The RHS Marching Band is no longer enforcing the Covid - 19 Regulations that were in effect from March 2020 - Spring 2022, However, students and families are encouraged to continue to monitor individual health and report any absences due to health or the possibility of transferring any communicative illnesses to the marching band community.
Use of masks when sick, or getting over illness are should be considered, especially for indoor spaces and bus travel.
Thank you for your understanding.
Marching Band "Safe Start" Guidelines
(as of 6/15/21)
*PLEASE NOTE: this document may be updated regularly as it is a "working document." As updates are available from WPS, the State of Michigan, and professional music organizations - changes to our policies will be reflected here. We will continue to announce when/if changes are being made
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https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-560241--,00.html
Covid-19 Coach & Athlete Monitoring Form (also for parent volunteers)
Music Department Calendar (Log In Code: WyandotteMusic)
WMC Safe-Start Guideline for Director Decisions
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ALL PRE-CAMP REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD AT RHS
BAND CAMP 2022 WILL BE HELD AT COLOMBIERE CONFERENCE AND RETREAT CENTER
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The following Safety measures/guidelines were used during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic. THE WMC does NOT currently enforce these procedures, but may return if there is a continued health crisis.
It is encouraged that all members of the marching band are fully vaccinated against Covid 19.
These are the possibly Safety measures/guidelines for all rehearsals (based on WPS athletic guidelines, MHSAA guidelines, State of Michigan guidelines, and other professional (music) sources:
Students will arrive at rehearsal no less than 15 minutes before rehearsal starts.
It is suggested that all students are dropped off by a parent.
Students will have their temperature checked and fill out a Covid Monitoring Form upon arrival to band, and prior to entering the "rehearsal area." The Covid Monitoring Form will be completed in the parking lot area. (NOTE: This will be completed on the student/parent device)
These checks will be completed by district staff/ volunteers as they drive into the parking lot
Any student exhibiting symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, diarrhea) or presenting with a temperature above 100.3 will be sent home.
If you are feeling ill, please do not come to band. Notify us by email.
All students/ staff/ volunteers must adhere to the 6ft of social distancing upon arrival and dismissal from band rehearsals.
If you’re being dropped off, pull into the Wilson Parking Lot. Proceed to the “check-in” table(s) in the (White Tent) maintaining social distancing of 6 ft. as you are checked in. NOTE: You DO NOT fill out the wellness/temp form ahead of time, we will do that at the “check-in” table.
If you are driving yourself, find a parking spot at least one spot away from another vehicle and proceed to the check-in table(s).
If you are riding your bike, please proceed to the check-in table as social distancing permits. You will store your bike near the rehearsal area.
If you are walking, please proceed to the check-in table as social distancing permits.
Rehearsals: will be instructor-led and take place outside at the Wilson Middle School fields, and surrounding grounds. Students will be forward facing in 30 person or less rehearsal groupings (less during pre-camp rehearsals); During "Band Camp" each group will use a separate part of the rehearsal space, facing away from each other when physically possible. There will be no student access to buildings. There will be outdoor restrooms available.
----Poor weather contingency: If there is expected to be poor weather that doesn't allow for proper rehearsal, or safe rehearsal under cover we will cancel/reschedule rehearsal or shift to a virtual rehearsal. If weather impacts rehearsal suddenly or there is a change in weather, we will send a message out through the WMC Facebook Page or BAND app on the status of rehearsal. If dangerous weather happens, we will take cover indoors, maintaining social distancing of at least 6 ft. and following district protocol for inclement weather.
Masks are to be provided by students/parents/staff for themselves and are required to be worn by staff (including parent volunteers) and students at all times unless involved in any type of physical activity or rehearsal that will not allow for them to be worn safely.
A. In addition, masks must be worn when talking (asking/answering questions, providing feedback, etc.).
B. INDOORS: research has shown that wind players should wear a mask with a slit cut into it to allow the mouthpiece to fit through and for the mask to be worn while playing. It would be advisable to have a mask for non-playing activities and one with a slit to be used while playing indoors and to keep your slit-mask in your instrument case ready to use.
Social distancing of 6 ft minimum. Spacing of 7.5 ft will be observed during most warm-up, stretching, and rehearsal blocks. Trombones will have 9 ft of space in front of them during most activities.
Bell Coverings: all wind instruments, except for flutes, must have an approved nylon bell covering for the instrument - 50-80 denier nylon/nylon blend. Note: a simple piece of fabric held on to the bell with a rubber band is great, material like the stretchy nylon book covers work great!
INDOORS - Clarinets/Bass Clarinets/Saxophones: for additional prevention of aerosol transmission, we will be working with you on experimenting with a covering for the instrument. There is much more research to be done here and is not a mandatory element at this time.
Restrooms: Restrooms will be available at the Wilson MS Field House. PLEASE plan to use the restroom before you come to rehearsal to help avoid restroom usage during rehearsal. Only one student will be excused to the bathroom at a time during rehearsals. No "buddies" If others are using the restroom, maintain social distancing. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.
Equipment: all instruments, supplies, & related equipment, except for the largest instruments (percussion and sousaphones) must be kept at home and brought to and from rehearsal. Any large equipment that must remain at the school will be transported in and out of the building by a small designated crew. ( preferably staff or other adult) There must be NO sharing of equipment. Specific drum major, color guard, & percussion equipment will be assigned to only be used by one person.
----Instrument cases/equipment, backpack, water jug, and any other belongings should be kept with the student, at all times during check in.
Water Jug: All students must bring their own water jug, labeled with student name, and NEVER to be shared. This water jug should go home with the student after each rehearsal and be washed and sanitized.
Hand Sanitizer: Each student & staff member should bring their own hand sanitizer and should re-apply every 30 minutes. We will have hand sanitizer at the school, but please have your own to be sure you have access to some immediately when needed.
Wellness/Temperature Check: Students will have their temperature checked and fill out a Covid questionnaire upon arrival to campus before they exit their vehicle. (NOTE: This will be completed on the student/parent device) These checks will be completed by district staff/ volunteers as they drive into the parking lot. Any student exhibiting symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, diarrhea) or presenting with a temperature above 100.3 will be sent home. Students/ Parents are expected to self monitor - if a student is feeling ill prior to rehearsal, has a temperature at home, or some one in the household has become ill - do not attend rehearsal!
Rehearsal Dismissal Procedures:
We will dismiss from rehearsals in staggered fashion so that social distancing is built into the process.
Large equipment and music stands stored inside the trailer will be dropped off at the “back of the trailer” for staff to disinfect & transfer inside.
All other equipment must go home with the student and should be disinfected appropriately after arriving home.
Students must leave immediately after rehearsal.
If at any time between rehearsals, a student becomes ill in any way or comes in contact with someone experiencing Covid symptoms, please contact Mr. D'Angelo IMMEDIATELY.
MSBOA Guidance for Return to Music Education - 8/7/20
Characterization of Aerosols from Musical Performance & Risk Mitigation Related to COVID 19 Pandemic - 7/30/20
Most current EXECUTIVE ORDER from Michigan Governor Whitmer - 7/29/20
Performing Arts Aerosol Study #2 - 8/6/20
Performing Arts Aerosol Study - Preliminary Results - 7/13/20
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
High School Band Directors National Association
Texas Band Policies for Covid-19
Army Band Covid-19 Risk Mitigation for Large Groups
German Risk Assessment for Covid-19 and Large Ensembles