Aug 14 ∙ Director’s Update
Be prepared to adapt. This year we are adapting everyday on what and how we will be teaching band. We are doing this for the safety of all of us. I want to send you some tips and updates for this coming week.
Pack Light! You will not have a locker. You will have to carry anything you take to school through all 7 classes. You will not be allowed to leave your items in the band room or any of the storage rooms.
Bring a Water Bottle. Water fountains will be turned off. We will not have the big water coolers at practice as in the past, so plan extra water on practice days.
Don't Bring Your Instrument. As of now, we will not be allowed to play wind instruments or sing in the school building. I don't know how long this will last or how it will affect marching band. DO NOT contact the SHS administration to complain about this. The decision was made at the county level. You will need your instruments on Tuesday and Friday for marching band rehearsal. We will go over how all this will work this week in class. Please be patient as we prepare to make this year as safe as possible for all our band members and families.
Masks are Optional but highly encouraged. Take the smart option and wear a mask when you are in crowds. We have ordered bell covers (instrument mask) and they WILL be REQUIRED to be used.
Marching band is being adjusted, as new information is made available. I will update the band calendar on Charms and BAND APP as things change. We will be focusing on marching this coming week during rehearsals. It is important that everyone start to memorize the opener on your own. All music can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1G_vGkx1hSIyaANlBYwwJ9Pvn7qUz6g5O?usp=sharing
And rehearsal tracks can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L3HvBliJ2u0eyrhWEaNp0qm47fBDMHF_?usp=sharing
You must be logged into your @bullochschools.org email account to access the files.
This year will be different. It will be good to see each other and get back to some form of "normal" but it will be very different. Be prepared to work through this with an open mind and a positive mindset. We have been fighting and struggling for months to make this work. Please trust that all of the inconvenience and discomfort you will experience is a result of decisions made for your safety.
One thing that needs to be reiterated is that if you elected to go virtual this semester but are still wanting to participate in the Marching Blue Devils and the other ensembles that we offer, you must attend the class that corresponds to you. This was a decision set forth by the county. It will be difficult for some but it is what was decided.
Finally, we have created a Google Slides Open House for you to learn a little bit more about the band and us: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1a3bYjskDbCmmKcCqyCoow0JyjwS8gf68KjjuBPp-jrE/edit?usp=sharing
We look forward to seeing you all Monday. Have a great weekend.
Lee Collins
Director of Bands