Reposted from an email sent on 3Aug2020...
(edited by MSY; we are always ready to adapt with the presentation of new information, protocols, or directives from Otterbein admin and other health agencies - please stay flexible) Good morning band! Happy Monday! I have a couple new email addresses, so I'll have some repeat info in this newsletter to catch up anyone new. First, thanks to all of you who were able to come to the Zoom meeting last Friday. I know it was short notice, but sometimes it's better to give out certain info in person. To recap: - Whatever ends up happening with the class, I'm told the athletic band scholarship will be honored. -We have 3 plans: Plan A - Everything moving forward as expected with camp and rehearsals. Performances as allowed Plan B - Later start. No camp. Plan C - Virtual -We plan to use the state color codes for designating Covid risk. Orange or Yellow - Normal rehearsals including sectionals and full band. Red - Sectionals only. No more than 10 people at a time including staff. Purple - Virtual -We have been asked at this time to do no drill. -We will be outside only. -There will be a large tent in front of Battelle as well as smaller tents around. -We are able to use the Alum Amphitheater as well. -We will use 4 step intervals (7.5 feet) as well as masks when not actively playing. -We hope to be allowed to schedule performances. Possible performance ideas are: Pop-Up performance in the amphitheater "Spirit" parades ala Disneyworld Combine with a local school Play at a hospital Play in neighborhoods Play at functions in town -It is possible that there will be football and even basketball in the spring. There is no decision or schedule yet. We will have to figure out how that might work. It feels like things keep changing every five minutes. I'll keep you up to date with anything new. For now, our schedule remains in place. BAND CAMP: Our traditional band camp is going to be somewhat different than in years past. They are not allowing anyone to move in until Saturday, August 15. There will be new rules about that, so we will have to be flexible. Individuals will have to sign up for an appointment. More on that to come. Camp was supposed to begin on the 9th. That obviously can't happen. My current plan is to send you all as much music as possible so you can start practicing. We'll do some virtual rehearsing and use things like Flipgrid, Zoom or even Smart Music. We will do whatever we can on Saturday the 15th after move in. Sunday we'll get a nice longer day. Monday and Tuesday, most of the staff are teaching in the public schools, so like last year, there will likely be sectionals in the morning and more visual in the afternoon and evening. Traditionally, Wednesday would begin the new student orientation things. It seems that there will be required events Wednesday-Friday. We may be able to squeeze some time into the following weekend. Since they are only allowing a certain number of people in the Nest at one time, we will have no choice but to stagger meal times. We will most likely have to do that by section. We will be outside for all Marching Band activities at this point. HEALTH PROTOCOLS: Safety first! -Everyone needs their own supply of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and face masks. -Otterbein will also have disinfecting wipes in classrooms and hand sanitizer stations throughout the campus. -I understand that Otterbein will supply students with two face coverings. The band is also supplying a gaiter. -Everyone needs their own supply of water. Please buy a jug and mark it with your name. -If we are eventually allowed to play indoors (frankly not likely), there will be "puppy pads" supplied for opening water keys. These must be discarded at the end of every rehearsal. If you miss your pad, clean your immediate area with a disinfecting wipe.. Do not clean another person's area. -Lyers and flipfolders will be provided. Percussion will have wire music stands. -Masks need to be on at all times. Simply move aside to play, and then replace when not playing. -Rehearsals will be outdoors. -We will maintain 4 step intervals (7.5 feet). -Each individual is responsible for cleaning their immediate area. Please do not leave trash or anything else scattered about. There can be no "lost and found" area. UNIFORM: With the current health issues, we will not be wearing the uniforms this year. We have ordered hats and gaiters. We'll make other decisions once we find out what we are allowed to do. Let's plan to be relaxed this year. INFO FORM: Dr. Yonchak has posted the info Google form. If have not filled that out yet, please do as soon as possible. Also, if you know of folks who have not been a part of our band before but should be, please invite them and forward the link. We will be excited to have all interested parties in all sections. That link will be on the Otterbein Band website at http://www.otterbeinbands.com/ Click on "Yay Band!". Please also take time to explore the band website. Dr. Yonchak has added important new content. CLASS REGISTRATION: It appears that a few of you have not yet registered for the actual class. That is very important. Please do that as soon as possible. PEP BAND MUSIC SURVEY: If you have not yet filled out the Pep Band Music Survey, here is your friendly reminder. It will take you about a minute to do it. I would really like your input. https://bit.ly/30ds0pb FRONT ENSEMBLE: We are still planning to have the front ensemble this year. Since equipment is always an issue, if you're intending to be in the FE, please let me know right away. Also please let me know what you'd like to play. We just need to time to assemble things and make plans. Lovell will audition the group and make final decisions. SEASON: Our rehearsal schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:15-6:15. I'll add performance opportunities when they are approved. MUSIC: You gave me many good suggestions, and I have received some since. I'm looking to see what's available and either still in print or that I can borrow. Look for a survey this week. CLASS CONFLICT: I have heard from some of you about a class conflict, and I have tried to make sure I contacted the registrar about any overrides. If you needed that and you don't see it done yet, please email me right away. JAZZ ENSEMBLE: While you're looking at registration, please consider giving Jazz Ensemble a try. We need people in all sections. Are you interested in learning more about different styles? Trying to improve doubling chops? Come give this a try. The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00-9:00. FORMS: On the website are some important pdf's for individuals. You'll find: Percussion Audition Packet Recurring Class Conflict Form One Time Absence Form You'll find these under the CMB Info tab. BAND CAMP MATERIALS: You should start accumulating a few items that you will need through the season. They are: Sneakers (not sandals, boots, uggs, clogs, loafers, etc) Hi-top basketball shoes are not acceptable footwear. No need to spend a bundle of money. It's important to have footwear appropriate for this activity to avoid injury. Socks (very important) Little "footies" that slip down are not good. Please make sure they come up to at least the ankle. Sun block Hat Sunglasses Insect repellant Pencil (more than one!) 1" 3 ring binder Plastic sheets (go ahead and put your music in these) Water jug - 1 gallon We do not share. No spreading illness! We're rehearsing at the athletic field, and there is no running water. Bringing a jug is very important. Please don't try to get by with a smallish bottle. At camp, it just won't be enough. We will NOT be able to provide a community water cooler this year. Bag or backpack in which to keep all the stuff Metronome and tuner (just because) Reeds, valve oil, stick tape, lyers, flip folders, etc. Band aids Wire music stand. This will be very important. RECRUITING: It is most definitely not too late to join our group. Please recruit your friends. In particular, we would like to increase our brass and saxophone numbers, especially tuba. MUSIC AND ARTS: Music and Arts is our local music store. They are located within walking distance from campus at 43 N. State St. right next to the Church of the Messiah. MY CONTACT: While I have an Otterbein address, it goes unused most of the time. The best email for me is vilanovj@wcsoh.org and my cell is [check your email for cell number]. I can't wait to see you! No matter what, we're going to make it fun! Please be safe! Jordi |
Archives |