Patrick Marsh Middle School Band
This Week in Band at PMMS (May 3-7 2021)
More Good News!
As schools throughout Dane County continue to move to more in person learning options and opportunities, there are updates on mitigation and playing wind instruments (band) in schools. Dane County Public Health recently released Health Order #16 which will go into effect on May 5. Based on an International Aerosol Study, Health Order #16 allows wind instruments (band) indoors with music-specific mitigation techniques. These mitigation techniques have been developed following the science of the International Aerosol Study and have been successfully implemented in schools throughout Wisconsin and other states. This mitigation plan includes (if you are more of a video kind of person here is a link to a video of these mitigation techniques):
Masks worn at all times (a mask for your face). Protec mask for wind players (these are provided by the school district) and percussion use a traditional mask
Bell covers with a Merv 13 filter used on all wind instruments (a mask for your instrument)
Six feet distance between all participants
No shared instruments or mallets
Indoor class/rehearsals with air exchanges
Indoor class/rehearsals limited to 30 minutes followed by a break or move to another room for a minimum of one air exchange in the HVAC system (one air exchange is about 10 minutes in SPASD buildings)
With the implementation of Health Order #16 on May 5 these science-based and real-world tested mitigation measures may be used for indoor band classes in the Sun Prairie Area School District.
Specific Information
For In-Person Students:
We will continue to use our outdoor rehearsal space as much as possible to help keep the logistics of classes simple. In the event of inclement weather or other special circumstances, we will be using indoor rehearsal spaces that meet the guidelines set out by PHMDC above. Please continue to encourage your student to bring layers of clothing with them to school as it is very likely that they will be headed outside for class.For Online Students:
There will be no change in instructional model or quality. Students will continue to log into zoom for class.
Combined Spring Jazz Rehearsals Begin Tomorrow (May 3)
- 7th Grade Jazz members should plan to bring the jazz music already handed out.
- With our ability to rehearse outside in person, we plan to do a combined 6th and 7th grade jazz ensemble on Monday afternoons from 2:45-3:45 PM at PMMS in the tent starting May 3rd. We will rehearse for four weeks (May 3, 10, 17, and 24).
- All band students are welcome regardless of instrument or grade level! We will learn the fundamentals of jazz and work on a combined piece together.
- Online students are welcome to join us for these rehearsals using Mr. Gleason's Zoom Link.
- Transportation will not be available after jazz so families will need to make arrangements for their own transportation.
Previous Information
In-Person Spring Band Concert - May 26th
How Will It Work?
The bands will set up on the pavement facing the large grass area behind PMMS (see map below). Family members will park in the front parking lot of PMMS and then walk to the back. Family members should plan to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to sit on. Handicap parking will be available in the "turn around drive" by door #7.
Is It Safe?
Our band musicians will be seated 6 feet apart per PHMDC and SPASD guidelines. This will allow your children to safely perform together unmasked. Audience members are asked to be seated in the lawn area 6 feet apart and masked (individuals from the same family can be closer). Safety is our number one goal. We do have special musician masks and bell covers available to students upon request.
What Will Students Need To Bring?
Band members will need to bring their instruments and band music. This includes percussion, tuba, euphonium, horn, and any player who has a school instrument at home. All school instruments will be collected after the concert so that we can clean, repair and inventory all of the instruments. Students using school instruments and who are continuing in band next year will have a new instrument checked out to them before the end of the school year.
Can "Virtual" and AVID Band Students Participate In The Concert?
YES! We will prepare for the concert both in rehearsals and in lessons. All virtual and AVID students are encouraged to participate in the concert.
Is The Concert Required?
Typically our concerts are required as they are an essential part of the learning process and a natural extension of what we do in the classroom. However, given that we are still in a pandemic and there wasn't much "lead time" regarding the concert date, we will not require participation. We would highly encourage everyone to participate as it will celebrate your children's hard work, determination and perseverance. If you child cannot attend, we would ask that you email to let us know so we can plan ahead.
What Happens If It Rains?
We will hold Thursday, May 27 as our "rain date".
What Time Will Students Need To Arrive?
Band members should be in their seats by 6:45 PM. We will do a short warm-up and then begin the concert promptly at 7:00 PM.
What Should The Students Wear?
There will not be an assigned uniform. Students can wear typical school clothes. Of course, students who have any "band swag" are certainly welcome to show it off!
Band Lesson Schedule - Version 9,459.2
- With the pivot to teaching larger cohorts 4 days per week and our ability to teach outside in-person, we have modified the lesson schedule again.
- This will be the final lesson schedule change of the year. We are planning on doing four more weeks of lessons (April 26-May 21).
- The focus of the lessons will be on the current band music in preparation for the concert.
- Due to pairing up students for lessons, we will not complete the lesson summary after each lesson. We will, however, include feedback at the end of the semester.
- Click HERE to see the new schedule or the button below.
Need Supplies?
IMPORTANT LINKS
Patrick Marsh Middle School Bands
Email: cpgleas@sunprairieschools.org
Website: http://www.spbb.org/patrick-marsh-bands.html
Location: 1351 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie, WI, United States
Phone: (608) 834-7625