COVID-19 FAQ FOR MARCHING BAND
One Semester
Credit 0.50
Weight 1.04
This course is open to students in Grade 9 or 10 who are qualified instrumentalists through band director recommendation or audition (typically new members to the ensemble). This course begins meeting in August prior to the start of the school year. This elective course is offered for those band members interested in performing at football games, parades, and marching band competitions. The “DCI” (Drum Corps International) concept of marching and performance will be the foundation for all teaching. Emphasis will be placed upon fundamentals of musicianship, marching and maneuvering, musical expression, showmanship, physical coordination, and development of discipline and character. This course will run concurrently with Symphony Band I. Members of the Marching Band will perform during the first quarter with the Marching Band, and with the Symphony Band during the second quarter. After the first quarter, students will focus on traditional and contemporary literature for concert band with a traditional Symphony Band concert at the end of the quarter.
One Semester
Credit 0.50
Weight 1.04
This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 who are qualified instrumentalists through band director recommendation or audition (typically new members to the ensemble).This course begins meeting in August prior to the start of the school year. This elective course is offered for those band members interested in performing at football games, parades, and marching band competitions. The “DCI” (Drum Corps International) concept of marching and performance will be the foundation for all teaching. Emphasis will be placed upon fundamentals of musicianship, marching and maneuvering, musical expression, showmanship, physical coordination, and development of discipline and character. This course will run concurrently with Symphony Band II. Members of the Marching Band will perform during the first quarter with the Marching Band, and with the Symphony Band during the second quarter. After the first quarter, students will focus on traditional and contemporary literature for concert band with a traditional Symphony Band concert at the end of the quarter.
August 2021
Hello and I hope you are have all had a wonderful summer!
Band camp is upon us, and we will be starting next Wednesday, August, 18th at 9:00am! There is so much that has happened over the past two years and we are looking forward to getting back together as an ensemble! The truth is, there is still much that we are waiting to hear, and our students' health and safety is the first and foremost priority. This year still has much that is left to be seen and there are still some unknowns in our midst, but we are going to be moving forward in a way that is a safe for all of our students. Our upcoming band camp schedule will be as follows:
August 18th-20th: 9:00am-3:30pm (12:00-1:00pm lunch break)
August 23rd-27th: 9:00am-3:30pm (12:00ppm-1:00pm lunch break)
August 28th: 9:00am-12:00pm
We are planning on having our band camp Olympics on Friday, August 28th from 1:00-3:30pm and our preview show at 5:00 pm for all families to show and share what we have accomplished. Our students will have a pizza party at 3:30pm to celebrate our accomplishments. Any families that would like to join us are more than welcome to come and celebrate our achievements before our preview show!
All students are required to have the following:
- Instruments
- Comfy Shoes (We will be marching ALOT!)
- Comfy Socks
- Light weight clothing in accordance with our dress code
- Water (LOTS OF IT!)
- Masks (for inside)
- Pencils
It is recommended that all students have:
- Hats
- Sun Screen
- Sun Glasses
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Cell Phone
Obviously, there is much that we don't know about this upcoming school year, but what we are doing is providing a safe environment for all students. We will be following CIAC guidelines for sports in that all indoor activities will include masking and maximum separation with students. Outside, we will not be requiring masking during rehearsals as we will be maintaining a minimum of 6 foot spacing, and following the original guidelines of 12 feet when possible for our students. This year is different from the past as we have many students who are completely new to the ensemble, so our focus will be on family building, ensemble development, and overall growth as an ensemble. When inside, students will be provided players masks, and bell covers when necessary, but when possible, all rehearsals will begin outside. We are waiting for more updates from the State of Connecticut in regards to the school guidelines, but until that point, we will be following all mask guidelines from last year. Inside, students will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing when possible.
Please know that these students mean the world to me, and I just want to get back to some idea of normal. What that actually looks like will continue to develop as we move through this fall. The students' health and safety is my utmost priority, and I will work with all families to ensure that we are going to do everything we can for our students and provide them the best possible high school experience. Marching Band is so essential for students' development and their experience in high school, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make this season as "normal" as possible. Once I get information back from US Bands about our shows, I will be updating the website with information, and will follow up with another email in Parent Square. The typical full schedule after the first week will be as follows (full schedule of specific dates/times on Wednesday 8/18 as much as possible. This is from 9/8-11/6).
Monday: Wind Sectionals - 2:30-3:30pm
Monday: Guard/Percussion Sectionals - 6:00-8:30pm
Wednesday: Full Band 6:00pm-9:00pm
Fridays: Football Games 3:00-5:00 Rehearsal/6-? Football Games (When at home games)
Saturdays: TBD ( Typically early morning 9-12) Compeitions will require all days
Attached is the medical form, equipment form, and travel release form that all students need to have completed before the end of Friday, August 20th. If there is a problem with financial situation, please just let me know and I will make sure that all students have the opportunity to participate regardless of situation.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns that you may have. It has been a bit since we have all been together, and we will be taking it slow to ensure the success of all students. My email address is Laura.Ayer@vernonct.org
Please bring all paperwork, if possible, on the first day of band camp. I will also have physical copies of paperwork on the first day. All students can be dropped of at the band room directly, (behind the school by the football field). The Band room is marked as Door #19, and I will have signs to help direct new families for drop off.
I look forward to working with all of you!
All for One! One for All!
Laura Ayer