Summer of 2020
Midway Band COVID-19 Mitigation Guidelines
Most Recent Announcement (August 12)
Midway Band and Parents,
This is a friendly reminder that we need for all band and guard students to complete the virtual registration. It is important that we order the necessary apparel so that it arrives for our first game. Once you have completed the registration process you will receive an invoice by email from our AmAzInG Band Backer Treasurer, Karen Brown, with details on how to pay for ordered items.
Band Registration Form: https://forms.gle/Gw9vofMEdyK5VfLs7
Guard Registration Form: https://forms.gle/hQxCb2Fk1dCLZY8V8
Clarification
The majority of questions I have received this week are about virtual learners in the marching band so I would like to clarify this topic. We are committed to supporting our students and families in their decision to do virtual or Face-to-Face instruction and their decision on whether or not to participate in marching band.
Learning intent (virtual or face-to-face) was due to Midway ISD last Friday (August 7th). If parents did not declare an intent Midway ISD automatically assigned the students as face-to-face learners. Both types of learners can be in band and also have the opportunity to be in marching band. Here is a brief overview of the four options each band student has:
Masks
We are still under the governor’s order for mask wearing in the state of Texas, in addition to the risk mitigation guidelines established by the UIL. When we are not able to physically maintain 6 feet of distance from each other we will need to wear masks. When we can create 7.5 feet (four step marching interval) or more distance from each other, students may remove their masks during instruction. Directors and staff will always be required to wear masks. To read more details on the Midway Band’s COVID-19 Mitigation Guidelines please visit: http://www.midwayband.org/uploads/7/6/9/8/76984125/midway_band_covid_mitigation_v2.pdf
After School Marching Band Logistics
After school: Band hall will be a walk through only room. Students will enter the double doors across from the theatre stage and will exit either through the garage door (brass & guard) or side door (woodwinds & percussion). If students need to change clothes, woodwinds and percussion will need to use the band hall bathrooms or theatre lobby bathrooms; brass and guard will need to use the athletic bathrooms or PE bathrooms.
During rehearsal: Sections will have assigned areas for their water jugs. We will not be able to provide water stations. Students MUST bring their own water.
After rehearsal: Students will be sent into the building by assigned color groups which we’ve assigned based on locker placement to best ensure proper spacing. Once students gather their belongings, they will need to leave the building and go home. Parents please be prompt for pick up time.
Current Band Calendar
August 17-20 Leadership Training 8AM-noon
August 24 - First Day of School!
August 25 - Freshmen/Leadership rehearsal 4:30-6:30pm
August 27 - Freshmen/Leadership rehearsal 4:30-6:30pm
***August 31 - Full Band Rehearsals begin (Every Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-6:30pm)***
September 25 - Scrimmage Round Rock @Home, 7pm (meet at 5pm)
October 2 - Westlake @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
October 9 - South Grand Prairie @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
October 16 - No game
October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school)
October 30 - Waco @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
November 6 - Duncanville @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
We are currently in need of puppy pads, water bottles (for students who accidentally forgot their water jug for practice), and disposable masks. We would greatly appreciate donations for any of these items.
Announcement (August 6)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
The time has come for an update with answers! Again, we can not thank you enough for your patience and understanding as we’ve gone through several versions of the summer band plan. We are so ready to get back together and look forward to the day we reunite!
Upcoming Events
August 17-20 Leadership Training 8AM-noon
August 24 - First Day of School!
August 25 - Freshmen/Leadership rehearsal 4:30-6:30pm
August 27 - Freshmen/Leadership rehearsal 4:30-6:30pm
August 31 - Full Band Rehearsals begin (Every Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-6:30pm)
Answers to some big questions:
Is the band traveling to away games?
The plan at this time is to take a pep group to away games. This group will be approximately 100 students (25 students and one director per bus) and will be chosen through a sign-up for each game based on a balanced representation of each section. Seniors will be given priority in the sign up and we will try to rotate participation for Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors. More details on game sign ups will come at the beginning of October.
Will the band be performing “Piano Man” this year?
Due to the unpredictability of this marching season we will not perform “Piano Man” this year and will save it for the 2021 season so it can be seen in its full glory. With the complications of drill writing, possible change in band personnel from week to week due to illness, health safety concerns with moving equipment and props, and solo-heavy moments within the show, we felt it would be safer to choose a shorter and full ensemble focused show. We will be performing music by Queen for our halftime performances this year. Our drill will be written by our Fine Arts Director, Mr. Umhoefer, which will allow us flexibility in adjusting drill for additions or absences.
Will the band be participating in UIL this year?
This year is an advancing year for 6A bands. Although many districts have released statements on their UIL intent I do not feel that I can make this decision without the input of our students. We do not have to declare our intent to participate in UIL until 30 days before the Region Marching Contest date. As we approach this deadline we will discuss as a group what we would like to do. The show we will be performing at halftime was designed to encompass all of the parameters required by UIL. I do not feel it is in our best interest to proclaim what we will or will not do when the road we have already traveled this summer has been so tumultuous.
When is registration day?
We have decided that we will be having a virtual band/guard registration this year. We have come to this decision since we will not be using uniforms this year. This adjustment will eliminate a huge concern for us physically and financially since we would need to dry clean them after each use and uniforms also provide another surface for the virus to potentially live on. The band will have a more relaxed look this year: red band shirt, band shorts, band wind pants, and black tennis shoes (or marching shoes). We have also adjusted band fees by a considerable amount in an effort to help our families who have been affected financially by the pandemic. More details can be found in the virtual registration forms below. Please fill out the form for your student(s) before the first day of school. Invoices for registration will be emailed to the address provided with information on how to pay for apparel and fees. Please only fill this form out once per student.
Band Registration Form: https://forms.gle/Gw9vofMEdyK5VfLs7
Guard Registration Form: https://forms.gle/hQxCb2Fk1dCLZY8V8
What is the football schedule?
Although there is a full 10 game season planned out, only the first 6 games have official times, dates, and locations. We will know the remainder of the season’s schedule after the November 6th game. As of this afternoon, these are the games that are on the calendar:
September 25 - Scrimmage Round Rock @Home, 7pm (meet at 5pm)
October 2 - Westlake @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
October 9 - South Grand Prairie @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
October 16 - No game
October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school)
October 30 - Waco @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
November 6 - Duncanville @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
Can I check out a marching instrument or pick up music before the first day of school?
Yes! We will be able to accommodate instrument and/or music pick up on Wednesday (August 12th) and Thursday (August 13th) between 9am and 4pm. If you would like to pick up a marching instrument or music on one of those days, please email Mrs. Hyatt (pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org) or Ms. Guhl (sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org) with your day and time preference.
Digital Music and audio files of the Queen music can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16PbcdEzQLwlYIAngYXKXIFXXIBuiVpOB?usp=sharing
Please be sure that you have done the following registration requirements (which have been sent through email from the district) by August 7th (this Friday):
Register for school with this link: www.midwayisd.org/register
MISD Instructional choice for the school year: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBbLmHzeR-KuNW0BRchX5zle9Jmraye8zvP4XXYnL83yG2sQ/viewform
Please let me know if you need any additional information. We will send out another update before we start off the year!
Musically,
Pam Hyatt
Director of Bands, MISD
www.midwayband.org
Most Recent Announcement (July 29)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
I hope that this email finds you well and enjoying the cooler weather this week. Last night the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District revoked the July 21st order to delay the start of in person instruction until after September 7th. This change in direction has allowed local districts to decide what is best for their students.
Midway ISD has given their blessing for extracurricular practices to begin again. This is wonderful news but the sudden change in direction has caught us completely off guard. After much consideration and conversation with the band staff, I have decided that we will wait to begin marching instruction until the first day of school for MISD (either virtual or face to face). Here is the reasoning behind our decision:
With all of these concrete factors, and the consistent fluidity of this situation, we feel that waiting until there is a solid district start date would be best for us and the students. We understand that we all want to get back together but the back and forth of this ever-changing situation is not emotionally healthy for students, staff, or parents.
I believe in the work ethic and abilities of our students in addition to the talent and efficiency of our band staff to be able to start at a later date and be successful with the product we create. Our primary goal is to maximize our time together in the safest way possible.
Things to be addressed in a later update:
Thank you for your resilience and flexibility through this ever changing situation. We will send you an update as soon as we get more information to answer the questions above.
Announcement (July 22)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
Yesterday was a big day filled with decisions that have greatly affected our summer band plans. I have spent the last 24 hours trying to think through all the possibilities in how we can move forward from here. I will be honest, I am exhausted from all the planning, replanning and constant problem solving that is having to take place as the situation changes almost daily (and sometimes hourly). The most disheartening thing is that I feel I keep giving signs of hope to our students that we can be together only to have that taken away over and over again.
We started this week with the summer band schedule (version 2) and it was everything we have been anxiously waiting for since spring break. To hear our student’s voices and laughs, to hear live music being played in our band hall, to see growth and progress right before our eyes made every second of the frustrating planning process worth it. The students were absolute perfection in following guidelines and procedures which made me confident that the weeks to come would be just as successful.
Yesterday afternoon the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District ordered that schools shall not re-open for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after September 7th (this includes all extracurricular summer activities). We are currently coming up with plans to switch to a virtual format for the summer band schedule. I do not have details yet. We want to take into consideration the start date for the fall semester so our instruction will flow into the first day of school as it was originally scheduled. Parents should have received an email from Midway ISD that contains a survey about their preference for the start of school. We encourage you to complete this survey so the the districts administrators can take all stakeholder’s opinions into account.
The other big announcement that was released yesterday was from UIL and their plan for fall activities. The short version is that they have pushed back the start date for practices for football and band competition shows to September 7th (for 5A and 6A schools). Football games can start on September 24th with the state championship being pushed back to January. Marching band competitions will now take place in December instead of October to accommodate for the late start.
We do not know how the football schedule will fall now that we have a delayed start. I know that the coaches were meeting all afternoon trying to figure out a new game plan for a successful season. This situation is very stressful for everyone involved since we have had our calendars set since January for the fall season. Please be patient as we are all working to figure out a new schedule.
Please look for future updates through email, Facebook (Midway Panther Band or Midway Band Backers), our website (midwayband.org), Instagram (midwaypantherband), or Twitter (@MidwayBand). We are working hard to come up with an efficient and effective plan to keep us pursuing the level of excellence we are known for.
Thank you for your patience throughout this entire process. We can do this!
Pam Hyatt
Director of Bands, Midway ISD
For your reading enjoyment:
UIL Update: https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/covid-19
Waco-McLennan County Public Health District order: https://covidwaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Waco-McLennan-County-LHA-Order.pdf
Midway Band and Parents,
This is a friendly reminder that we need for all band and guard students to complete the virtual registration. It is important that we order the necessary apparel so that it arrives for our first game. Once you have completed the registration process you will receive an invoice by email from our AmAzInG Band Backer Treasurer, Karen Brown, with details on how to pay for ordered items.
Band Registration Form: https://forms.gle/Gw9vofMEdyK5VfLs7
Guard Registration Form: https://forms.gle/hQxCb2Fk1dCLZY8V8
Clarification
The majority of questions I have received this week are about virtual learners in the marching band so I would like to clarify this topic. We are committed to supporting our students and families in their decision to do virtual or Face-to-Face instruction and their decision on whether or not to participate in marching band.
Learning intent (virtual or face-to-face) was due to Midway ISD last Friday (August 7th). If parents did not declare an intent Midway ISD automatically assigned the students as face-to-face learners. Both types of learners can be in band and also have the opportunity to be in marching band. Here is a brief overview of the four options each band student has:
- Face-to-face learner with marching band: Band class with focus on marching music and fundamentals in addition to after school rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm.
- Face to face learner without marching band: Student will receive in person individualized instruction with weekly goals and assessments.
- Virtual learner with marching band: Attend 5th, 6th or 7th period band class virtually or view recorded class before marching practice at 4:30pm. These students will receive any updates, modifications or new information that will apply to the afternoon’s rehearsal. These virtual students will attend after school rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm.
- Virtual learner without marching band: Student will receive online individualized instruction/lessons with weekly goals and assessments.
Masks
We are still under the governor’s order for mask wearing in the state of Texas, in addition to the risk mitigation guidelines established by the UIL. When we are not able to physically maintain 6 feet of distance from each other we will need to wear masks. When we can create 7.5 feet (four step marching interval) or more distance from each other, students may remove their masks during instruction. Directors and staff will always be required to wear masks. To read more details on the Midway Band’s COVID-19 Mitigation Guidelines please visit: http://www.midwayband.org/uploads/7/6/9/8/76984125/midway_band_covid_mitigation_v2.pdf
After School Marching Band Logistics
After school: Band hall will be a walk through only room. Students will enter the double doors across from the theatre stage and will exit either through the garage door (brass & guard) or side door (woodwinds & percussion). If students need to change clothes, woodwinds and percussion will need to use the band hall bathrooms or theatre lobby bathrooms; brass and guard will need to use the athletic bathrooms or PE bathrooms.
During rehearsal: Sections will have assigned areas for their water jugs. We will not be able to provide water stations. Students MUST bring their own water.
After rehearsal: Students will be sent into the building by assigned color groups which we’ve assigned based on locker placement to best ensure proper spacing. Once students gather their belongings, they will need to leave the building and go home. Parents please be prompt for pick up time.
Current Band Calendar
August 17-20 Leadership Training 8AM-noon
August 24 - First Day of School!
August 25 - Freshmen/Leadership rehearsal 4:30-6:30pm
August 27 - Freshmen/Leadership rehearsal 4:30-6:30pm
***August 31 - Full Band Rehearsals begin (Every Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-6:30pm)***
September 25 - Scrimmage Round Rock @Home, 7pm (meet at 5pm)
October 2 - Westlake @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
October 9 - South Grand Prairie @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
October 16 - No game
October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school)
October 30 - Waco @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
November 6 - Duncanville @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
We are currently in need of puppy pads, water bottles (for students who accidentally forgot their water jug for practice), and disposable masks. We would greatly appreciate donations for any of these items.
Announcement (August 6)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
The time has come for an update with answers! Again, we can not thank you enough for your patience and understanding as we’ve gone through several versions of the summer band plan. We are so ready to get back together and look forward to the day we reunite!
Upcoming Events
August 17-20 Leadership Training 8AM-noon
August 24 - First Day of School!
August 25 - Freshmen/Leadership rehearsal 4:30-6:30pm
August 27 - Freshmen/Leadership rehearsal 4:30-6:30pm
August 31 - Full Band Rehearsals begin (Every Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-6:30pm)
Answers to some big questions:
Is the band traveling to away games?
The plan at this time is to take a pep group to away games. This group will be approximately 100 students (25 students and one director per bus) and will be chosen through a sign-up for each game based on a balanced representation of each section. Seniors will be given priority in the sign up and we will try to rotate participation for Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors. More details on game sign ups will come at the beginning of October.
Will the band be performing “Piano Man” this year?
Due to the unpredictability of this marching season we will not perform “Piano Man” this year and will save it for the 2021 season so it can be seen in its full glory. With the complications of drill writing, possible change in band personnel from week to week due to illness, health safety concerns with moving equipment and props, and solo-heavy moments within the show, we felt it would be safer to choose a shorter and full ensemble focused show. We will be performing music by Queen for our halftime performances this year. Our drill will be written by our Fine Arts Director, Mr. Umhoefer, which will allow us flexibility in adjusting drill for additions or absences.
Will the band be participating in UIL this year?
This year is an advancing year for 6A bands. Although many districts have released statements on their UIL intent I do not feel that I can make this decision without the input of our students. We do not have to declare our intent to participate in UIL until 30 days before the Region Marching Contest date. As we approach this deadline we will discuss as a group what we would like to do. The show we will be performing at halftime was designed to encompass all of the parameters required by UIL. I do not feel it is in our best interest to proclaim what we will or will not do when the road we have already traveled this summer has been so tumultuous.
When is registration day?
We have decided that we will be having a virtual band/guard registration this year. We have come to this decision since we will not be using uniforms this year. This adjustment will eliminate a huge concern for us physically and financially since we would need to dry clean them after each use and uniforms also provide another surface for the virus to potentially live on. The band will have a more relaxed look this year: red band shirt, band shorts, band wind pants, and black tennis shoes (or marching shoes). We have also adjusted band fees by a considerable amount in an effort to help our families who have been affected financially by the pandemic. More details can be found in the virtual registration forms below. Please fill out the form for your student(s) before the first day of school. Invoices for registration will be emailed to the address provided with information on how to pay for apparel and fees. Please only fill this form out once per student.
Band Registration Form: https://forms.gle/Gw9vofMEdyK5VfLs7
Guard Registration Form: https://forms.gle/hQxCb2Fk1dCLZY8V8
What is the football schedule?
Although there is a full 10 game season planned out, only the first 6 games have official times, dates, and locations. We will know the remainder of the season’s schedule after the November 6th game. As of this afternoon, these are the games that are on the calendar:
September 25 - Scrimmage Round Rock @Home, 7pm (meet at 5pm)
October 2 - Westlake @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
October 9 - South Grand Prairie @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
October 16 - No game
October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school)
October 30 - Waco @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
November 6 - Duncanville @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 5:30pm)
Can I check out a marching instrument or pick up music before the first day of school?
Yes! We will be able to accommodate instrument and/or music pick up on Wednesday (August 12th) and Thursday (August 13th) between 9am and 4pm. If you would like to pick up a marching instrument or music on one of those days, please email Mrs. Hyatt (pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org) or Ms. Guhl (sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org) with your day and time preference.
Digital Music and audio files of the Queen music can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16PbcdEzQLwlYIAngYXKXIFXXIBuiVpOB?usp=sharing
Please be sure that you have done the following registration requirements (which have been sent through email from the district) by August 7th (this Friday):
Register for school with this link: www.midwayisd.org/register
MISD Instructional choice for the school year: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBbLmHzeR-KuNW0BRchX5zle9Jmraye8zvP4XXYnL83yG2sQ/viewform
Please let me know if you need any additional information. We will send out another update before we start off the year!
Musically,
Pam Hyatt
Director of Bands, MISD
www.midwayband.org
Most Recent Announcement (July 29)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
I hope that this email finds you well and enjoying the cooler weather this week. Last night the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District revoked the July 21st order to delay the start of in person instruction until after September 7th. This change in direction has allowed local districts to decide what is best for their students.
Midway ISD has given their blessing for extracurricular practices to begin again. This is wonderful news but the sudden change in direction has caught us completely off guard. After much consideration and conversation with the band staff, I have decided that we will wait to begin marching instruction until the first day of school for MISD (either virtual or face to face). Here is the reasoning behind our decision:
- The summer band technicians that were hired to help us manage our small student groups were released from their contract this past Thursday since summer band had been canceled (per the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District order). Only 40% of these technicians have responded that they are still available.
- The Bracamontes family and the Sanchez family are each expecting the birth of their twins within the next couple of weeks. We will be understaffed while these directors are home.
- Summer band was originally scheduled four weeks before the start of Midway ISD Inservice for teachers. Inservice alters the staff availability to only meet in the evening. All band staff will be required to begin MISD inservice beginning on Thursday, August 6th.
- With the order from the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District to not meet in person until after September 7th, money that was originally intended to pay summer band technicians has already been allocated for virtual teaching tools.
- Once inservice begins, our rehearsal spaces in the building will no longer be available as more teachers return to campus to prepare their plans and classrooms for the fall semester.
- Per UIL guidelines, we are not allowed to begin working on our marching show until after September 7th.
With all of these concrete factors, and the consistent fluidity of this situation, we feel that waiting until there is a solid district start date would be best for us and the students. We understand that we all want to get back together but the back and forth of this ever-changing situation is not emotionally healthy for students, staff, or parents.
I believe in the work ethic and abilities of our students in addition to the talent and efficiency of our band staff to be able to start at a later date and be successful with the product we create. Our primary goal is to maximize our time together in the safest way possible.
Things to be addressed in a later update:
- Marching band practice requirements when school starts.
- Travel to away games
- Involvement in UIL competitions
- Registration day and required items
- Football schedule
- Instrument and/or music pick up
Thank you for your resilience and flexibility through this ever changing situation. We will send you an update as soon as we get more information to answer the questions above.
Announcement (July 22)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
Yesterday was a big day filled with decisions that have greatly affected our summer band plans. I have spent the last 24 hours trying to think through all the possibilities in how we can move forward from here. I will be honest, I am exhausted from all the planning, replanning and constant problem solving that is having to take place as the situation changes almost daily (and sometimes hourly). The most disheartening thing is that I feel I keep giving signs of hope to our students that we can be together only to have that taken away over and over again.
We started this week with the summer band schedule (version 2) and it was everything we have been anxiously waiting for since spring break. To hear our student’s voices and laughs, to hear live music being played in our band hall, to see growth and progress right before our eyes made every second of the frustrating planning process worth it. The students were absolute perfection in following guidelines and procedures which made me confident that the weeks to come would be just as successful.
Yesterday afternoon the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District ordered that schools shall not re-open for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after September 7th (this includes all extracurricular summer activities). We are currently coming up with plans to switch to a virtual format for the summer band schedule. I do not have details yet. We want to take into consideration the start date for the fall semester so our instruction will flow into the first day of school as it was originally scheduled. Parents should have received an email from Midway ISD that contains a survey about their preference for the start of school. We encourage you to complete this survey so the the districts administrators can take all stakeholder’s opinions into account.
The other big announcement that was released yesterday was from UIL and their plan for fall activities. The short version is that they have pushed back the start date for practices for football and band competition shows to September 7th (for 5A and 6A schools). Football games can start on September 24th with the state championship being pushed back to January. Marching band competitions will now take place in December instead of October to accommodate for the late start.
We do not know how the football schedule will fall now that we have a delayed start. I know that the coaches were meeting all afternoon trying to figure out a new game plan for a successful season. This situation is very stressful for everyone involved since we have had our calendars set since January for the fall season. Please be patient as we are all working to figure out a new schedule.
Please look for future updates through email, Facebook (Midway Panther Band or Midway Band Backers), our website (midwayband.org), Instagram (midwaypantherband), or Twitter (@MidwayBand). We are working hard to come up with an efficient and effective plan to keep us pursuing the level of excellence we are known for.
Thank you for your patience throughout this entire process. We can do this!
Pam Hyatt
Director of Bands, Midway ISD
For your reading enjoyment:
UIL Update: https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/covid-19
Waco-McLennan County Public Health District order: https://covidwaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Waco-McLennan-County-LHA-Order.pdf
| Summer Band Letter |
Summer Band -Version 2
July 20-24: Drumline & Colorguard 8am-4pm
July 27-29: Leadership Camp 8am-4pm
July 30-31: Freshmen Camp 8am-4pm
August 3-7: Full Band/Guard 8am-4pm
August 8 - Registration Day (same as original schedule)
August 10-11: Full Band/Guard 6-9pm
August 12-14: Full Band/Guard 1-6pm
Cancelled Events:
Meet the Band, August 15
Meet the Panthers, August 19
Important Announcement (July 9)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
Summer Band is just a few weeks away! The band staff is deeply committed to finding the best and safest way to begin marching band rehearsals. TEA and UIL released new guidelines this week to help directors do this successfully. We will follow the procedures they have outlined as well as finding ways to increase the safety based on our campus facilities. You can find the published guidelines from both of these organizations here:
Texas Education Agency 20-21 Public Health Planning Guideline
UIL COVID-19 Summer Marching Band Practices and Rehearsals
Please note, we must adhere to any state or local orders that are in place. Therefore, all students will be required to wear masks until the Governor’s executive order (and/or any local order) has expired. Students will be allowed to remove masks during active practice but we must remain 10 feet apart to do so. We will be able to provide masks those who do not have one but encourage students to bring their own. The Band Backers have ordered facial coverings for all band and guard students but they will not be ready until the first week of August.
We are offering our summer band schedule to students who feel comfortable participating in the activity with the guidelines we will impose. We are not requiring or penalizing any student if they, or their family, feels that this is not an opportunity they are comfortable with. We, as a band staff, respect every student (and family) for their decision on this matter. We would never want to put our students in a situation where they feel uncomfortable. Our band home should always be regarded as a safe zone for all students. We are not placing pressure on any student (or family) to participate but we feel that it is important to offer our students a chance to come together and enjoy our common bond, music and fellowship.
There is one more piece of the puzzle that we feel is important in completing the plan for summer band. This piece of information (regarding eligibility for virtual learners to participate in after/before school activities) will not be decided upon until next week. Once that information is released we will send a more detailed plan in addition to a survey which will collect each band member’s intended learning style for the fall. Information about the options Midway ISD is offering can be on the district website: www.midwayisd.org
In preparation for summer band activities, please be sure that you have the following in order:
Students and Parents, thank you for your patience and flexibility as we constantly assess the situation to create the best plans to ensure everyone’s safety. We truly look forward to being with our students again! Please keep checking your email for important updates. Our plan will be fluid and adjusted with this ever changing situation. Rest assure that the schedule will always fall within the parameters of the printed schedule but times may be adjusted. If you have any questions, please feel free to email pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org
Summer Band is just a few weeks away! The band staff is deeply committed to finding the best and safest way to begin marching band rehearsals. TEA and UIL released new guidelines this week to help directors do this successfully. We will follow the procedures they have outlined as well as finding ways to increase the safety based on our campus facilities. You can find the published guidelines from both of these organizations here:
Texas Education Agency 20-21 Public Health Planning Guideline
UIL COVID-19 Summer Marching Band Practices and Rehearsals
Please note, we must adhere to any state or local orders that are in place. Therefore, all students will be required to wear masks until the Governor’s executive order (and/or any local order) has expired. Students will be allowed to remove masks during active practice but we must remain 10 feet apart to do so. We will be able to provide masks those who do not have one but encourage students to bring their own. The Band Backers have ordered facial coverings for all band and guard students but they will not be ready until the first week of August.
We are offering our summer band schedule to students who feel comfortable participating in the activity with the guidelines we will impose. We are not requiring or penalizing any student if they, or their family, feels that this is not an opportunity they are comfortable with. We, as a band staff, respect every student (and family) for their decision on this matter. We would never want to put our students in a situation where they feel uncomfortable. Our band home should always be regarded as a safe zone for all students. We are not placing pressure on any student (or family) to participate but we feel that it is important to offer our students a chance to come together and enjoy our common bond, music and fellowship.
There is one more piece of the puzzle that we feel is important in completing the plan for summer band. This piece of information (regarding eligibility for virtual learners to participate in after/before school activities) will not be decided upon until next week. Once that information is released we will send a more detailed plan in addition to a survey which will collect each band member’s intended learning style for the fall. Information about the options Midway ISD is offering can be on the district website: www.midwayisd.org
In preparation for summer band activities, please be sure that you have the following in order:
- UIL Physicals for the 2020-2021 school year only.
- If you completed a UIL physical for athletics or band for the 2019-2020 school year (8th through 11th grade), you must fill out page one of the UIL Physical form. If you answer yes to any question 1-6 then you will need to be seen by a physician to fill out page two.
- Incoming members who have never had a UIL Physical must complete page one at home and page two with your physician.
- Students must turn in their completed forms PRIOR to the first day of practice. If you would prefer to email your form you may do so to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org
- All students must have their own water jug (at least one gallon). We will not be able to use water coolers to provide water for students. We suggest at least a gallon size water jug for students that is labeled clearly with their name and/or decorated in a way that makes it unique to each student.
- Flip Folder for music.
- Lyre for instrument. We would like to eliminate surfaces for any germs to collect on. Our plan is to utilize flip folders and lyres instead of music stands during rehearsals. Please order/purchase these items if you do not already have them.
Students and Parents, thank you for your patience and flexibility as we constantly assess the situation to create the best plans to ensure everyone’s safety. We truly look forward to being with our students again! Please keep checking your email for important updates. Our plan will be fluid and adjusted with this ever changing situation. Rest assure that the schedule will always fall within the parameters of the printed schedule but times may be adjusted. If you have any questions, please feel free to email pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org
Summer Goals - Week 4 & 5 (June 29-July 12)
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Music Goal: Keep working on trouble spots (SmartMusic free subscription ends on Tuesday) Marching Goal: Forward March Guard Goal: 1) Guard Rolls 2) Sauté 3) Getting to know your flag |
Meet with your Leadership Team
Click on your section to see the available times this week! If your link is not active please check back later. Thank you for your patience! |
Summer of 2020
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Happy Summer, Midway Band! I hope that you are having a great start to some fun in the sun!
This is the official Summer Band prep website where you can find all updates and weekly goals to help keep you on track. I do know that we are all on summer break but we have lost a lot of time crafting our skills together since March. I wanted to provide you some encouragement to learn your music and begin working on marching skills so we can PROGRESS this year and not just maintain what we’ve done in the past. Your directors, drum majors, and Leadership Team are committed to helping you in any way we can. Please check this page weekly for section sign up times to go over weekly goals (specifically marching). We want to make sure that everyone starts their fundamental training correctly. I promise it will be easy and painless! Our Leadership Team is stellar and are excited about getting to know you each a little bit better during these sessions! Our goal this year is to come out of this pandemic stronger than when it started. All bands and organizations have been dealt the same hand. How we come out of this situation is what will set us apart from the rest! Steps to Summer Success1) Check this page weekly to help keep you on track! Weekly videos and music goals will be posted!
2) Sign Up for SmartMusic if you haven’t already. You can access the app from an iPad or on a web browser (Chrome works best): www.smartmusic.com 3) In SmartMusic, sign up for the 2020 Marching Band class with the class code: FPCJK-JAZJD SmartMusic will not be available after June 30th so please plan accordingly! 4) Sign up for at least one time slot with your section leader to check the week’s marching goal. 5) Print marching music & listen to the audio by clicking here 6) Print or review our marching handbook for more details about our marching style. Click Here |
UIL Physical Form Requirement Link (click above)
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Summer Goals - Week 3 (June 22-28)
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Music Goal: Measures 243-end (SmartMusic) Marching Goal: 1) Band Movement - Part 1 (feet) 2) Band Movement - Part 2 (relevé) 3) Band Movement - Part 3 (plié) Guard Goal: 1) Strengthening Ankles and Feet 2) Attitudes 3) Pas dè Bourée |
Meet with your Leadership Team
Click on your section to see the available times this week!
If your link is not active please check back later. Thank you for your patience! |
Summer Goals - Week 2 (June 15-21)
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Music Goal: Measures 89-242 (SmartMusic) Marching Goal: (same as last week) 1) Position of Attention Video ( Attention handout ) 2) Horns Up & Horns Down Video 3) Mark Time Video Guard Goal: (Same as last week) 1) Position of Feet and Arms 2) Tendu 3) Plie |
Meet with your Leadership Team
Click on your section to see the available times for Week 1
Links will be active soon. Thank you for your patience! |
Summer Goals - Week 1 (June 8-14)
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Music Goal: Measures 1-88 (SmartMusic) Marching Goal: 1) Position of Attention Video ( Attention handout ) 2) Horns Up & Horns Down Video 3) Mark Time Video Guard Goal: 1) Position of Feet and Arms 2) Tendu 3) Plie |
Meet with your Leadership TeamClick on your section to see the available times for Week 1
Links will be active soon. Thank you for your patience! |
Summer Emails from Hyatt
Sent on June 28th
Dear Students and Parents,
Do you have questions about the upcoming year? So do I! Many of you have seen the Midway ISD plans for the fall and have questions. If you have not seen the plan for reopening school at Midway ISD, please check out this link: https://www.midwayisd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=2595&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=45372&PageID=1
I wish that I had answers for you but there are so many decisions that must be made by state officials, first, before local decisions can be made. Texas Education Agency (TEA) has delayed information on how to safely open up schools for over two weeks. The information that they release will be a guidance for UIL as well as all school districts in Texas. As soon as that happens, I will meet with MISD administration and provide you a plan on how we will move forward.
At this point in time, UIL has not changed their guidelines for athletics and marching band practices. The last UIL update (on June 9th) approved that all indoor practices could be opened to 50% capacity starting on June 22nd. A lot has changed since June 9th and I feel that there will be an update in the near future.
I feel that it is in the best interest for our students to delay summer band by a week. The earliest date we will start will be July 20th. Below is Summer Band - Version 2:
July 20-24: Drumline & Colorguard 8am-4pm
July 27-29: Leadership Camp 8am-4pm
July 30-31: Freshmen Camp 8am-4pm
August 3-7: Full Band/Guard 8am-4pm
August 8 - Registration Day (same as original schedule)
August 10-11: Full Band/Guard 6-9pm
August 12-14: Full Band/Guard 1-6pm
Cancelled Events:
Meet the Band, August 15
Meet the Panthers, August 19
In preparation for summer band activities, please be sure that you have the following in order:
- UIL Physicals for the 2020-2021 school year only.
- If you completed a UIL physical for athletics or band for the 2019-2020 school year (8th through 11th grade), you must fill out page one of the attached UIL Physical form. If you answer yes to any question 1-6 then you will need to be seen by a physician to fill out page two.
- Incoming members who have never had a UIL Physical must complete page one at home and page two with your physician.
- Students must turn in their completed forms PRIOR to the first day of practice. If you would prefer to email your form you may do so to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org
- All students must have their own water jug for summer band. We will not be able to use water coolers to provide water for students. We suggest at least a gallon size water jug for students that is labeled clearly with their name and/or decorated in a way that makes it unique to each student.
Student Preparation for summer band:
- The band website has a tab entitled “Summer 2020”. This new page will host all updates for the upcoming school year in addition to summer goals for students. We are committed to keeping you as informed as possible without overwhelming your email inbox.
- Summer goals for all band members and online instruction videos for marching fundamentals (aimed towards our new members) can be found on the “Summer 2020” page. Summer goals will be by week and should serve as a guide to help all members be ready for the beginning of summer band camp. It is important to remember that we only have SmartMusic available until June 30th. After that date, a student must purchase a subscription ($40 for a full calendar year) in order to continue using the application if they choose.
- Marching or Music tutorials. Our amazing Leadership Team is volunteering their time over the summer to help members of their section through an online meeting. We are still working out the schedule sign ups but we plan to use Sign Up Genius to allow students to sign up for times that are most convenient for them. Our desire is to meet with all new members weekly to check the marching goal given for the week. We want to make sure that we start off with good habits so we do not have to overcome bad habits in the future.
- 2020-2021 Full Schedule for the Midway Band can be found in an attachment. This document details every event for the band (football games, contests, concerts, auditions, deadlines, etc). Not on the calendar is the after school practices for marching band which will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30.
- Incoming Parent information and sample Registration Form for fees and equipment is attached to this email. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org).
- Keep spending time outside each week. The Texas heat is going to be extra rough this year according to meteorologists and will also be hard to endure since many of us have spent a lot of time indoors since March. I would like to encourage students to walk around the block at least every other day.
- Senior Parents! If you would like to feature your student on the Senior Billboards this year please sign up for a photo time with this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848a9ae2aa1ff2-senior
I hope that each of you have a wonderful week! If you have any questions please feel free to email me.
Sent on June 21st
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
I hope that this email finds you well and that you are enjoying your summer break! If this is the first email you have received since school has been out, I sincerely apologize. It was brought to my attention this week that my emails have not been received by some students and parents. I believe that the previous emails were flagged as spam and never it made it to the full list of recipients. Hopefully this week I will find some success in email delivery!
I know that many of you are asking if summer band will be on schedule or not. So far, UIL is moving ahead with allowing athletes and bands to practice over the summer. We were given the green light to begin practices on June 8th with strict guidelines. The directors felt that our students could learn marching skills and music through a virtual platform until our scheduled summer band dates. This will allow us time to create a solid plan for when we do meet in person and be able to learn from other groups on what works and what doesn’t. Mrs. Hyatt is actively involved in UIL and Texas Music Educators Association meetings with other directors who are problem solving the challenges that lay ahead. I want to be sure that we have a plan in place that will allow you some peace of mind when you drop off your student for the first day.
Since the UIL regulations of in person rehearsals changes constantly, we will wait until the first week of July to send out our rehearsal plans and guidelines. Please know that we are taking every precaution (personally and professionally) to keep your student safe. We thank you for your patience as we problem solve through this process.
Below are updates and a brief review of information for the summer as we prepare for the fall:
- The band website has a new tab entitled “Summer 2020” (http://www.midwayband.org/summer-2020.html). This new page will host all updates for the upcoming school year in addition to summer goals for students. We are committed to keeping you as informed as possible without overwhelming your email inbox.
- Summer goals for all band members and online instruction videos for marching fundamentals (aimed towards our new members) can be found on the “Summer 2020” page. Summer goals will be by week and should serve as a guide to help all members be ready for the beginning of summer band camp. It is important to remember that we only have SmartMusic available until June 30th. After that date, a student must purchase a subscription ($40 for a full calendar year) in order to continue using the application if they choose.
- Marching or Music tutorials. Our amazing Leadership Team is volunteering their time over the summer to help members of their section through an online meeting. We are still working out the schedule sign ups but we plan to use Sign Up Genius to allow students to sign up for times that are most convenient for them. Our desire is to meet with all new members weekly to check the marching goal given for the week. We want to make sure that we start off with good habits so we do not have to overcome bad habits in the future.
- UIL Physicals for the 2020-2021 school year only.
- If you completed a UIL physical for athletics or band for the 2019-2020 school year (8th through 11th grade), you must fill out page one of the attached UIL Physical form. If you answer yes to any question 1-6 then you will need to be seen by a physician to fill out page two.
- Incoming members who have never had a UIL Physical must complete page one at home and page two with your physician.
- Students must turn in their completed forms PRIOR to the first day of practice. If you would prefer to email your form you may do so to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org
- All students must have their own water jug for summer band. We will not be able to use water coolers to provide water for students. We suggest at least a gallon size water jug for students that is labeled clearly with their name and/or decorated in a way that makes it unique to each student.
- 2020-2021 Full Schedule for the Midway Band can be found in an attachment. This document details every event for the band (football games, contests, concerts, auditions, deadlines, etc). Not on the calendar is the after school practices for marching band which will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30.
- Incoming Parent information and sample Registration Form for fees and equipment is attached to this email. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org).
- Keep spending time outside each week. The Texas heat is going to be extra rough this year according to meteorologists and will also be hard to endure since many of us have spent a lot of time indoors since March. I would like to encourage students to walk around the block at least every other day.
- Senior Parents! If you would like to feature your student on the Senior Billboards this year please sign up for a photo time with this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848a9ae2aa1ff2-senior
I hope that each of you have a wonderful week! If you have any questions please feel free to email me.
Sent on June 7th
Happy Summer, everyone!
I hope that this email finds you well and enjoying some rest and relaxation. I wanted to give everyone a few updates regarding the HS band.
- The band website has a new tab entitled “Summer 2020”. This new page will host all updates for the upcoming school year. We are committed to keeping you as informed as possible without overwhelming your email inbox.
- Summer goals for all band members and online instruction videos for marching fundamentals (aimed towards our new members) can now be found on the “Summer 2020” page. Summer goals will be by week and should serve as a guide to help all members be ready for the beginning of summer band camp. It is important to remember that we only have SmartMusic available until June 30th. After that date, a student must purchase a subscription ($40 for a full calendar year) in order to continue using the application if they choose.
- Marching or Music tutorials. Our amazing Leadership Team is volunteering their time over the summer to help members of their section through an online meeting. We are still working out the schedule sign ups but we plan to use Sign Up Genius to allow students to sign up for times that are most convenient for them. Our desire is to meet with all new members weekly to check the marching goal given for the week. We want to make sure that we start off with good habits so we do not have to overcome bad habits in the future.
- Incoming Parent information is now ready. Click on the links that follow to find an informational flyer with the most asked questions, an example of the Registration Form and fees for the fall, the UIL Physical Form, and the Google Meet invitation. If you should have any questions you are welcome to email me or join us for our come-and-go Google Meet this Thursday.
- We will have a come and go meet and greet on Thursday, June 11th from 6:30-8:00pm. We are offering this platform for new HS band parents who have questions after reading the attached information (veteran parents are welcome to jump in and ask questions as well). There is not a formal agenda or any new information that we will be presenting. This Google Meet will be like an open door opportunity for you to speak with the directors. We will take the most asked questions and include them in next week’s email. Feel free to jump in at any time between 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Here is the Google Meet code to visit us: https://meet.google.com/etm-iwer-izx
- Begin thinking about going outside at least a little. The Texas heat is going to be extra rough this year according to meteorologists and also due to the fact most of us have spent a lot of time indoors since March. I would like to encourage students to start acclimating themselves to the heat. Just taking a walk around the block would be a great start.
I hope that each of you have a wonderful week! If you have any questions please feel free to email me.
Sent on May 31st
Happy Summer! I wanted to get some information out this week so we can all begin planning appropriately for the fall. Here are the items I have been asked the most about and want to be able to provide some clarity:
- UIL Physicals for the 2020-2021 school year only.
- If you completed a UIL physical for athletics or band for the 2019-2020 school year (8th through 11th grade), you must fill out page one of the attached UIL Physical form. If you answer yes to any question 1-6 then you will need to be seen by a physician to fill out page two.
- Incoming members who have never had a UIL Physical must complete page one at home and page two with your physician.
- Students must turn in their completed forms PRIOR to the first day of practice. If you would prefer to email your form you may do so to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org
- Marching Show Music “Piano Man” (pdf parts and audio) for the fall may be found at this link:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17z23Nl3jqjqCp_38yNiU3EA2o9p4yIlP?usp=sharing
- SmartMusic: We will be uploading parts into the SmartMusic app for students to practice with. Now that iPads have been collected we suggest that students sign in to the program through a computer (Chrome browser works best) at: smartmusic.com. They should be able to use the account they created during online learning to sign in. If they would like to create another account using a different email address may do so. The class code for the 2020 Marching Band is: FPCJK-JAZJD
- Summer Band Practice: We plan on moving forward with the summer band calendar we have already distributed. The plan is to stick with Plan A until we are told we need a Plan B. I have attached the Summer Band Flyer in this email.
- Additional Summer Practices. The directors are working on putting together some videos to help our new members learn the fundamentals of marching band that we would have introduced during spring training. We will be meeting with the student Leadership Team this week to devise a plan to help new members if they would like additional instruction (marching or music) via Google Meet. The idea is to have mini lesson videos each week to catch our new members up from the time that we lost together in the spring. I believe we can successfully help through a virtual platform to help ensure the health and safety of all of our students. Since this is a new type of training for us we will need a little time to get our team of leaders virtually trained. We will get information out as soon as we are prepared!
- New member information: We are working on an informational flyer and possibly a video for all of our new members. I know that there are probably lots of questions and we want to be able to answer them for you! Please be patient as we get this together. There are many things happening with show preparation and summer learning that we are trying to juggle.
- Senior Parents! There are attached information flyers from the QBC about billboard signs and Program Ads. You can also visit their Facebook Page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/Midway-QB-Club-1190050391039674
Our goal this year is to come out of this pandemic stronger than when it started. All bands and organizations have been dealt the same hand. How we come out of this situation is what will set us apart from the rest!
I hope that you all have a happy and healthy start to this summer. We can not wait to be back in our band hall home again with our band family. If you should have any questions please send me an email.
