MHS Band Weekly Update
Week of August 31, 2020
Getting in the Swing of Things
I'm very pleased to report that we had a great two days of school with our Th/F cohort last week. We are excited to see our M/T students tomorrow!
Since we only get to see in-person students twice per week, please help by making sure that they are ready for class each day they come to MHS. Students should have
- Instrument in good working order (ready to play)
- ALL supplies that they need to play - reeds, valve oil, lyre, flip folder, etc
- ALL music that has been assigned to them - music can be downloaded and printed by going to www.marshallbands.org, clicking on the "Band Camp" link, and then printing off their parts
- A FULLY CHARGED Chromebook (a dead Chromebook is a useless Chromebook)
My Technologoy Doesn't Work...HELP!!!
If you are experiencing technical difficulty at home, here are a few more common issues that might be the culprit:
- Make sure that your child is logged in using their MPS email address - some functions will not work with personal email addresses
- If you have internet issues at home, make sure your child downloads the material when they are at school. School parking lots can also be used for wireless access if needed. See Mr. Turner's recent email for more info.
If that doesn't help solve your issue, the bad news is that I've just exhausted my technical expertise. HOWEVER, you can still submit a "ticket" to our Tech Department and they will assist. To do that, click on the link and fill out the form:
This Week's Google Meet Schedule
Symphonic Band - 10am
Concert Band - 11am
Links will be sent via Google Classroom.
Learning Focus - Week of August 31, 2020
- MHS Fight Song
- Aretha Pre-Opener
- Think
- Respect (beginning to learn at school - remote-only students should practice)
Remote-Only Students - I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!
If there is an issue that is preventing your child from participating actively in their Remote-Only instruction, PLEASE let me know ASAP!!!
Practice Log - NEW for ALL Students!
Practicing at home has always been an important part of band. This year, however, it is even MORE important. Please encourage regular practice at home and remind your child to fill out their practice log.
Bell Covers - REQUIRED for playing
2020 MHS Band Shirt Sponsorships
We Need Your Help!
Typically, band camp costs have been used to offset shirt costs, but since band camp was only $50 this year, we are not able to do that.
The shirts that have been chosen for this year will cost approx $20 each. They are high-quality dri-fit shirts that the students like to wear. My hope is to raise enough Sponsorship money to make the cost in the $10/shirt neighborhood for families.
Giving Levels this year have been scaled back and include:
- Platinum - $500
- Gold - $300
- Silver - $200
- Bronze - $100
- Special "Donate a Shirt" Level - $20
Bronze - Platinum giving levels will have advertisement space on the back of the shirt. If you or your business cannot donate that much money, I'd ask that you consider "donating a shirt" for $20.
To donate, please email Mr. Root at jroot@marshallpublicschools.org
Upcoming Rehearsal/Performance Schedule
We are going to have Monday night rehearsals from 6:30 - 8:30p on September 14, 21, 28, and October 5. This will allow us to learn our marching music together and get prepared for potential HS Football in March. To stay under the 100-person requirement we will have the drumline rehearse on their own in a different spot at the same time.
These rehearsals have multiple benefits - they allow us to get together as a group that includes our students who are remote-only AND they help us prepare for a football season in early Spring. I'd MUCH rather rehearse outside NOW than in February!
Additionally, I would LIKE to do a performance on October 12 in the football stadium. If we cannot perform because of crowd-size limitations, I would like to have the band recorded so that we can create a video of our performance that can be shared via YouTube and social media.
I continue to believe that it is important that we provide students and opportunity to interact and play music in a way that is safe. Those two points remain my primary goals for the Fall.
Marshall HS Bands
Email: jroot@marshallpublicschools.org
Website: www.marshallbands.org
Phone: 269.781.1252
Facebook: facebook.com/marshallhsbands
Twitter: @marshallhsbands