McKinney Boyd Band Newsletter
Week of 3/30-4/3
Weekly Announcements
Spring Trip: Update
The trip is officially cancelled.
Official Cancellation letter : CLICK HERE
We are slightly hung up two fold ensuring that all families that filed for insurance are in the correct group and getting the required insurance documentation files to submit from Director's choice now that it has officially been canceled.
While the official letter states, as I was encouraged to do so at the time, to begin filing your claims you will not be able to complete it at this time.
I am working with Director's choice to confirm that everyone is now in the correct group for their claim and to get those documents for you to submit.
I will reach out to everyone when I have that information.
Until then, our treasurer is in the process of writing checks for our 25% guaranteed refund back to families. (Insurance claims should get you back the other 75% ,as I was informed by Director's Choice, but will take longer to process).
***Understand that this is a point of high stress for every director/travel agency in the country at this point. I do not have all the answers but you can rest assured that taking care of our families is the highest point of focus right now and doing right by you is my highest priority. I am doing EVERYTHING in my power to protect you and find solutions. If you reach out to me with trip questions, I will respond as quickly as I can within 24-48hrs. I appreciate all your grace and patience.
ELearning begins this week
E-Learning officially begins for MISD on Monday March 30th.
The band staff has come up with a way consistent way for us to accomplish this.
Here is a general breakdown (WATCH THE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO HERE)
- Canvas will be the main hub for our classes
- On the main page there will be a document link that breaks down the goals, repertoire, resources and what's coming up each week.
- We will be using Smartmusic and google classroom (linked on the document) for assignments and specific class instructions
- That's it!
Here is the how to sign up for the premium (free to you) version of Smartmusic:
Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join
When prompted for a class code, please enter:
Honors Band: ELLQ3-L2XYU
Symphonic 1: 3TWJK-MYEDL
Symphonic 2: CE4PX-KY3EU
Concert Band: 3LNTD-4UDEL
Jazz Band: 2E64A-MUZPK
***Percussion will have their own classroom operated by Mr. G
Make sure you enter your correct instrument:
Clarinet in Bb
Trumpet in Bb
Horn in F
Euphonium (Baritone B.C)
Once you make a profile you should be able to see all of your assignments. Smart Music allows you to play each assignment with accompaniment and a metronome. It listens to you through the microphone and grades you based on staying with the met, correct notes, correct rhythms and It automatically grades you. The nice part is that you can try again and practice as many times as you want before submitting!
I have a google hangout open for any questions you might have. (You must be signed in to your MISD google account and then just search for Travis Treadwell). This will save my inbox and replying back and forth.
More Smart Music Tips:
How to view and complete assignments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcHeU-GbcWE
We strongly suggest using earbuds or headphones when you practice and record assignments. This will allow you to still hear the metronome track and accompaniment music, but will let your microphone only pick up YOUR sound playing.
You can practice/record an assignment as many times as you want! SmartMusic will save all of your takes. You will have the option to turn in or submit the one you liked best.
How to retake an assignment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC7P2rtz7X0&list=PLT82W0qZUBn8PGgwGtJoB6Bdht9jjzaQ4&index=4&t=0s
Interested in colorguard?
UIL Events through May 4th are cancelled
Need some stress relief.....
Due to Covid19 closures, the following professional groups are giving free concerts through streaming for the foreseeable future.
I particularly enjoyed the metropolitan opera who is streaming a musical/opera a day!
Link to Classical FM site that has info on EVERY group that is giving this unprecedented service
Remind 101 joining "Reminder"
Text the following code to the #81010 :
9th grade student: @boydband9
10th grade student: @boydband10
11th grade student: @boydband11
12th grade student: @boydband12
9th grade parent: @mbbandfm9
10th grade parent: @mbbandfm10
11th grade parent: @mbbandfm11
12th grade parent: @mbbandfm12
Incoming parent (current 8th grader): @mbhs8to9
Important information for Private lesson students/teachers
We are HIGHLY ENCOURAGING families who take private lessons to communicate with their teachers and work to the best of their ability to continue lessons remotely through Skype, Facetime or work out home lessons.
If you feel that you do not want to risk it, then we suggest "donating" your normal lesson fee's and working with your teacher to reschedule as necessary.
***This suggestion is for your discretion***:
We want to make sure that you are aware that teaching privately in some cases is the only source of income for many of our teachers. Any week/day that school is cancelled directly impacts their livelihood. Our teachers also have mortgages, rent, bills and groceries to take care of. Please keep this in mind when making your decisions.
Boyd Band Boosters Board and Liaison interest form
McKinney Boyd High School Bronco Band Social Media/Contact
Email: ttreadwell@mckinneyisd.net
Website: boydband.com
Location: 600 North Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, USA
Phone: 469-302-3400
Facebook: facebook.com/mbhsbroncoband