With so many variables about the 2020 school year up in the air, we’re working hard to respond to our rapidly changing world. Please know that our staff and administrators are constantly re-evaluating our plans moving forward in regards to safety, cost, and music-making. Here are some of the status updates.
1.Summer activities - Marching Band
***NEW*** Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, band camp is postponed (not canceled) until the state approves our school opening plan. I am hoping this will happen in the next week or two, but there is no way to tell. As soon as I hear that it is approved, we can then schedule band camp to start. A new schedule will be released at that time. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your flexibility and patience in this matter.
We will modify our traditional calendar as SCPS and Virginia come out with social distancing guidelines for the summer and fall. We’re considering hybrid models of virtual instruction and face-to-face instruction. Our priority is student engagement and connection.
Drumline may be offering online workshops throughout the summer for any interested students, regardless of their primary instrument or band enrollment
Below is our “normal” calendar. We’re working on how realistic/productive online training is, and watching the research closely that is being funded by the National Band Association on distancing guidelines for wind players.
Percussion – TBD
Newbies – TBD
Full Band Camp – TBD
Prior to school starting, the band is scheduled to have rehearsals on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm TBD
THE ABOVE SCHEDULE IS DEPENDENT ON SCHOOL DIVISION/STATE GUIDELINES AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE!
2.Status of marching band during the school year
Marching band is an odd hybrid: we follow the fall sports schedule (dictated by VHSL) but it is also part of our Band curriculum. All rehearsals, games, parades, competitions, and community performances are being reviewed, and plans will be made in accordance to state/SCPS guidelines.
3.Status of concert band
Concert/Jazz bands will continue to be offered as a standard course selection for next school year. Wind and Percussion players must enroll in the regular course in order to be in marching band. Placement in these ensembles is/has been done through audition/interview in consultation with Mr. Gillette and the CFHS Guidance department.
4.Band fees/Paperwork
We are only asking for a deposit of $100 right now. The rest will not be until the first day of in-person training. We do not want financial strain to be a reason for a student not to participate in band. We will be evaluating our current fees/deposits in order to reduce as much of the fees as possible. Please make sure to get all paperwork in to us as soon as possible. Anything that has to be physician signed, i.e. Physical/Overnight Health Form, can be brought in on the first day of rehearsal. We have to have the paperwork on file before a student can participate. Please contact Mr. Gillette (gilletterj@staffordschools.net) if you have any questions/concerns about the paperwork/fees. The file for the paperwork can be found on the main page of www.forgepride.com
5.Fundraising events- Tag Day
Our fundraisers happening is dependent on social distancing requirements. If we’re not able to solicit in person for donations (Tag Day), we will find creative and responsible ways to continue to raise funds for our programs.
6.Band Parent Orientation
A meeting for 2020-21 Band Families will be held virtually in the coming weeks, and will be advertised on our website as well as email communication.
Please know that we are being very deliberate and thorough in our preparations for next year. As more questions arise and/or are answered, we will continue to update this page and our website to reflect those changes.