this post I’m doing it from my phone.

A short post about tickets for next Friday's football game with more information on Monday.

 

Hello everyone!

We got some of the details on Friday's football game and how many spectators there can be from our group.  Here it is in a nutshell:

Around 200.

This translates into 1 ticket per participant if they are in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, and 2 tickets per child if they are in 12th grade.  I think if you do the math you will find that this is very very generous.  There can be 1000 people total at the football game, and Brighton gets 300 on their side.  Between our 200 tickets and the 140 in the band, we are going to occupy almost exactly half of Howell's allotment.  

We will be holding our senior ceremony at the MB Live show on 10/21 the following week.  They held their ceremony at a different time as well.  That is a decision that we as a band staff made.  If we had tried to squeeze it in at the football game it would have been too rushed and stressful.  This way we can take our time and do it right at our own show.  

The tickets will be given to your child at practice next Wednesday.  IF YOUR CHILD LOSES THAT TICKET, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COME TO THE GAME.  ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you have a child that constantly loses/forgets things you need to have a little convo with them about responsibility (I used to be that child so I am warning everyone in advance) and the importance of not losing the ticket.  

Much, much, much more info will be forthcoming on Monday, but I wanted you to get the most important info less than 24 hours after we received it.  (We got it at noon yesterday, so I made it just under the wire!)

Ok, you folks are great, and your kids are awesome!  Keep hanging in there! There are some cool things on the way I think everyone is going to enjoy (and be proud of).

-Smigell

GOOD NEWS FOR MB! REVISED! MARCHING BAND LIVE! PASS (TICKET) REQUESTS

No new details on the October 16th football game - we are waiting on word from school administrators and athletics on how they are handling guests/tickets.  What we know for sure is that our marching band will be playing at the Brighton football game on the 16th.  As soon as we have more info, we will pass that on.  The kids have been working hard to prepare for this great occasion! 

Good news!  We are able to have more people in attendance at our marching band LIVE performances on the 19th and 21st!  PLEASE fill out a new google form to get your passes/tickets - the previous form is void.  

• Each marching band student will now receive 4 "passes"  for ONE of our marching band, live performances (see below).  Physical tickets will not be issued - please use the revised Google form to request your "pass".  Due to State and local guidelines, we must follow these procedures.  If there are more than 4 guests signed up for a student, they will be contacted and removed from the pass list.

• ALL students will perform at each performance.  They are able to have 4 guests at ONE of the performances as listed below.  Performances are at the football stadium at 7 p.m.  Admittance is through the main gate only and you MUST: be on the "pass list" and wear a mask in order to enter.  Masks must remain on at all times while you are in the football stadium.

SCHEDULE - please select the appropriate request for your student's grade:

• Freshman and Sophomores (9th & 10th grade) may have 4 guests per student on Monday, October 19th (rain date is Tuesday, October 20th):   

            Click here for:  9th & 10 Grade Student "Pass" (ticket) Request - REVISED 

            

• Juniors and Seniors (11th & 12th grade) may have 4 guests per student on Wednesday, October 21st (rain date is Friday, October 23rd).  

            Click here for:  11th & 12th Grade Student "Pass" (ticket) Request- REVISED

Scheduling conflicts or questions?  Please contact Laura Allegoet at ALLEGOEL@HOWELLSCHOOLS.COM by Monday, October 12th.  Passes must be requested by Wednesday, October 14th (Google Form will be turned off for reservations after the 14th).

WE ARE PERFORMING AT A FOOTBALL GAME THIS YEAR!

 

You read that right folks!

The craziness of this year continues but this time it is good news!  I'll cut to the chase.  The marching band will definitely be performing at the October 16th home football game against Brighton.  I wanted to let you all know well enough in advance so the kids can get off work and change plans in time.  Unfortunately, we do not have any more details about how many spectators we can have if any, or the protocol for where we will be set up.  

However..

We get to play when we thought all was lost!  YAY!  Please check this blog frequently as Mrs. Allegoet, Mrs. Macdermaid and myself will have all the information SOON.  

THIS NEW DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT CHANGE THE CURRENT TWO PERFORMANCES THAT ARE ALREADY ON THE SCHEDULE.  We will be playing on the 19th and 21st as planned.

OK that's it for now.  GO HIGHLANDERS!!!

-Smigell

There IS, I repeat IS marching band practice tonight!!!

 

Hey folks, we will be practicing tonight.  I know there is rain in the area, but it looks like it is going to fade by the time we have practice.  Even if it is raining at the start of practice, please still come, as we will take care of some business like handing out the shirts and maybe some new music while we wait for it to blow over.  PLEASE COME DO NOT WALK THROUGH THE MUD ON YOUR WAY TO THE BAND ROOM.  Either walk the long way across or come in another door (I will try and prop the one by the back door of the choir room).

Ok see you in an hour and a half,

Smigell

MARCHING BAND PRACTICE CANCELLED TODAY 9/28! PLUS.......MARCHING BAND LIVE! PASS (TICKET) REQUESTS & INFO

Marching band practice is cancelled for today 9/28 due to impending rain. 

Unfortunately, we aren't able to practice inside so we don't have any other option.  Next practice is this Thursday, October 1st from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  See below for IMPORTANT info about tickets/passes for our live performances:

MARCHING BAND LIVE!  PASS (TICKET) REQUESTS & INFO

We are excited to be able to offer live performances for marching band on October 19th and 21st!  Each marching band student will receive 2 "passes"  for ONE of our marching band, live performances (see below).  Physical tickets will not be issued - we are using a Google form where you may request your "pass".  Due to State and local guidelines, we must follow these procedures.  If there are more than 2 guests signed up for a student, they will be contacted and removed from the pass list.

ALL students will perform at each performance.  However, they are only able to have 2 guests at ONE of the performances as listed below.  Performances are at the football stadium at 7 p.m.  Admittance is through the main gate only and you MUST: be on the "pass list" and wear a mask in order to enter.  Masks must remain on at all times while you are in the football stadium.

SCHEDULE - please select the appropriate request for your student's grade:

• Freshman and Sophomores (9th & 10th grade) may have 2 guests per student on Monday, October 19th (rain date is Tuesday, October 20th):   

            Click here for:  9th & 10 Grade Student "Pass" (ticket) Request 

            

• Juniors and Seniors (11th & 12th grade) may have 2 guests per student on Wednesday, October 21st (rain date is Friday, October 23rd).  We will have a special, Senior recognition segment during this performance.

            Click here for:  11th & 12th Grade Student "Pass" (ticket) Request

Scheduling conflicts?  Please contact Laura Allegoet at ALLEGOEL@HOWELLSCHOOLS.COM by Monday, October 12th.  Passes must be requested by Thursday, October 15th (Google Form will be turned off for reservations after the 15th).

CHECK BACK AT 4:30 FOR MARCHING BAND PRACTICE DECISION

Because the weather forecast keeps shifting, Mr. Smigell is waiting until 4:30 to make a decision about marching band practice this evening.  We're on a limited practice schedule so Mr. Smigell would like to have practice but we will cancel if it looks like rain is 100% likely.  Check back at 4:30!  :)  Thanks!

NEW! MARCHING BAND PRACTICE SCHEDULE CHANGES!

MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE - REVISED!

We have encountered a few scheduling conflicts with the use of the football stadium so need to make some changes to the marching band practice schedule.  The revised dates are highlighted.  Here is the schedule for the entire season (all practices start at 6 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.)

Monday, September 21

Wednesday, September 23 (6 to 7:30 p.m. - earlier dismissal) *

Monday, September 28

* Thursday, October 1

Monday, October 5

* Tuesday, October 6

Monday, October 12

Wednesday, October 14

Monday, October 19 - live performance for limited audience

Wednesday, October 21 - live performance for limited audience

Marching band performances are scheduled for Monday, October 19 and Wednesday, October 21 with a limited audience (around 7 p.m.).  The same show will be performed on both days. We are in the early stages of planning and need to determine how many "tickets" each student will have in order to stay within State and school district guidelines for attendance.  More details to come in the next week.  We will also film performances and share them on-line so everyone can see our great Highlander marching band perform!

MARCHING BAND PRACTICE CANCELLED FOR TOMORROW 9/14/2020 DUE TO VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY. THERE IS STILL PRACTICE SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEDNESDAY.

 

Hello Everyone,

Well, we knew this was going to happen sooner or later.  Looks like it will be a short one for now.  Since all learning is supposed to be virtual tomorrow, marching band practice is cancelled for tomorrow 9/14/2020.  At this time we still plan on having practice this Wednesday from 6pm-8:30pm.  We know about as much as you do right now.  Don't worry yet, they said right in the email this one is because they are being extra cautious.  Everybody stay safe and act responsibly.  AND PLEASE KEEP CHECKING THE BLOG! :)

-Smigell

MARCHING BAND PRACTICE DETAILS / HEALTH FORM / UPDATE

We're excited that we are able to start things up again and have a "modified" marching band season. As many of you have heard, as of right now, MHSAA has made the decision to only allow football players, coaches, cheerleaders and a limited amount of spectators at football games. Marching band, poms and any other groups are not allowed. However, we are moving forward with marching band practices AND we've been given the green light to have marching band performances whether they are live and/or by video - that's great news! It's going to be a great marching band season!  We will have definitive plans and dates for performances to share soon.

Here's what we know for sure: Marching band rehearsals start this Monday, September 14th!

• Weekly practice schedule until mid-October:  
• Monday, September 21
  Wednesday, September 23 (6 to 7:30 p.m. - earlier dismissal)
  Monday, September 28
  * Thursday, October 1
  Monday, October 5
  * Tuesday, October 6
  Monday, October 12
  Wednesday, October 14
  Monday, October 19 - live performance for limited audience
  Wednesday, October 21 - live performance for limited audience
• We understand that some of our members may have scheduling conflicts as we start up.  That's okay!  Please make it to practice if you can but, we understand if you need some time to figure out work schedules, etc.
• Students should arrive for practice at 6 p.m. - check in is at the exterior band room doors where we will take temperatures and allow students into the band room in small groups to get instruments.  Practice is at the football stadium.  Unfortunately, no spectators or visitors are allowed.

HEALTH FORM:  CLICK HERE FOR HEALTH FORM!

• Students/Staff/Instructors/Chaperones will be required to fill out our online health form prior

   to the start of practice EACH DAY - the health form must be filled out on the same day

   that your student is checking in. You can't fill it out the day before.

• Just fill out the form and we can check it on our computer at school. No need to show us the form on your phone. This form is to aid in contact tracing purposes should someone become ill.

• Students/Staff/Instructors/Chaperones that show any signs of illness are expected to stay home

   and alert us! Email Mrs. Allegoet at ALLEGOEL@HOWELLSCHOOLS.COM if you can't attend practice!

WHAT TO WEAR / BRING:

• MASK!  Put your mask on a lanyard of some sort...you don’t want that on the ground.
• Bring a water bottle with your name on it.
• Instrument, music, flip book, lyre, pencil
• Dress for the weather! The temperature will drop throughout practice - dress in layers!
• Wear comfortable, school appropriate clothing - no short-shorts or offensive tshirts.  
• Wear tennis shoes or other marching appropriate footwear. 
• Sunglasses and/or hat

Questions?  Feel free to email me at allegoel@howellschools.com or Mr. Smigell at smigellj@howellschools.com  Thank you!  - Laura :)

In class update and BIG MARCHING BAND ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Hey all!  This is a big post, but I need to work on it so check back in about 24 hours for much more information.  These are the main points.  All of them are important :)

1. Marching band is happening now.  Details soon about whether or not we play at football games

2. There will be marching band practice next week Monday(9/14) and Wednesday(9/16) evening 6:00-8:30pm.  We expect there to be some conflicts, especially the first week.  Please email myself Smigellj@howellschools.com or Mrs. Allegoet Allegoel@howellschools.com if you cannot make it.

3. You kids are heroes!  I am so very pleased and proud of literally every single one of my students.  So cooperative, so generally positive, so understanding of the situation.  They make me think we just might make it through the year.  Parents, get them some icecream!

4. We have learned some things so far.  There are some things your child (especially those in my morning classes) would benefit greatly from:

    a. Appropriate clothing for outdoor rehearsals.  Please remind them to check the weather and bring a windbreaker/rain jacket or hoodie to school if it is going to be cold or rainy, or wear shorts if it is going to be hot. 

    b. EVEN ON SUNNY DAYS, THERE IS DEW ON THE GRASS IN THE MORNING.  I have had to bring two pairs of shoes.  Might be a good idea on the days they have band to bring a pair of old shoes so they don't have to have wet feet all day. This is not usually the case with concert (9th grade) band, as their class is in the afternoon.

    c. We asked all the kids to bring a 3 ring binder for class.  It's much better for outdoor rehearsals.  We purchased 1000 sheet protector sleeves so when they bring it in, the get a little gift from us.       

Ok that's it for now.  Check this post again in a day or so and Ill have more info/discussion

-Smigell

NOW THERE'S FOOTBALL AGAIN?!?!? (Marchig band update)

Hi Folks!


Before we any further, PLEASE ALSO READ THE POST BELOW THIS ONE FOR A GENERAL BAND UPDATE.

If you want the TLDR (Too Long, Didn't Read) version of my post here it goes:

TLDR: Yes I heard there's football. 😜 Of course we are going to try and do marching band in some fashion along with it, we are like peanut butter and chocolate (For the record, we are the chocolate).  We are going to wait and see what they come up with and proceed accordingly. Be ready for the strong possibility of rehearsals resuming soon. Now please stop blowing up my phone and emailing me because I don't know anything more just yet 😏    And with that, let's go and enjoy our fine Labor Day Weekend.


Okay, now that we have that out of the way, a bit of discussion:


-I know that they said there's Football. Don't get too hype just yet.  You'll notice they have promised football then cancelled it, now are promising it again.  It is completely possible they are going to flip flop again in a few days. 

-Even if they DO have football, there is a lot of hand wringing and teeth gnashing about how many people can actually be on site.  We may be limited as to how many people can be in the audience.  There may not be an audience at all.  There may not be band or cheerleaders allowed, or a limited amount of band/cheer/pom.

-None of this is going to be clear for a few days.  I know that everyone is excited (I am too. Quite frankly marching band is one of the activities that I feel I can safely pull off) but the devil is always in the details.  I don't think MHSAA has really thought this through very well, and whatever they do come up with, it isn't going to be what you'd expect.  There is a lesson from Ben Franklin that I live my life by.  It's about paying too much for your whistle.

-My plan for us is to wait until the dust settles and then make a plan that let's us be as "marching bandy" as possible within the realm of sanity.  Again, I love marching band, it is in our best interest to do marching band if we can.  What we are not going to do is force something stressful and unduly complicated on the kids (or more realistically, let them force it on themselves) just so we can say we had a season.  I'm sure there is a middle ground in there somewhere.  If/when we start rehearsing again after school, I THINK it will not be until the week of September 14th, but that could totally change.

-In order for us to safely continue marching activities and for us to be eventually ready to rehearse inside, we are purchasing band-specific PPE and will be needing volunteers for the sewing corps to help make bando masks.  More information will be forthcoming.  If you are good at sewing, please email me at smigellj@howellschools.com or mrs. Allegoet at allegoel@howellschools.com so I can have this group ready when we get the right pattern.

Anyway, that's all the news that's fit to print.  Our kids are fantastic.  Howell is a good community.  Marching band is the greatest activity of them all.  How can we fail?... Wait, don't answer that 😁

-Smigell

THINGS ARE GOING WELL IN CLASS! (We need people who can sew!)

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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NYC REFUND DETAILS

 

Hello New York Trip families!

We are happy to report that you should be receiving a refund check the week after Labor Day.   Educational Tours (ET)

issued the school a lump sum check for the amount they have recovered so far.  The school district will issue

individual refunds for this installment. As indicated in the August 4th blog post, ET is waiting on the possibility

of recovering an additional $9,393.45 from one of the vendors.  If they receive those funds, that portion 

will be returned directly to you via a separate check from ET. 

IF YOU'VE HAD AN ADDRESS CHANGE SINCE APRIL, please email me your new address by Monday, August 24th:

ALLEGOEL@HOWELLSCHOOLS.COM  Everyone filled out a Google form this spring indicating who to make the 

check out to and where to mail the check.  IF none of your info has changed since April, you are all set!

REFUND BREAKDOWN:

$733.58 per person - refund check issued to you by Howell Schools week of September 8th.

$ 66.15 per person - amount that ET is hoping to still receive from one vendor.  IF they receive these funds, a 

check will be issued directly from ET to you.

NON-REFUNDABLE BREAKDOWN:

$ 36.33 - 3.5% service fee

$201.94 - non-refundable deposits and expenses

For those that purchased the travel insurance:

You will receive your refund along with non-insurance participants as stated above.  Your insurance will cover

a percentage of the cost that ET is NOT able to refund.  Once ET has closed our account, they will forward your

insurance claim to Travel Insured International.  After your claims have been filed, an insurance reimbursement

amount will be available and passed on to those that have travel insurance. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.  We are happy to have some definitive answers and good news

for you! - Laura

So, we have school tomorrow! (info about marching band, start of school and the New York money)

 

Hello Everyone! 

Let me start by saying THANK YOU to all the people, kids, parents, volunteers, staff and construction crews that helped us make band camp a STARK RAVING SUCCESS.  I think it's fairly safe to say now that I think we made it through without any you know what rearing its ugly head.  More than ever, this is a team effort that required everyone's compliance, cooperation, patience, and elbow grease.  I am SO proud of the kids.  

So as always with our program.. ON TO WHAT'S NEXT

Here we go!  I know there have been a lot of questions about what the heck is going on. Hopefully I can answer a few of them.  I want you to know, I am trying to keep you as informed as I possibly can, there are lots of things changing every day, so I will tell you what I know:

THE MOST IMPORTANT STUFF IS IN BOLD (and additional info/discussion/speculation will be regular font)

There is no marching band practice after school for at least this week and next week.  BUT marching band will exist again somewhere this year.

-We are trying to determine whether we wait until spring, do a little bit during the fall to keep it fresh, and how to involve perhaps the non marching band members.  For now until we get our sea legs underneath us, I am not going to stress everyone out by adding extra rehearsals when we have NEVER done anything like this before. 

-It is my utmost wish and intent to march again this year. When that is unfortunately is still up in the air.... As we all know about these times never guarantee, never say never.   Please bear in mind that whatever form marching band takes, it most likely will not be the marching band you are used to.  This could include splitting the band, waiting until spring, having each day band become a marching band.. everything is on the table.  I plan on creating something with the kids that will make as worthwhile experience as I possibly can WITHIN THE REALM OF SAFETY.

Do not bring your instruments the first week of school.

We are still trying to figure out the best way to get everyone geared up and set.  As you have found out, EVERYTHING takes longer, right down to assigning lockers, figuring out how to clean our room.. etc.  Don't worry, it will get better.

The band room will not be open the first day of school.  Please wait until your class time to come to the band room.

Don't worry everything will be solved in due time.  I will make sure YOU personally are taken care of, but wait until it is class time, can't have big crowds right?

Lots of you have schedule questions.. Those will be fixed or at least worked on the first day we have together.

I know this is a huge mess (TRUST ME).  It is going to take some time to sort it out.  Our biggest priority is keeping band on kids' schedules, and keeping the numbers in each band balanced,  KEEPING THE KIDS SAFE WHILE THEY ARE UNDER MY WATCH, and their mental health.  After that comes our normal primary goals of making them good musicians and good citizens.  You may not get to be in the band that you want to be in.  You may have to make some new friends.  Unfortunately, that is the way of things this year. 

The first New York Refund check is in our hot little hands.

That is confirmed.  It's the larger portion (over $100,000) that we will now be sending your way.  Estimates put you receiving it the week of labor day.  

Due to the nature of band and aerosols, etc, there are stricter guidelines in place for participation in band than in other classes at the school.  

Due to larger class sizes, the risky nature of our activity, and the unpredictability of this virus, we have more safety measures in place.  This includes wearing a mask at all times in class and outdoors unless we are playing.  This is not up for discussion. Band is an optional class, and requires the permission of the instructor to take it.  

There is hope, and we will be making music soon!

Hang in there folks, I know everyone's patience is pushed to the limit (Full disclosure, I'm going to be a little on edge the first few days myself.  It has nothing to do with y'all), continued cooperation, patience, tolerance, and compliance will make this possible.  I really think we can do our portion and be safe if we follow my guidelines.  I love you folks, I will do my best, and so will you.  Working together (6' apart with masks on) will pull us through.  :)

-Smigell

NEW YORK & MARCHING BAND UPDATES

NEW YORK UPDATE

Great news!  We have made progress with the New York trip refunds!  Educational Tours (ET) is in the process of issuing us a check and we expect to receive it in the next week along with a detailed accounting.  In order to expedite this process, ET is issuing the school a lump sum check for the amount they have recovered so far.  The school district has agreed to issue your individual refunds for this installment. We will let everyone know as soon as we have an exact refund amount and a date that you should receive your check in the mail. 

As indicated in the August 4th blog post, ET is waiting on $9,393.45 from one of the vendors.  If they receive those funds, that portion will be returned directly to you via a separate check from ET.  

For those who have the travel insurance, I will have more information soon including when your claims can be made.  Thanks for your continued patience!

MARCHING BAND

• 1st Practice Thursday, August 20th - Time TBD
• Regular practice schedule and plans will be posted soon!

Marching Band Camp 2020 was awesome!  I can't say enough good things about our band students, chaperones and coaches!  Students - we are so proud of you!  You set a wonderful example of how we can make things happen and stay safe during this time of Covid-19.  PLUS the music sounded great and the drill is looking fabulous!  Great job!

Thank you so much to everyone that helped make marching band camp 2020 a huge success!  We could not have done this without the help from our amazing chaperones and coaches - especially this year!  Here's to a great start to the 2020-21 school year!