Cougar Band Update
Virtual Learning Week #2
Welcome to WEEK #2 of Virtual Learning!
Last week was a lot of fun and definitely a learning experience for all of us! We were thrilled to see some of our students join us throughout the week! We noticed a few conflicts with last week's Google Meet schedule, so we took our student's survey results into account when planning for the upcoming week. You will see a completely different schedule this week that will hopefully accommodate our students' needs much better. Please note that students should attend all scheduled Google Meets or communicate via email or Google Classroom conflicts.
Communication
We will continue to use a variety of ways to reach our Coyle families. These include:
-Remind 101 (http://www.remind.com) code: coylemsb
-Charms (http://www.charmsoffice.com) school code: coylemsband student area password: your student ID (add the letter s in front if you have logged in before)
-Skyward (https://skyward-gprod.iscorp.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsedugarlandtx/seplog01.w)
-Google Classroom (we are using the SPRING semester classes for all students; Percussion will use their specific Percussion classes that have been active)
Assignments
Most assignments will be submitted through Smart Music (http://www.smartmusic.com). Username: student school email address; Password: Smartmusic
Smart Music Assignment #1 is due THIS FRIDAY. Check it out now!
Some assignments are to be submitted through Google Classroom. ALL STUDENTS have one video playing assignment due in Google Classroom this MONDAY, March 30th. It's simple: Perform ANYTHING and submit the video in the assignment titled "Player's Choice". Please let us know if you need help with this.
Virtual Classes
GISD has chosen to use Google Meets for a lot of virtual learning. We will continue to use a CMS Band code for all full program meetings. Every class lesson will have it's own specific code that is shared via Google Classroom. Students are expected to be professional in every meeting/lesson. Every online event will be recorded. This includes not only your audio/video but also student comments in the chat section.
This Week's Coyle Band Schedule
Our schedule for WEEK 2 of Virtual Band Class is as follows:
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY (same schedule for both days)
- 1:00PM Beginning Saxophone https://meet.google.com/peo-onrm-kja
- 1:00PM Beginning Trombone https://meet.google.com/oag-cfwz-ego
- 1:30PM Beginning Clarinet https://meet.google.com/fcu-bztn-bvd
- 1:30PM Beginning Euphonium/Tuba https://meet.google.com/zop-cuub-cbd
- 2:00PM Beginning Flute https://meet.google.com/uzg-tbqt-psv
- 2:00PM Beginning Trumpet https://meet.google.com/mud-xvcr-zin
- 2:30PM Beginning Bassoon https://meet.google.com/btc-sxue-eph
- 2:30PM Beginning French Horn https://meet.google.com/dgg-jaic-jgb
TUESDAY & THURSDAY (same schedule for both days)
- 12:00PM Non-Varsity Percussion https://meet.google.com/nur-aubz-sch
- 12:30PM Varsity Percussion https://meet.google.com/_meet/wqd-hhgm-qns
- 1:00PM Varsity Woodwinds https://meet.google.com/vxs-derj-uye
- 1:00PM Non-Varsity Woodwinds https://meet.google.com/cts-jhcw-xzi
- 2:00PM Varsity Brass https://meet.google.com/epa-mwts-yxd
- 2:00PM Non-Varsity Brass https://meet.google.com/vsw-fthm-new
WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY (same schedule for both days)
- 11:30AM Beginning Percussion https://meet.google.com/ius-gmnc-sge
FRIDAY
We will be sending out more information on our Friday plan. Make sure you're receiving notifications via Remind 101, Skyward, and Google Classroom!
In addition to the above CLASS schedule, your band directors will have OFFICE HOURS for students to "meet" for any questions. Beginning woodwinds & brass may also play scale pass-offs during scheduled office hours.
Mrs. McHenry: 10:00-11:00AM daily; https://meet.google.com/ehg-ddac-yxa
Mr. Lira: 11:00AM-12:00PM daily; https://meet.google.com/opv-umve-hcy
Mr. McHenry: varies by day; https://meet.google.com/tsz-znqg-ivi
Google Meets NORMS
- Do your very best to be in a QUIET environment.
- Use headphones if you have them.
- Press "mute" (left button under your video) BEFORE joining any Meet.
- Wear school-appropriate clothing.
- If you are using the (preferred) video feature, we must be able to see your face and hands--especially when we are playing!
- Setup your practice area to promote great playing posture. Use a chair (no bed) and music stand if at all possible.
- Again, all Google Meets will be recorded, so conduct yourself in a way that will represent you and the school in a positive light.
PRACTICE RECORDS have gone DIGITAL!
NEW this week! Practice Records are now DIGITAL. Students will receive credit for practicing by submitting this form: https://forms.gle/xrwuNHxX2aQe5baS7
Students are urged to submit EVERY time they practice; however, students may submit the week's combined practice time by FRIDAY each week.
This information gives our GISD High School band directors a great opportunity to plan for next year. Please take a couple of minutes to submit this form!
Band Fees
We will still be collecting band fees. Statements will be emailed out weekly. At this time, Paypal is the only way to pay. We know that COVID-19 has had a huge impact on some families' financial situation. We completely understand. If a family is in a financial crisis because of the virus, we will hold off on collecting fees. It is important that we take care of the financials, but it is more important for families to take care of themselves. Most of the fees involved items and services that have already been provided. We trust each and every parent and child to pay what they can when they can. The CMS band program is a family and we will conduct ourselves in this manner.
Band Practice-athon
This is currently on hold. We are hoping to reschedule, but at this point we do not know how the year will turn out. It is ok to get some pledges of funds if we are able to complete the fundraiser.
Events Cancelled
We don't know yet about our events scheduled in May, but we will do our best to keep our band families informed!
2020 GISD Summer Band Camp
Are you receiving REMIND texts from us?!?
Go to www.remind.com (or download the app) to join our CMS Band Remind: @coylemsb
Do you know an incoming COYLE 6th/7th/8th grader that is interested in joining BAND?
Private lessons are one of the keys to a successful band program!
Our lesson staff is made up of professional musicians who specialize in your child's instrument. This is quite an interesting time for everyone, including lesson teachers and students! Many of our teachers are continuing to teach our students using different technology platforms such as FaceTime, Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, etc. Right now is a FANTASTIC time to add lessons to your weekly schedule! Contact your child's lesson teacher to get setup for virtual private lessons! Find their contact info here: http://coyleband.com/private-lessons/
school code: coylemsband
student area password: GISD ID number (when prompted, add the letter "s" in front of your child's ID number)
SMART MUSIC
All students should now have a www.smartmusic.com login. Instructions on how to login:
{Remember to use CHROME as your browswer}
Go to www.smartmusic.com.
Click on "login".
Click on the left picture for "New Smart Music".
Type your GISD email in the "username or email" section.
Type your password (every password *should* be Smartmusic).
Ask your band student to log in and show you his/her assignments or what they have been practicing. This is such an important practice tool to help our students advance on their instruments!
Practice with your FRIEND!
How do YOU make practicing fun?!?!? Submit pictures to us @ mailto:hwmchenr@garlandisd.net!
Garland ISD Support
Below are some links provided by the district for continued support:
Technology survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScp4POP_elA5kT1qW1d4asXbh_LJfuOWgasugw0BZu_KIghKw/viewform
COVID-19 Info: https://www.garlandisd.net/content/coronavirus-covid-19
Coronovirus resources: https://www.garlandisd.net/content/resources-coronavirus-covid-19
Curbside Meal pick-up locations: https://www.garlandisd.net/node/11272
At-Home Learning: https://sites.google.com/garlandisd.net/gisd-distance-learning
Contact your directors
Email: ralira@garlandisd.net
Website: coyleband.com
Location: 4500 Skyline Drive, Rowlett, TX, USA
Phone: (972)475-3711
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoyleMSBand/
Twitter: @coyle_band