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.
Summer Update 1 (May 22nd from Mrs. Hyatt)
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 and want to be able to provide some clarity:
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
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. The Summer Band Flyer is in a PDF link at the top of this webpage.
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.
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.
Band Update (May 22nd from Mrs. Hyatt)
UIL physical examination guidelines for the 2020 -2021 school year ONLY:
Students DO NOT need a new physical exam if: you have a current physical exam on file with Midway ISD. You WILL need to fill out the UIL Pre Physical Evaluation Medical History form and turn it into the band directors. You will need to turn in the FIRST PAGE ONLY: https://www.uiltexas.org/files/athletics/forms/PrePhysFormRvsd4_24_20.pdf Students DO NEED a physical exam if:they are not a current 2019-2020 MISD student with a current physical exam on file with MISD. Please make plans to obtain a physical from your physician of choice. UIL Pre Physical Evaluation Medical History form, have your doctor complete the Physical Examination form, and turn both documents into the band directors. You may access those forms here: https://www.uiltexas.org/files/athletics/forms/PrePhysFormRvsd4_24_20.pdf FOR ALL STUDENTS: These forms MUST be received before the 1st marching band rehearsal/activity or you will not be allowed to participate. Any "Yes" answers to questions on the UIL Medical History form will require further medical review and also may require a physical examination & written clearance from a physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, or nurse practitioner.
UIL has updated their forms this year. Only UIL Physical forms with 2020 printed on the upper Right hand corner of the UIL Medical History will be accepted (back side of the physical exam). When turning completing these forms, please make sure you have the updated version.
Please contact your band director with any questions.
Band Update (May 18th from Mrs. Hyatt)
Midway Band and Parents:
My apologies for sending this late but there is a lot of information to cover this week!
2020-2021 BAND and GUARD Members: You need to fill out this summer contact form so all information updates can be sent to you:https://forms.gle/rcAa9HFxZwJ97Wm67
2020-2021 Band Members: Show music will soon be downloaded in SmartMusic. You will need to sign up for the 2020 Marching Band class within the app. Class code is: FPCJK-JAZJD
If you would like to gain access to the following videos: Popcorn & Pajama Party, 2020 Midway Band slideshow, or 2019 Homecoming performance please fill out this link: https://forms.gle/KbS5aWeY7zsAWzoY9
ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE LISTED ON SCHOOLOGY for all bands and guard classes. Not all assignments are on SmartMusic. Please check Schoology EVERY week.Assignments for the week are posted on Saturday and are due 8 days later (Sunday at 11:59pm).
Instrument and Equipment drop off will be May 19th and 20th from 4-7pm. Please help us be more organized by filling out this form:https://forms.gle/41VX9aUG7DMnxwzD7
The HS has created a Flipgrid for seniors to post their pictures on so that students and staff can send them positive well wishes. They can post at https://flipgrid.com/20seniors20
IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT/INSTRUMENT INFORMATION (from May 11th)
I hope this email finds you well. There have been a lot of unknowns when it comes to the end of the school year, and retrieving personal items from the school, but there is now a plan in place that will be efficient, and most importantly safe for students, parents, and staff.
Your student should have filled out an instrument inventory Google form last week. This is for all students so we can make sure we can keep accurate inventory during this time. If your student has not filled it out, please have them do so: https://forms.gle/MRqTvpgNU5d3a6Bv5.
The next form we are asking the students to fill out is a personal item form, found at the following link: https://forms.gle/yUTaLh7cjJjVvDmV7. Here, students will be able to let us know what items they need from the band hall and guard room. We are organizing these items for student pickup on May 19th and 20th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. You may come on either day at any time that works for you. I am attaching a map of the traffic flow, and on the days of you will see the band staff along the main driveway of the school.
Students will need to return any instruments that need repairs, instruments that they will not need over the summer, and any uniform parts (including formal tux/dress) they might have. Students will be able to pick up personal items they describe in the Google Form. It is important that they be as specific as possible because you will not be allowed to enter the school or band hall, or leave your car for any reason.
Please email sarah.guhl@midwayisd.net if you have any questions or are not able to make it on these days and need another option. Thank you!
Band Update (May 9th from Mrs. Hyatt)
Midway Band and Parents:
Here are some important updates and announcements for this week:
ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE LISTED ON SCHOOLOGY for all bands and guard classes. Not all assignments are on SmartMusic. Please check Schoology EVERY week.Assignments for the week are posted on Saturday and are due 8 days later (Sunday at 11:59pm).
Instrument and Equipment drop off and personal item pick up will be May 19th and 20th from 4-7pm. You should have filled out our Google Form from last week (https://forms.gle/JojP8AjVPTkP5q349). If you did not fill out this link, you will be missing out on the instrument return information. Please look for an email from Mrs. Moss about returning equipment and picking up left items in the band hall. You must fill out the above link to receive all of this information!
2020-2021 BAND AUDITIONS: Auditions will be due May 15th by 4pm and submitted by through Google Forms (Submit Audition Link). VIDEO RECORD yourself playing the audition music (etude and chromatic scale) and submit it through the link above. Click here for the music: 20-21 MHS Band Audition Music
Popcorn & Pajama Party (known as the Band Banquet in previous years) will be on May 16th at 7pm hosted on Google Meet. Cook up a batch of your favorite popcorn, wear your favorite pajamas or onesie, and get ready for a night of entertainment! We will highlight events and moments from this school year, recognize the Senior class, award scholarships, announce our band award winners for the year, watch the band video and enjoy some time together. Your directors have been working very hard to make this a SPECTACULAR event! Get ready for lots of laughs and just a great time together! We will send you a code to the Google Meet on the afternoon of the event to your school email and through Remind.
Please email pictures for the annual band banquet video to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org. We need your pictures to help commemorate the year! I think it would be great to add some pictures of you at home in your “personal band hall” to add to the video.
Here are some important updates and announcements for this week:
ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE LISTED ON SCHOOLOGY for all bands and guard classes. Not all assignments are on SmartMusic. Please check Schoology EVERY week.Assignments for the week are posted on Saturday and are due 8 days later (Sunday at 11:59pm). This week, all students are assigned this form in addition to other classwork. It is imperative that this form be filled out by EVERY band AND guard student. https://forms.gle/JojP8AjVPTkP5q349
2020-2021 BAND AUDITIONS: Auditions will be due May 15th by 4pm and submitted by through Google Forms(Submit Audition Link). VIDEO RECORD yourself playing the audition music (etude and chromatic scale) and submit it through the link above. Click here for the music: 20-21 MHS Band Audition Music
Popcorn & Pajama Party (known as the Band Banquet in previous years) will be on May 16th at 7pm hosted on Google Meet. Cook up a batch of your favorite popcorn, wear your favorite pajamas or onesie, and get ready for a night of entertainment! We will highlight events and moments from this school year, recognize the Senior class, award scholarships, announce our band award winners for the year, watch the band video and enjoy some time together. This will NOT be Mrs. Hyatt just talking at you for a long period of time. I have researched many virtual banquets and award ceremonies and guarantee that this will not be like any of those. You deserve so much better and that’s what you will get! I ask for lots of prayers and well wishes as I embark on new adventures in technology!
Please email pictures for the annual band banquet video to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org. We need your pictures to help commemorate the year! I think it would be great to add some pictures of you at home in your “personal band hall” to add to the video.
Band/Guard Assignments will still be posted in Schoology. Please check your assignments so that you earn credit for your courses! Just checking that you still remember this from bullet point 1.
Drumline Auditions will be on May 8th. Please refer to this link for details: 2020 Drumline Auditions
Please see the attachment for instructions for Course Verification for next year. Monday, May 4th, is the last time students can make changes to their courses for next year. Please help our counselors out and follow the instructions on this sheet!
KEEP WASHING YOUR HANDS!
I know that many of you are also concerned about items you have left in the band hall. The administration is coming up with a plan for you to collect those items. They still have a lot on their plate right now so please be patient. You will be able to retrieve these items but they must create a safe and solid plan before it happens. Parents and students, if you have any questions, please contact your band director. pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org (MHS Wind Ensemble) kenneth.moss@midwayisd.org (MHS Symphonic Band) sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org (MHS Concert Band)
Band Update (April 24 from Mrs. Hyatt)
Midway Band and Parents, Here are some important updates and announcements for this week:
2020-2021 BAND AUDITIONS: Auditions will be due May 15th by 4pm and submitted by through Google Forms (Submit Audition Link). VIDEO RECORD yourself playing the audition music (etude and chromatic scale) and submit it through the link above. Click here for the music: 20-21 MHS Band Audition Music
Popcorn & Pajama Party (known as the Band Banquet in previous years) will be on May 16th at 7pm hosted on Google Meet. Cook up a batch of your favorite popcorn, wear your favorite pajamas or onesie, and get ready for a night of entertainment! We will highlight events and moments from this school year, recognize the Senior class, award scholarships, announce our band award winners for the year, watch the band video and enjoy some time together. This will NOT be Mrs. Hyatt just talking at you for a long period of time. I have researched many virtual banquets and award ceremonies and guarantee that this will not be like any of those. You deserve so much better and that’s what you will get! I ask for lots of prayers and well wishes as I embark on new adventures in technology!
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors: The Devon Walker Scholarship is now available online (https://forms.gle/14TvdgXQQkD3wx8a9). This scholarship is to help cover the cost of personalizing your letter jacket when you become eligible. (Letter jackets will be ordered during the first few weeks of the 20-21 school year).
Please email pictures for the annual band banquet video to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org. We need your pictures to help commemorate the year! I think it would be great to add some pictures of you at home in your “personal band hall” to add to the video.
Band/Guard Assignments will still be posted in Schoology. Please check your assignments so that you earn credit for your courses! Assignments for the week are posted on Saturday by noon and are due 8 days later (Sunday at 11:59pm)
Drumline Auditions will be on May 8th. Please refer to this link for details: 2020 Drumline Auditions
Please see the attachment for instructions for Course Verification for next year. Please help our counselors out and follow the instructions on this sheet!
KEEP WASHING YOUR HANDS!
I know that many of you are also concerned about items you have left in the band hall. The administration is coming up with a plan for you to collect those items. They have a lot on their plate right now so please be patient. You will be able to retrieve these thing but they must create a safe and solid plan before it happens. Parents and students, if you have any questions, please contact your band director.
I am absolutely heartbroken that we will not be able to come together and make music together (my husband described my reaction to the news as the dreaded “ugly cry”). Simply put, you are the “beat” that keeps me energized and fulfilled each and every day. I’m not a fan of marching alone to the beat of my own drum (as I’ve said many times before, I’m a really bad percussionist so this lifestyle isn’t going too well 😂). Although we won’t be able to see each other in our typical setting, we are working on our end of the year banquet that will be hosted online. More details to come. I know that you have a lot of questions and I do not have a ton of answers right now since the news of school closing for the remainder of the year is so new. Please give me some time to work with our administration to find an answer and I will send any updated information in next week’s email.
Here are some important updates:
Leadership Team training will be Wednesday, April 22nd AND Thursday, April 23rd from 4-6pm. I will send out an invitation via email to the Leadership Team later this week.
2020-2021 BAND AUDITIONS: Auditions will be May 11-15. More details to come on this process. Click here for the music: 20-21 MHS Band Audition Music
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors: The Devon Walker Scholarship is now available online (https://forms.gle/14TvdgXQQkD3wx8a9). This scholarship is to help cover the cost of personalizing your letter jacket when you become eligible. (Letter jackets will be ordered during the first few weeks of the 20-21 school year).
Please email pictures for the annual band banquet video to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org. We need your pictures to help commemorate the year! I think it would be great to add some pictures of you at home in your “personal band hall” to add to the video.
Band/Guard Assignments will still be posted in Schoology. Please check your assignments so that you earn credit for your courses! Assignments for the week are posted on Saturday by noon and are due 8 days later (Sunday at 11:59pm)
Drumline Auditions will be on May 8th. Please refer to the section below for all the details.
State Solo and Ensemble has been cancelled 🥺
KEEP WASHING YOUR HANDS!
MHS Drumline Auditions:
We will have virtual auditions on May 8. It will encompass the same material and expectations as a live audition with modifications to accommodate the circumstances. We will send more information about marching portion and virtual format this week. All members auditioning for battery must audition on a pad or drum, and will demonstrate marching techniques similar to what is outlined in the audition packet. Front ensemble auditions can be conducted on a keyboard at home, but if access is not available, placement will be determined by the member’s preference in addition to effort and ability from the previous school years. If necessary, some members may be evaluated at Drumline Camp in July, and positions may adjusted based on performance and effort. In the event of a virtual audition, more specific details and instructions will be sent out at a later time. Please continue to diligently prepare your music with the possibility of either audition option. As always, all members, battery and front ensemble, must be prepared to be placed on an instrument that may not be their preference due to the quality of audition and needs of the ensemble. Remember, all members are required to attend Drumline Camp the week of July 13, in addition to all other mandatory activities outlined in the audition packet.
Parents and students, if you have any questions, please contact your band director. Please know that you are all thought of and missed each and every day!
Band Update (April 9 from Mrs. Hyatt) Good morning! I hope that you are healthy and finding your groove for online learning. I am still hopeful that we will get to see each other again soon! I wanted to let you know of some updates as we head into this 3 day weekend:
Leadership Team training will now be Wednesday, April 22nd AND Thursday, April 23rd from 4-6pm. I apologize for the change in the date.Please mark your calendars for this special online training with SASI.
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors: The Devon Walker Scholarship is now available online (https://forms.gle/14TvdgXQQkD3wx8a9). This scholarship is to help cover the cost of personalizing your letter jacket when you become eligible. (Letter jackets will be ordered during the first few weeks of the 20-21 school year).
Please email pictures for the annual band banquet video to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org. We need your pictures to help commemorate the year!
Band/Guard Assignments will still be posted in Schoology. Please check your assignments so that you earn credit for your courses! Assignments for the week are posted on Saturday by noon and are due the 8 days later (Sunday at 11:59pm)
Drum Major poll will be going out on Wednesday, April 15th, via email. Please complete this by Friday, April 17th, at 4pm. Your voice counts in the decision for our next fearless leaders!
Leadership Team results will be emailed on Saturday, April 18th.
KEEP WASHING YOUR HANDS!
As always, if you have any questions, please contact your band director if you have any questions. Have a wonderful 3 day weekend!
Band Update (April 3rd from Mrs. Hyatt) Dear Midway Band, I hope that this email finds you well and healthy! Although I was tearfully saddened by the announcement that the earliest we could see each other again was May 4th, I completely understand the precautions the state of Texas is taking to protect all of us. I’m going to be honest with you, I am really struggling with this new “normal”. A large part of my energy and enthusiasm for life is fueled by each of you. I chose this profession because I enjoy helping students find their love/appreciation for music but more importantly, help each of you find yourselves and your potential before you head out into the big scary world. These missions are almost impossible to do from a distance. I can’t help but feel hopeless as the date of us reuniting keeps getting pushed farther and farther away. BUT not all hope is lost, there may be a reunion still possible and that is what is helping me pushing through. As with anything in life, I am trying to find the good coming out of this situation.
I am getting to spend time with my family which I do not get to do during the school year. Aiden is getting my undivided attention which has brought him great joy since he typically has to share that with you!
I am learning so many new things in trying to find a way to teach remotely.
I am learning great patience as I struggle with my internet. I believe that I will never take for granted the luxury of high speed internet and secure cell service ever again!
Now for the Important Info Band Assignments Assignment for all bands will be posted in Schoology by noon each Saturday and will be due by 11: 15pm the following Sunday (8 days from assignment post to when it is due). We believe this will help our students to plan out their week and get their band assignments done when it is most convenient for them.
As I look to future events and how we are going to finish out the year, I realize we need to make some adjustments and prepare for anything. Here is an update of events until May 4th:
Updated List of Events (These statements are based on us being out of school through May 3rd) April 10th - Leadership Applications due (more info below)
April 15th - Drum Major votes due (This ballot will be sent out on April 13th and will count for 10% of the audition score. Your voice counts in choosing our next fearless leaders!) April 17th - Drum Major Auditions. Results for DM and Leadership Team will be posted by noon on April 18th
April 23 & 24 - Leadership training (4-6pm). Still trying to figure out exactly what we are going to do but I should have an update very soon. Please pencil in April 24th from 4-6pm in case we have a Google Meet to chat
April 27, 28 & 30 - Freshmen Spring Training. We are creating videos to help train our incoming freshmen. We may hold a Google Meet for those students on April 30th from 4-6pm May 7 - Jazz Concert - possibly rescheduled
More Important Dates
Band Banquet (May 9) - Preparing for a possible Digital Band Banquet. I need pictures!!! Please send pictures to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org. SENIORS - I need a current photo (senior picture would be great) and a baby picture! Please send these ASAP! Email to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org Spring Concert (May 21) - We would like to perform UIL selections for this concert. Please keep working on these! Symphony Orchestra - We probably won’t be able to have a concert in May but Dr. Benson is searching for a summer performance opportunity. I will keep you updated on this. May 31-June 1 - State Solo and Ensemble Contest - still scheduled at this time
Leadership Applications ONLINE application due date is April 10th. Click here for the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xxGH3QP14kXG_e6QeuM9uEDM4yCMRupj1ITJpZkwwak Drum Major Auditions are now on April 17th - online auditions. Drum Major candidates please email Mrs.Hyatt for more details on the NEW requirements for Drum Majors.
The band directors are here to help you in any way we can. Distance does not change our love and care for each of you. We are here to help with music assignments AND to provide any support for you during this time. I enjoy getting a chance to interact with you even though it is not in the typical fashion. Sincerely, Pam Hyatt (pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org)
This Week (March 30 - April 3)
Dear Parents and Students,
All assignments for all bands are in Schoology. We are trying to stay in line with the rest of the high school by putting our assignments in this campus wide application. Students will need to be using SmartMusic to complete the assignments while we are apart from each other.
We hope that all of you are staying well and safe. Please keep washing those hands!
Sincerely, Mrs. Hyatt
Band: Important Information Sent by Mrs. Hyatt on 3/22/2020
Greetings Midway Band, Today will be instrument pick up from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. If you would like more information about the pick up procedures please refer to the email sent through TAC or on our website: http://www.midwayband.org/this-week.html If you would like to sign up for a specific time for your instrument pick up you can still do so here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084aaeab23a4fb6-instrument
Please read this information as it pertains to how band, jazz, and applied music classes will operate!
The band directors have been working on creating assignments for you on Schoology. We will post assignments in Schoology, on our website (midwayband.org), on the Band Facebook Page, on the Band Backers Facebook Page, as well as sending out information through the TAC email tool.
The directors will be here for you any time during the school day. The best way to get a hold of us is to text us through the Remind app. Please be sure you are signed up (information on how to do so will be at the end of the linked survey). Personally, I am struggling with internet speed and connection at my house. When I moved in October, I moved to a remote neighborhood and can only connect via satellite internet because I do not have cell service at my house either. With the high demands for internet access across the country, with the current situation, my availability is sketchy at best. I have even sat outside the Moss’s home and in Mrs. Sanchez’s driveway when I’ve needed to download and upload larger files. For this reason I am requesting texts through Reminds to get a hold of me if you need me. I am working on a new connection possibility so that as we progress through this situation I can be more available.
All of the directors want to help you in any way that we can. Please do not hesitate to ask for help or let us know if you have questions about assignments.
I am sure you are wondering how in the world can we “band” remotely. I don’t have the perfect solution because what we do is so unique that there is not a way to give you the same experience we have been so fortunate to have on a daily basis. BUT, we have found a solution that should be enjoyable for you. There is a music software company, SmartMusic, that offers a very cool play along app. This is a very expensive app, which is why we haven’t used it in the past. Due to the current situation of millions of students around the world, they are offering their free subscriptions until June 30th. Although we can't physically be together, this will create an ensemble atmosphere for you to enjoy while we are separated. Check out their website for more information www.smartmusic.com We are currently waiting for the administration to add SmartMusic on the MISD app catalog. You can use your iPad, laptop, or desktop to utilize the program.
All students, please complete this survey for more information that we need to understand your home internet situation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOvJvwEinF8UtquNW9CSpXwWML1MtwUw5g4AhU307w8_kUPQ/viewform We want to work with you to make things as stress free as possible. I am sure that we will all be dealing with a little more lag than we would like but we all just have to take deep breaths and be patient!
Again, should you have any questions, please feel free to email or Remind text one of the directors. We miss all of our students more than they will ever know! Please stay well, stay safe and wash your hands!!!! (It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to clean your instrument and mouthpieces.)
Updated List of Events (These statements are based on us being out of school through April 3rd)
March 18th - Joining Together for Jessica fundraiser will be rescheduled. We will set up another date once school commences.
March 24th-25th - Middle School UIL Contest - canceled
March 27th - Drumline Auditions - will be rescheduled (possibly online auditions)
March 30th, April 6, April 13, April 20 - Monday Night Rehearsal for all HS Band students 7-9pm, canceled
March 31st - HS Pre-UIL Concert - canceled
April 2nd - MISD Percussion Concert - canceled
April 21-22 - HS UIL Concert and Sight-reading - canceled (Region 8 has ruled to cancel all UIL music events)
May 31-June 1 - State Solo and Ensemble Contest - still scheduled at this time
Leadership Applications New ONLINE application due date is April 10th. Click here for the link: https://forms.gle/WvhSc4nRACyR456U8
Drum Major Auditions are now on April 17th - online auditions if necessary. Drum Major candidates please email Mrs.Hyatt for more details on the NEW requirements for Drum Majors.
Leadership Training will be on April 23 & 24
*** Please remember that all of the above dates are based on school being suspended until April 3rd. If there is a change to the district’s schedule then I will send an updated list of dates.
Instrument Pick Up Information Sent by Mrs. Hyatt on 3/20/2020
Dear Band Family and Guard, The time has come for instrument/equipment pick up! Yay! It is imperative that all band students have their instruments in order to complete assignments. It is equally as important for guard members to have their equipment to keep honing their skills. According to the questionnaire sent earlier today, most families would prefer the Sunday evening option from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. If something should change and you are not available, please reach out to me by email. We only have one opportunity to do this so we want to be sure everyone is taken care of. We would prefer for an adult to pick up the instrument/equipment and NOT the student. If this is not possible, please have a parent/guardian email me stating that the student has permission retrieve their instrument themselves.
Once you arrive at the HS campus look for a band director to guide you to a parking spot. We will need to space out parking so that we leave one empty parking spot between cars.
You will remain in your car. (Only directors will be allowed in the building)
Please have your student’s name written clearly on a piece of paper (or show your student MISD ID) and show it to the director by placing it on the driver's side window with the window still rolled up. We want to avoid any non-essential contact. If you have any special requests please write that on the paper with your child's name. Guard - please note what equipment you want us to retrieve.
This will be a “car hop” style retrieval of instruments. The outside director will notify the inside director of who’s instrument to retrieve.
Once the instrument is brought out, please wait until the band director sets the instrument down and walks away before getting out of the car.
We will be using plastic gloves during this process. I suggest that you bring disinfectant to wipe down the handle of the instrument just in case. There is no such thing as being too careful during this time.
We are also providing a sign up sheet for time slots if you would prefer to have the instrument ready at a specific time. This may help the process run a little smoother. Here is the link if you would like to sign up for a time (not a requirement): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084aaeab23a4fb6-instrument
Please contact Pam Hyatt if you have any questions. pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org
Sent by Mrs, Hyatt on 3/16/2020 Dear Band Family,
I hope that you all had a wonderful spring break. I was really looking forward to coming back to school and seeing my band family but we will have to wait before that happens again.
This week will be considered an extension of spring break as far as band assignments. I noticed that there were quite a few instruments left in the band hall which is understandable since most of us had family plans during the break. We are working to design a plan for students to get their instruments but we must get approval and a plan in place on how this can be done in the safest way. Our administrators are working very hard to ensure that students and their families remain safe during this uncertain time. Please be patient and know that we will send out information about instrument pick up (if this possible) as soon as we can.
If we can not get instruments in the hands of all of our students then we will come up with alternative assignments for students without instruments. Assignments next week will likely be a recorded assignment on music you are currently working on in band. More details on this will be released later this week. It is important that we are continuing our music education even though we can not be together to rehearse. We are committed to progressing our student’s musical knowledge.
Information regarding upcoming band events: (These dates are based on us being out of school through March 27th)
March 18th - Joining Together for Jessica fundraiser will be rescheduled. We will set up another date once school commences.
March 19th - MOJO meeting - canceled
March 21st - TCU Jazz Festival - canceled
March 24th-25th - Middle School UIL Contest - rescheduled for April 15 & 16
March 27th - Drumline Auditions - rescheduled for April 9th
March 30th - Monday Night Rehearsal for all HS Band students 7-9pm, no change
March 31st - HS Pre-UIL Concert - cancelled
April 2nd - MISD Percussion Concert - rescheduled, TBA (possibly April 14th)
Leadership Applicants: New application due date is April 9th
Drum Major Auditions are now on April 17th
Leadership Training will be on April 23 & 24
*** Please remember that all of the above dates are based on school being suspended until March 27th. If there is a change to the district’s schedule then I will send an updated list of dates. Again, I will send an update as soon as I know if and/or when we can get instruments into all of our student’s hands.
For all of you reading this, please stay well. Students, I encourage you to be patient and flexible when it comes to dealing with this situation. We are in uncharted waters and it will take a little creativity and ingenuity to continue your education, in every subject, without the traditional classroom structure. Please know that all of your teachers are doing the very best they can.
Students, I will miss your smiles and sounds of laughter while we are apart. You bring such joy to each and every day. It is going to be tough not to be together. Please take the measures the district, state, and government have lined out for all citizens very seriously. Take the precautionary steps to practice social distancing so lives can be saved!
Parents and students, if you should have any questions pertaining to band and upcoming events please feel free to email me.
Congratulations to the 44 Band members who advanced to the State Solo and Ensemble Contest
Laura Arias, Madison Bennett*, Caleb Camacho, Kathryn Christian, Jeffrey Clendennen*, Nick Collins, Grace Collinsworth, Logan Denney, Rito Diaz*, Danielle Dunn, Aaron Flores, Canon Gainer, Anabell Gonzalez, Chris Harris, Dylan Hatcher, Daniel Heckenlively, Ben Heston, Robert Holman, Jeremy Huggins, Ryan Kaiser, Carson Lutz, CJ Martin, Daniel Nye, Antonio Ochoa, Grayson Odajima, Brady Parker*, Danielle Pennington, Topher Perkins, Lauren Prather, Xavier Reyes*, Andrew Richards, Elias Robles, Felicia Shelton, Brett Smith, Aaron Stephens, Klohie Taylor, Isabelle Tellez, Keshawn Thompson, Crystin Tinney, Alaina Walker, AJ Watson*, Rachel Wharton, Eliana White, Ashley Witt
*Advanced in two events
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