This is the place to come to find out what’s happening each week for the Midway Band . . .
Latest Update (November 29th from Mrs. Hyatt)
Dear Midway Band and Family,
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! I want to give a huge thank you to those who braved the weather to cheer on the Panthers on Friday! Your directors greatly appreciate you and your time with us!
The next scheduled game is an away game at Cedar Hill on Friday. We will get advisement from the administration on whether we should travel this week. I will send an email update on Wednesday. Important updates:
Winterguard auditions are this week! There will be a required Winterguard Camp on Tuesday, December 1st from 4:30-6pm in the cafeteria. Auditions will be a video submission which will be due on Friday, December 4. Winterguard will compete virtually this season with the possibility of finishing competitions in-person if we feel it is safe enough. Dues for this season will be $100. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kline (caitlin.kline@midwayisd.org).
Challenges will begin on December 2nd and end on December 16th. Challenges are an opportunity for students to advance their placement within the band program. Students can only challenge the person one chair above them and must give at least a two day notice of the challenge. Challenge time slots (posted on the office window) are available before and after school. Students may forfeit their chair if they do not wish to participate in the challenge but they will move down a chair and could potentially move down to another ensemble. Link to challenge music can be found in Schoology in Week 2 and Week 3. Printed sheet music is also available outside of the band hall office. If you are quarantined during challenges we will use GoogleMeet at your challenge time. Use the meet code: HyattBand
The recording window for TMEA is December 5th through the 9th. We will have recording gear set up in the HS Theatre and can provide that opportunity during class (and throughout the school day) for face-to-face students. Virtual students will have to record after school (with some availability for face-to-face students). If you can not record on campus (schedule conflict or you are quarantined) you will be given the information necessary to record at home. Those students will be given some helpful hints on how to record yourself. Please note that late entries will not be accepted! You will be able to record as many times as you would like but the program will only save your last recording. Each piece will be recorded separately so you do not have to do it all in one day but be mindful of other people’s opportunity to record as well.
Here are the events for this week: Tuesday - Winterguard Camp (required for those auditioning), HS Cafeteria 4:30-6pm Wednesday - Challenges begin (ends on December 16) Friday - Winterguard Audition Video due Game @ Cedar Hill, 7:30pm Meet time: 4:15pm Dress: red band shirt, band wind pants, and black athletic shoes and anything to keep you warm during the game!
Upcoming Events
December 1 - Winterguard Camp, Cafeteria, 4:30-6pm December 2 through December 16 - Challenge window December 4 - Away game @Cedar Hill, 7:30pm MHS Early Release (1:45pm) December 4 - Winterguard Audition Video due December 5-9 - TMEA recording window December 18 - Winterguard Rehearsal, 2-6pm December 19 - Winterguard Rehearsal, 9am-1pm January 18 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) February 22 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) March 19 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) April 30 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) May 14 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm)
Update (November 21st from Mrs. Hyatt) Midway Band - Thanksgiving Break
Dear Midway Band and Family,
We made it to Thanksgiving break! I know that our students are ready to have a week of rest & relaxation. We hope that you and your family spend some wonderful time together and create some great memories this week!
We will be attending the home game against Lake Ridge on November 27 at 2pm. This game is an opportunity, not a requirement. We would LOVE to have you in attendance but your absence will not be held against you. Meet time will be 12:30pm. Please eat lunch before you come! We will have snacks for you after halftime. Dress for the game will be windpants, red shirt, black athletic shoes, and possibly your rain poncho since there is currently a 50% chance of rain! We will not march our show or do a performance for halftime. We will play for the Goal Tenders and march off to the Fight Song. Other than that, our only job will be to cheer loud and have fun!
As we head into a week focused on gratitude, the band directors would like to say they are extremely grateful for our wonderful students and supportive parents. This year has not been easy on any of us, in all aspects of our lives. From altered summer band schedules, canceled events, added events, adjusted rehearsal schedules, canceled travel, new procedures for mitigation, and dealing with the anxiety of what will happen next, our students and parents have been our sanity amongst the chaos.
Parents, thank you for helping us get through this time. From volunteering, chaperoning for our away game, helping create a special senior night, donating water, donating soft drinks, helping with our fundraiser, sending encouraging emails, and ensuring your student makes it to and from our events, you have made this challenging year a success. We are truly grateful.
Students, you have all been rockstars throughout this year. We know that the things we are having you do have not been easy, and at times, even exhausting. Throughout it all, you have kept the spirit of our band program alive and have had great attitudes about all of the adversity. Thank you for being the only “normal” in our lives right now. The sound of your laughter, the hello and goodbye waves as you pass by the office, your sweet and thoughtful notes, your smiling eyes when you are wearing your masks, your continued silliness, and most of all, the music you make, have kept your directors going throughout this exhausting time. All of the extra time and effort that the directors have put into this year is all worth every second when we get to spend time with you.
Winterguard auditions are coming up! There will be a required Winterguard Camp on Tuesday, December 1st from 4:30-6pm in the cafeteria. Auditions will be a video submission which will be due on Friday, December 4. Winterguard will compete virtually this season with the possibility of finishing competitions in-person if we feel it is safe enough. Dues for this season will be $100. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kline (caitlin.kline@midwayisd.org).
Challenges will begin on December 2nd and end on December 16th. Challenges are an opportunity for students to advance their placement within the band program. Students can only challenge the person one chair above them and must give at least a two day notice of the challenge. Challenge time slots (posted on the office window) are available before and after school. Students may forfeit their chair if they do not wish to participate in the challenge but they will move down a chair and could potentially move down to another ensemble. Link to challenge music can be found in Schoology in Week 2. Printed sheet music is also available outside of the band hall office. If you are quarantined during challenges we will use GoogleMeet at your challenge time. Use the meet code: HyattBand
The recording window for TMEA is December 5th through the 9th. We will have recording gear set up in the HS Theatre and can provide that opportunity during class (and throughout the school day) for face-to-face students. Virtual students will have to record after school (with some availability for face-to-face students). If you can not record on campus (schedule conflict or you are quarantined) you will be given the information necessary to record at home. Those students will be given some helpful hints on how to record yourself. Please note that late entries will not be accepted! You will be able to record as many times as you would like but the program will only save your last recording. Each piece will be recorded separately so you do not have to do it all in one day but be mindful of other people’s opportunity to record as well.
Here are the events for this week:
Friday - Home Game vs Lake Ridge, 2pm Meet time: 12:30pm Dress: red band shirt, band wind pants, and black athletic shoes and maybe your rain poncho!
Upcoming Events
November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break November 27 - Home game vs Lake Ridge, 2:00pm December 1 - Winterguard Camp, Cafeteria, 4:30-6pm December 2 through December 16 - Challenge window December 4 - Away game @Cedar Hill, 7:30pm MHS Early Release (1:45pm) December 4 - Winterguard Audition Video due December 5-9 - TMEA recording window December 18 - Winterguard Rehearsal, 2-6pm December 19 - Winterguard Rehearsal, 9am-1pm January 18 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) February 22 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) March 19 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) April 30 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) May 14 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm)
Update (November 14th from Mrs. Hyatt) Midway Band - Week 13
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
I hope that you are enjoying a wonderful weekend. I want to thank each of you for adjusting to our plans last week as we try and slow the spread of the virus at the high school campus.
Although we have all done a great job adhering to the band mitigation guidelines, there is still exposure outside of our band hall. We currently have about 10% of the band in quarantine. Since we will be missing such a large part of the group until after Thanksgiving, I feel that it is best to not continue with our marching show. Our last home game was suppose to be December 4th but it was rescheduled to November 27th (the day after Thanksgiving). There are just too many factors working against us to continue with our progress.
With the change in plans to not continue with the show, we will no longer have our weekly 4:30-6pm rehearsals. If we decide to travel this week, we will rehearse with the Goal Tenders on Thursday at 4:30pm and should be done by 4:45pm. A decision on our travel plans this week will be made on Tuesday. Please look for an email update on Tuesday night.
As we begin working our way into concert season (a little earlier than planned), we need for students to bring their concert instruments for rehearsals. The directors are planning to work on music and have a concert (probably virtually) for our families and supporters before winter break. We are still working on a way to incorporate our virtual students in our performance so stay tuned for more details.
Important updates:
We will participate in future games as a pep band.
Rehearsal schedule will be altered to just Thursdays from 4:30-4:45pm.
If we do travel this week, students who did not travel to our first away game will be given preference. Travel to an away game is only an opportunity, not a requirement for our students. Bus travel will be one per seat to keep our students safe. Dinner and snacks will be provided.
Challenges will begin on December 2nd and end on December 16th. Challenges are an opportunity for students to advance their placement within the band program. Students can only challenge the person one chair above them and must give at least a two day notice of the challenge. Challenge time slots (posted on the office window) are available before and after school. Students may forfeit their chair if they do not wish to participate in the challenge but they will move down a chair and could potentially move down to another ensemble. Music for challenges can be found in the weekly email. Please check the Midway Challenges sheet in the folder for the cuts. Printed sheet music is also available outside of the band hall office.
All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must sign up for lessons with a director. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - Leadership Team meeting 7:45am Thursday - Practice 4:30-4:45 pm for pep band Friday - Away Game @Waxahachie, 7:30pm Meet time: 4:15pm Dress: red band shirt, band wind pants, and black athletic shoes (you may wear a jacket/sweater/hoodie for non performance times)
Upcoming Events
November 19 - Rehearsal for game participants, 4:30-4:45pm November 20 - Away Game @Waxahachie, 7:30pm November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break November 27 - Home game vs Lake Ridge, 2:00pm December 2 through December 16 - Challenge window December 4 - Away game @Cedar Hill, 7:30pm MHS Early Release (1:45pm) January 18 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) February 22 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) March 19 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) April 30 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) May 14 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm)
Latest Update (November 8th from Mrs. Hyatt) Midway Band - Week 12
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
Good evening! I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful weekend! I want to give a HUGE thank you to our Senior Night Parent Committee, Kevin & Abby Tankersley and Robert & Faith Perkins, for putting together a wonderful celebration for our seniors and their parents. Faith Perkins has created a senior spotlight video, incorporating pictures we received, as a memento for all of our seniors. We will show this during band class on Monday but wanted our parents to be able to view it as well. Here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18jODg-4h9EuzKizaMcahuLPpwsXYoOz3/view?usp=drive_web
This week will be an AWAY football game at DeSoto. Students who did not travel to our first away game will be given preference for this week’s game. Travel to an away game is an opportunity, not a requirement, for our students. Bus travel will be one per seat to keep our students safe. Dinner and snacks will be provided. Our meet time will be 4:15pm (brass & percussion in the band hall, woodwinds & guard in the LER). We estimate our return back to MHS around midnight. A text message will be sent out over Remind to parents. To join the Remind group text the number 81010 with the message @midpanpar
Juniors, sophomores and freshmen who DID NOT travel to the last game will get to sign up first. Those who did go to the last game will be able to sign up on Thursday. DO NOT sign up before your assigned day. Doing so might disqualify you from attending this game.
Monday: SENIORS and Leadership Team (all are eligible to go again) Tuesday: JUNIORS & SOPHOMORES who did not go to the last time Wednesday: FRESHMEN who did not go to the last game Thursday before lunch: Juniors who DID go to the last game Thursday after lunch: Sophomores and Freshmen who DID go to the last game.
Charleston Wrap catalog orders will be passed out on Monday. Congratulations to our top four sellers!
1st Place - Ryan Kaiser $727 ($100 Gift Card) 2nd Place - Antonio Ochoa $393 ($50 Gift Card) 3rd Place - Chelsea Cole $335 ($25 Gift Card) 4th Place -Kierston Benson $275 ($25 Gift Card)
Important updates:
We will wear wind pants all games.
Students who did not travel to our first away game will be given preference for this week’s game. Travel to an away game is only an opportunity, not a requirement for our students. Bus travel will be one per seat to keep our students safe. Dinner and snacks will be provided.
All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must sign up for lessons with a director. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - Practice 4:30-6:00 pm; Leadership Team meeting 7:45am Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:00pm Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:00 pm Friday - Away Game @DeSoto Eagle stadium Meet time: 4:15pm Dress: red band shirt, band wind pants, and black athletic shoes (you may wear a jacket/sweater/hoodie for non performance times)
Upcoming Events
***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:10-7:10pm*** November 13 - Away game @DeSoto Eagle Stadium, 7:30pm kickoff November 20 - Away game, opponent TBA November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break November 27 - Away game, opponent TBA December 4 - Home game, opponent TBA MHS Early Release (1:45pm) December 1 through 4 - TMEA audition recording window (more details TBA) January 18 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) February 22 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) March 19 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) April 30 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) May 14 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm)
Update (November 1 from Mrs. Hyatt)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
Good afternoon! I want to thank each of you for being so flexible last week with the homecoming festivities. Our students had wonderful attitudes as we had continuous changes in our schedule and procedures for the week. We feel so lucky to have such amazing students that make such stressful situations seem like not a big deal!
This is a friendly reminder that this is the last week of the second six weeks. Please be sure you have your grades up so you can participate in the upcoming games! If you are not passing at the end of this grading period then you will be ineligible for the remainder of scheduled football games.
Please remember that Friday is another early release day. The high school will release at 1:45pm. The band does not need to be back until 6pm for that evening’s game.
This Friday is SENIOR night. Senior parents, please meet your student on the track near the scoreboard at 6:45pm. You should have received detailed instructions and a map in your email. If you did not receive the email, please email Mrs. Hyatt. Senior Parents, you will also need to join your senior post game on the track in front of the band set. Our Senior Night Parent Committee (Kevin & Abby Tankersley and Robert & Faith Perkins) have worked very hard to make this a special evening for you and your student.
Important updates:
1) We will wear wind pants from now on for games.
2) Students who want to audition for TMEA All-Region (auditions are December 5th). Sign up deadline is November 4th.
3) TMEA Freshmen auditions have been delayed to January 16th.
4) Leadership Meetings will now start at 7:45am (voted change by our Band Council).
5) All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
6) Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must sign up for lessons with a director. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - Practice 4:30-6:00 pm; Leadership Team meeting 7:45am Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:00pm Wednesday - Band Council meeting 4:15pm in DLC Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:00 pm Friday - Duncanville @Panther stadium (Band Senior Night) Meet time: 5:45pm Dress: red band shirt, band wind pants, and black athletic shoes, SENIORS WEAR LETTER JACKETS! (you may wear a jacket/sweater/hoodie for non performance times)
Upcoming Events
***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:10-7:10pm***
November 6 - Early release for MHS (1:45pm), End of 2nd Six Weeks November 6 - Duncanville @Home (Senior Band Night), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm); Senior Parents be under the scoreboard at 6:45pm November 4 - Deadline to sign up for TMEA All-Region Auditions November 13 - Home game, opponent TBA November 20 - Away game, opponent TBA November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break November 27 - Away game, opponent TBA December 4 - Home game, opponent TBA December 1 through 4 - TMEA audition recording window (more details TBA) January 18 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) February 22 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) March 19 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) April 30 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm) May 14 - MHS Early Release (1:45pm)
Update (October 25th from Mrs. Hyatt)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
Good afternoon! I hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend with the cooler fall weather! I would like to thank all of our students who joined us for the Thursday game at Mansfield this past week! The students did a wonderful job during our travel and were an example of how bands can travel during this time safely! We look forward to taking our next pep group to our next away game!
It will be COLD this week! Please plan appropriately for practice! Make sure you have warm clothes to bundle up in. There are high rain chances of rain throughout this week in addition to low temperatures. If it is raining during practice time we will meet in the cafeteria. We will wear wind pants for the game this week!!!
I hope that everyone knows that I respect our student’s time and our parent’s time, always! I am committed to communicating band events well in advance so that everyone has time to plan. I know, as a parent, coordinating drop off and pick up of students can be a challenge and I always want to give plenty of time for our families to plan. With that being said, sometimes things are beyond my control.
This past Thursday I heard rumors of an evening Homecoming Pep Rally. That rumor was confirmed in a staff email on Friday morning. All I know at this point is that this evening pep rally is to be at Panther Stadium on Thursday at 7:30pm. I was told it would be a very short event (approximately 30 minutes) but I do not know the details. Please know that this event is happening and if you can be there we would love to have you there if you do not have anything on your schedule that night!
Since we also have practice on Thursday, we will feed our pep rally participants since there will not be enough time to eat dinner between rehearsal and the pep rally. Participants in the evening pep rally will need to wear jeans, show shirt, and any jacket/sweatshirt/hoodie of their choice. It will be chilly!
I was also informed on Friday that Waco HS Band has decided to travel to this game. This means that we can not sit in our previous section and will most likely be seated in chairs in the end zone under the scoreboard. Parents, I would not advise buying tickets in the visitor section for this game! Band, it would not be a bad idea to have some earplugs for this game since the score board can get very loud during the commercial ads.
Since Waco HS is bringing their band, there is a very high possibility that we will need to perform BEFORE the game. I have not received any details about this yet but in previous years we performed a little after 7pm (when the teams leave warm up on the field). Parents, I would plan to be at this game early so you don’t miss the performance.
Students and Parents, I truly apologize for all of the uncertainty as we head into this week. Please know that I will inform you of any details as soon as I receive them. I greatly appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we get all of the kinks ironed out for this week’s activities.
Important updates:
1. We will wear wind pants this week so make sure you know where they are!
2. Students who want to audition for TMEA All-Region (auditions are December 5th). Sign up deadline is November 4th.
3. TMEA Freshmen auditions have been delayed to January 16th.
4. Leadership Meetings will not start at 7:45am (voted change by our Band Council).
5. All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
6. Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must sign up for lessons with a director. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - Practice 4:30-6:00 pm (cafeteria if raining); Leadership Team meeting 7:45am Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:00pm (cafeteria if raining) Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:00 pm Evening Pep Rally - 7:30pm @Panther Stadium, Details TBA Dress: Jeans, Show Shirt, and any jacket of your liking! Friday - Homecoming, 7:30pm @Panther stadium (performance around 7pm?, Details TBA) Meet time: 5:45pm Dress: red band shirt, band wind pants, and black athletic shoes (you may wear a jacket/sweater/hoodie for non performance times) ***You MAY wear mums/garters after our pre-game performance***
Upcoming Events
***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:10-7:10pm***
October 30 - Waco @Home (Homecoming), 7:30pm (meet at 5:45pm) November 6 - Duncanville @Home (Senior Band Night), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) November 13 - Home game, opponent TBA November 20 - Away game, opponent TBA November 27 - Away game, opponent TBA December 4 - Home game, opponent TBA December 1 through 4 - TMEA audition recording window (more details TBA)
Update (October 18th from Mrs. Hyatt)
Dear Midway Band and Family,
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys their Friday night off! We have another “calm” week coming up with our first away game on Thursday night in Mansfield.
Students who signed up to attend the game will need to meet in the band hall by 4:15pm on Thursday. They will need their red band shirt, band shorts (possibly wind pants if the weather gets cooler), black athletic shoes, and their water jug. Alternates for the pep band will be informed at least 24 hours in advance if we need them to fill in. Students attending the game will be fed dinner on the bus ride to Mansfield, and a snack on the way home. Our anticipated return time is 12:30am, so please be punctual when you pick up your students. If you are signed up for the Midway Remind group, you will receive a text when we leave Mansfield (text the number 81010 with the message “@midpanpar”)
A huge thank you to all of you that participated in our Charleston Wrap fundraiser or donated to the band through Living Tree. We are so grateful for your contributions and superior support of the Midway Band.
We’d also like to thank all of our parents and Band Backers for their support this year thus far. From donating water and supplies to protecting our band section during our home football games (affectionately referred to as the Midway Band Bouncer Dads), we could not do this without YOU! We appreciate all that you do to help our student achieve success throughout this challenging time!
Important updates:
1. Yard signs (that were ordered through registration) will be ready for pickup Monday after practice. 2. All virtual students must check Schoology everyday! 3. Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must sign up for lessons with a director. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - Practice 4:30-6:00 pm; Leadership Team meeting 7:30am Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:00pm Wednesday - Band Council Meeting 4:15pm in DLC Thursday - NO PRACTICE! Away Game @ Mansfield, 7 pm (only for students signed up) Meet time: 4:15pm in HSBH Dress: red band shirt, band shorts (possibly wind pants), and black athletic shoes Friday - No practice!
Upcoming Events ***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:10-7:10pm***
October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school); no practice, no guard sectional October 30 - Waco @Home (Homecoming), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) November 6 - Duncanville @Home (Senior Band Night), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) November 13 - Home game, opponent TBA November 20 - Away game, opponent TBA November 27 - Away game, opponent TBA December 4 - Home game, opponent TBA
Update (October 11th from Mrs. Hyatt)
Dear Midway Band and Family,
I hope that this email finds everyone enjoying a long weekend! I know that the students have been working hard and deserve an extra day of rest! We will not have rehearsal on Monday afternoon and we do not have a game this Friday. This will be a very relaxed week compared to previous ones. We will also be adjusting our rehearsal times starting next week as well. Rehearsals will now be from 4:30-6:00pm.
This week was the deadline for the band to sign up for UIL Marching Contest. There were several factors that were considered as the students voted for the direction we are to go for the remainder of the year. Ultimately, the students chose each other over competition for this challenging year.
We have had almost 20 students in the band who have had to quarantine since the beginning of the school year. Each quarantined student misses 12 hours of marching instruction/practice. It has been a balancing act to teach new drill and provide opportunities for returning students to learn drill they had missed. Our progression through the drill has been slow and, at times, frustrating for quarantined and non-quarantined students. Although there is an air of frustration, we have been incredibly encouraged by the student’s support and helpfulness to those who need catch up on drill they missed. It is inspiring to see the students overcome the adversity of this year and find a way to be successful together.
The band will continue to progress through the planned show and perform at all home games. We are committed to pushing the standard of excellence in playing and marching as we continue through the year. The most notable difference in this year’s group is that they do not need the extrinsic motivation of contest to keep pushing for excellence. They desire this on their own and they keep striving for improvement through every rehearsal.
We will have our sign up for the first away game, October 22nd at Mansfield, this week. We will be taking a pep band of 100 students to all away games this year which will allow us to sit one student per seat on the buses. No student will be required to participate in away games but we do want to provide the opportunity for all students. We will be taking all seniors, leadership team, and percussion battery, accompanied by half of each section. For the first game, seniority will get priority. For the second away game, those who did not go to the first away game will get first choice.
Sign up will be in this order: Seniors and Leadership Team can sign up now through Tuesday, Juniors on Wednesday, Sophomores on Thursday and Freshmen on Friday. DO NOT sign up before your assigned day. The official roster for the pep band will be sent out in next week’s email.
Our fall fundraiser, Charleston Wrap, will conclude Tuesday, October 13th! All money and order forms will need to be turned in to a band director on Tuesday by the end of the school day. Please take these last few days to sell! Profits for this fundraiser will be used to help recoup the loss of our normal fall fundraiser (Midway Marching Contest) which profits us around $18,000 each year. In person students should have registered for the fundraiser during class on Friday. For those who have not registered yet please do so here: https://charlestonwrapstore.com/non-school-registration.php Our Organization ID is 20200. Once you have registered, you will have access to numerous tools (text, email, social media) to use to get the word out to family and friends. If you, or someone you know, would like to donate to the band instead of participating in the fundraiser, please click here: https://give.livingtree.com/c/midway-band-charleston-wrap-fundraiser
All band apparel was handed out last week. We are only missing guard totes at this time.
All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must sign up for lessons with a director. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - No School, No Practice Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:00pm; Leadership Team meeting 7:30am Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:00pm; Guard Sectionals 6:10-7:10pm Friday - No Game, No practice!
Upcoming Events
***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:10-7:10pm***
October 12 - No school, no practice October 13 - Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Turn In October 16 - No game October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school) October 30 - Waco @Home (Homecoming), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) November 6 - Duncanville @Home (Senior Band Night), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) November 13 - Home game, opponent TBA November 20 - Away game, opponent TBA November 27 - Away game, opponent TBA December 4 - Home game, opponent TBA
Update (October 3rd from Mrs. Hyatt)
Dear Midway Band and Family,
First performance of 2020 was a success! The directors are so proud of the work the students are doing. The energy, work ethic, and spirit of the band is like nothing we have ever experienced before. It is definitely the best part of the day! We are continually inspired by them and thank our parents for sharing these fantastic students with us!
As we approach our first away game, October 22nd at Mansfield, I wanted to remind you our travel procedures for this year. We will be taking a pep band of 100 students to all away games this year. This will allow us to sit one student per seat on the buses. No student will be required to participate in away games but we do want to provide the opportunity for all students. We will be taking all seniors, leadership team, and percussion, accompanied by half of each section. For the first game, seniority will get precedence. For the second away game, those who did not go to the first away game will get first choice. The sign up and details on how to sign up for the first away game will be emailed next week.
Important updates:
Our fall fundraiser, Charleston Wrap, is in full swing! This is the last week so please sell, sell, sell! Profits for this fundraiser will be used to help recoup the loss of our normal fall fundraiser (Midway Marching Contest) which profits us around $18,000 each year. In person students should have registered for the fundraiser during class on Friday. For those who have not registered yet please do so here: https://charlestonwrapstore.com/non-school-registration.php Our Organization ID is 20200. Once you have registered, you will have access to numerous tools (text, email, social media) to use to get the word out to family and friends. We will have some physical catalogs for students to take home tomorrow. Parents, this would be a great tool to take to work and display in a high traffic area in your place of business. If you, or someone you know, would like to donate to the band instead of participating in the fundraiser, please click here: https://give.livingtree.com/c/midway-band-charleston-wrap-fundraiser
The rest of the band/guard apparel will be handed out this week. (We are still waiting on guard jazz pants but expect them soon.)
Students must be wearing the right apparel for games. Right now that is red band shirt, black band shorts and black athletic shoes. Students who do not wear the right apparel for performances will be sent home.
All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must sign up for lessons with a director. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
Our first ever Band Council Elections will be October 8th. If you would like to run for a Band Council position (descriptions of officer positions are in the link), please sign up for the office you would like to run for here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoHg_WK4NBph7EX60SzXcBNYjTucZ_j5BqmXwBsuIYwJ-R_w/viewform?usp=sf_linkYou will need to submit a paragraph stating why you would like to run for the position so that it may be posted in the band hall for the band to view before the voting. Please send your paragraph to Mrs. Hyatt through email: pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org You may format it however you would like and I will print it and post it in the band hall. Students are welcome to campaign until October 8th. Good luck
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm; Leadership Team meeting 7:30am
Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm
Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm; Guard Sectionals 6:40-7:40pm Band Council voting during class. Voting link will close at 7pm
Friday - South Grand Prairie @Home, 7:30pm (meet on practice field at 6:15pm) Dress: Red band shirt, black band shorts, and black tennis shoes (ordered apparel should arrive this week) Parent pick up: 10:15pm @MHS
Upcoming Events
***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:40-7:40pm***
September 28 thru October 9 - Charleston Wrap Fundraiser October 8 - Band Council voting October 9 - South Grand Prairie @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 6:15pm) October 16 - No game October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school) October 30 - Waco @Home (Homecoming), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) November 6 - Duncanville @Home (Senior Band Night), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm)
Week 6 Update
Dear Midway Band and Family,
We made it through our first game and it was a huge success! I could not be prouder of our students and their performance in the stands on Friday night. Although it was just a football scrimmage game, it was just as much fun as our regular season games! I have received so many positive emails about the band and how great and loud they sounded on Friday night! It is hard to believe that it was only their third time to play together through their stand tunes! They sounded like a seasoned group that has been playing together since mid July! This group has handled every obstacle that we have had to overcome with such ease and success!
We are excited to welcome about 30 of our virtual band students back home to the band hall tomorrow morning! Please be sure to bring your instrument, music and all needed supplies with you. The band hall will be open each morning so you can drop off your instrument and equipment. There are carts in each section of the band hall to place your water jugs on if they do not fit in your locker. You may eat lunch in the band hall if you have C lunch. Please ask a drum major or section leader any questions you may have about procedures.
Important updates:
Our fall fundraiser, Charleston Wrap, will kick off tomorrow for all students. Profits for this fundraiser will be used to help recoup the loss of our normal fall fundraiser (Midway Marching Contest) which profits us around $18,000 each year. In person students should have registered for the fundraiser during class on Friday. For those who have not registered yet please do so here: https://charlestonwrapstore.com/non-school-registration.php Our Organization ID is 20200. Once you have registered, you will have access to numerous tools (text, email, social media) to use to get the word out to family and friends. We will have some physical catalogs for students to take home tomorrow. Parents, this would be a great tool to take to work and display in a high traffic area in your place of business. If you, or someone you know, would like to donate to the band instead of participating in the fundraiser, please click here: https://give.livingtree.com/c/midway-band-charleston-wrap-fundraiser
We are still waiting on some of our band/guard apparel to arrive. Once they have come in, we will distribute those items to the students. We appreciate your patience!
Eligibility comes into effect this Friday at 4pm. If your student earned a 69 or below in any class they will become ineligible and will not be participate at football games. Eligibility can be restored at the three week mark (October 16th) if a student is passing ALL classes on their progress report. If students are still not passing all of their classes at progress report time, the next opportunity to regain eligibility will be on the next report card. Students who are taking advanced classes may request a waiver (to remain eligible) from their Assistant Principal if they received a 65 or higher.
There are still a handful of students who do not have water jugs. Please help us keep all of our students hydrated. Everyone must have their own water container that is uniquely labeled!
Students must be wearing the right apparel for games. Right now that is red band shirt, black band shorts and black athletic shoes. Students who do not wear the right apparel for performances will be sent home.
All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must sign up for lessons with a director. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
Our first ever Band Council Elections will be October 8th. If you would like to run for a Band Council position (descriptions of officer positions are in the link), please sign up for the office you would like to fun for here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoHg_WK4NBph7EX60SzXcBNYjTucZ_j5BqmXwBsuIYwJ-R_w/viewform?usp=sf_link You will need to submit a paragraph stating why you would like to run for the position so that it may be posted in the band hall for the band to view before the voting. Please send your paragraph to Mrs. Hyatt through email: pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org You may format it however you would like and I will print it and post it in the band hall. Students are welcome to campaign until October 8th. Good luck!
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm; Leadership Team meeting 7:30am Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm; Guard Sectionals 6:40-7:40pm Friday - Westlake @Home, 7:30pm (meet on practice field at 6pm Dress: Red band shirt, black band shorts, and black tennis shoes (ordered apparel should arrive this week) Parent pick up: 10:30pm @MHS
Upcoming Events
***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:40-7:40pm***
September 28 thru October 9 - Charleston Wrap Fundraiser October 2 - Westlake @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) October 8 - Band Council voting October 9 - South Grand Prairie @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) October 16 - No game October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school) October 30 - Waco @Home (Homecoming), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) November 6 - Duncanville @Home (Senior Band Night), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm)
We are still looking for cases of water bottles for the band. We are planning to use many more than we have in previous years since we will not have water coolers in the stands this year. Please consider donating water for our students. Water can be dropped off after practices or in the HS front office. We greatly appreciate your support!
Week 5 Update
Dear Midway Band and Family,
It has been another successful week of practice. I am so proud of the hard work our students are putting in during our practice time together. We have almost completed our first song of drill which means we have about 25% of the show on the field! It has been incredible how quick the new members of the band have caught on to the complexity of marching and playing. I can’t wait for everyone to watch us march at the first official game on November 2nd.
The band will be kicking off a Charleston Wrap Fundraiser beginning on September 28th, ending on October 9th. This fundraiser is a full group effort to help with costs of this marching season and to help supplement our biggest fundraiser each year, the Midway Marching Preview. We will not be able to host the Midway Preview competition this year which is really going to hurt us financially for the 2021-2022 school year. It is imperative that we all participate in this fundraiser so we can continue to propel the program in a competitive direction in future years. Charleston Wrap offers a great variety of products so all your friends and family could buy something they like AND help support the Midway Band. Many more details will come but if you would like to browse their website, click here. Here are the events for this week: Monday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm (if raining we will practice in the cafeteria); Leadership Team meeting 7:30am Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm (if raining we will practice in the cafeteria unless the MAC-indoor facility is available) Wednesday - Band Council interest meeting, 4:10pm Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm; Guard Sectionals 6:40-7:40pm Friday - Scrimmage: Round Rock @Home, 7pm (meet on practice field at 6pm) NO Halftime performance Dress: Red band shirt, black band shorts, and black tennis shoes (ordered apparel should arrive this week) Parent pick up: 10pm @MHS
Upcoming Events
***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:40-7:40pm***
October 2 - Westlake @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) October 9 - South Grand Prairie @Home, 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) October 16 - No game October 22 - @Mansfield, 7pm (meet after school) October 30 - Waco @Home (Homecoming), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) November 6 - Duncanville @Home (Senior Band Night), 7:30pm (meet at 6:00pm) For parents who are wanting to purchase varsity football tickets, please click here for the flyer from Midway Athletics.
Other updates:
Don’t forget that you will need black athletic shoes as part of your uniform this year.
Be sure you have a flip folder and lyre before our first game on September 25th. If you need a flip folder or lyre please contact our Music and Arts representative who has some in stock. Click here.
All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must have attended TWO lessons with a director. If you have not completed two lessons then you have this week to sign up for a time(s) to make up those grades. Please check Schoology for instructions. These lessons are a MAJOR grade.
We are still looking for cases of water bottles for the band. We are planning to use many more than we have in previous years since we will not have water coolers in the stands this year. Please consider donating water for our students. Water can be dropped off after practices or in the HS front office. We greatly appreciate your support!
Week 4 Update
Dear Midway Band and Family,
I am continually impressed by our students and their ability to adapt to all the changes we’ve encountered this year. As if the safety precautions we must take aren’t enough, the Texas weather has been another variable that we must adjust for. We are hopeful that the fall weather sticks around so we can enjoy the weather during rehearsals.
Parents, you should be incredibly proud of your student! Not only for the hard work they have done during rehearsals but their strong commitment to follow the safety guidelines we have for the band. We are all in this together and it is obvious that they care for their fellow bandmates!
Here are the events for this week:
Monday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm; Guard Sectionals 6:40-7:40pm
**The band will not be involved at this week’s scrimmage
Upcoming Events
***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:40-7:40pm***
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)
Other updates:
Don’t forget that you will need black athletic shoes as part of your uniform this year.
We will not have any Monday night rehearsals this year. We will keep a consistent practice schedule after school.
Be sure you have a flip folder and lyre before our first game on September 25th.
All virtual students must check Schoology everyday!
Virtual students who are not participating in marching band must be signed up for a lesson (unless they completed it last week). Please check Schoology Weekly Guide in Week 4 for details on how to sign up for a time. This is a MAJOR grade.
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your weekend. Please contact me if you have any questions or need any clarification!
Week 3 Update (September 6th from Mrs. Hyatt)
Dear Midway Band and family,
I hope that this email finds you enjoying a much needed long weekend. I want to thank all of our parents who have donated water, puppy pads and disposable masks. We greatly appreciate you and your willingness to help us and our students!
It has been an absolute joy working with the marching band this past week. The students are working hard and taking the guidelines we must follow very seriously. These students are so resilient and determined to make this season a success. We are so blessed to work with each and every one of them! Thank you, parents, for sharing them with us!
Here are the events for this week: Monday - Labor Day, No School, No rehearsal Tuesday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm Thursday - Practice 4:30-6:30pm (section photos during rehearsal); Guard Sectionals 6:40-7:40pm Friday - Band Forms are due (Field Trip Permission, UIL Acknowledgement, optional OTC form, optional MEP form)
Upcoming Events ***Practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm*** **Guard Sectionals every Thursday 6:40-7:40pm***
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)
Other updates:
Don’t forget that you will need black athletic shoes as part of your uniform this year.
We will not have any Monday night rehearsals this year. We will keep a consistent practice schedule after school.
Be sure you have a flip folder and lyre before our first game on September 25th.
Schoology should be fixed for our students who are virtual and not participating in marching band. Hopefully things will not be as confusing. Thank you for your patience while we got this problem fixed.
All virtual students must check Schoology everyday! There is a daily check-in that needs to be done for attendance whether we are doing GoogleMeet or working on our own.
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your weekend. Please contact me if you have any questions or need any clarification!
Week 2 Update (August 30th from Mrs. Hyatt)
Dear Midway Band and Parents,
I hope that everyone had a wonderful first week of school! We had two great rehearsals last week with our freshmen and colorguard members and we can’t wait to welcome all of our marching members on Monday afternoon. Please drink plenty of water today and tomorrow to prepare for the Texas heat. It will be a very warm practice!
Here is what is happening this week:
Monday Morning (7:30am) - Leadership Team meeting in the band hall! Monday Afternoon (4:30-6:30) - First Full Marching Band practice! Tuesday (4:30-6:30) - Marching band practice Wednesday (4:00pm) - Letter Jacket fitting for those who qualify (details below) Thursday (4:30-6:30) - Marching band practice
Marching band students:
Please bring at least a gallon jug filled with water to practices. We will not be able to provide water due to UIL guidelines which prohibit sharing equipment/items. You will need to wear light clothes (no jeans), athletic shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Please be sure you have turned in your UIL physical if you haven’t already.
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
Colorguard:
Colorguard will begin weekly sectional work this week from 6:30-7:40pm on Thursdays. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kline (caitlin.kline@midwayisd.org).
Non-marching band students:
You should have all signed up for a lesson with Mrs. Hyatt this week through Sign-Up Genius. Please look for the link in your Schoology messages or in the Weekly Guide for this week. If you did not receive the link please email Mrs. Hyatt (pam.hyatt@midwayisd.org)
For all students:
Letter jacket fitting will be on Wednesday after school in the band hall. If you have not received a letter jacket packet but feel that you have earned your 60 points to qualify for one please email Mrs. Hyatt. Please see this link outlining the point system:http://www.midwayband.org/uploads/7/6/9/8/76984125/letter_jacket_policy.pdf. Points for competition are only accumulated during high school. Private lessons and attendance at a college summer band camp can be counted starting in 6th grade.
All students need to turn in their forms for UIL acknowledgement and the Field Trip form (pertains to fall and spring trips). You may also submit the optional OTC form for your student if they should need medicine while we are on a trip. You can email these forms to sarah.guhl@midwayisd.org
I hope everyone has a wonderful week. If you would like to donate water for our emergency supply (for students who accidentally forget their water for practice) please bring donations before or after practice. Please let me know if you have any questions! Have a wonderful week!
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