Cougar Band Update
WELCOME to Virtual Learning
INSTRUMENT PICKUP: Updated SUNDAY night
Emergency Instrument Pickup Instructions
Due to the shelter in place order that will begin on Monday night @ 11:59PM, the district is allowing a 4-hour window for band families to retrieve band instruments and/or band equipment. Please read all details below and arrive between 4-8PM to retrieve your child’s band items. This is the ONLY opportunity that we will have to get instruments to students, as the buildings will be closed indefinitely.
Procedures:
Garland ISD Instrument pickup Monday, March 23 from 4-8pm
Coyle Band Instrument Pickup @ Door 17 (exterior door closest to band hall)
Parents will drive through the BUS route (turn left instead of continuing down carpool lane).
Please stay in ONE line to maintain order.
Directors will set the instrument on the sidewalk.
Students/parents may exit the vehicle at that time to get the instrument/equipment.
After loading your band instrument/equipment, please safely exit through the bus route.
Important Notes:
THERE IS NO CONTACT WHATSOEVER BETWEEN TEACHERS/PARENTS/STUDENTS. Directors and parents/students must remain 6+ feet apart at all times.
Parents/students are not allowed in the building.
You are NOT to come pick up instruments at the same time as technology pickup.
This is a DRIVE THRU system only.
THIS IS A ONE TIME ONLY PICKUP
It is imperative that all band instruments are picked up in this time frame, because we do not know when/if there will be another opportunity.
First of all, we want to say thank you to each and every student and parent for your patience during this transitional time. We have been in virtual meetings all week. Everyone from the superintendent, to our VAPA director, to our principals are all relaying the same message; The health and well-being of our students and their families is the most important thing to Garland ISD. We are all in uncharted territory and we are all having to make the adjustments. We will get through this crisis. We also want to assure you that we understand how different families have different challenges. Please understand that we will do everything we can to help our students be successful in our new home learning environment. We will work with any and all situations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Lira or Mrs. McHenry at any time with any concerns. Email is the best way to get a hold of us. We suggest that you email us both.
Our Philosophy
We know that a lot of this is incredibly new and possibly stressful for our band families. From sharing devices to needing supplies, we are ready to work through these obstacles with each and every one of you. Our number one priority is student safety. Second is to concentrate on playing our instruments. We are choosing to look at the bright side of things. We will be able to explore more individual music, pop tunes, and allow our students more freedom to decide what to play. What if technology doesn't work for you one day? Whatever the issue--we want our students to KEEP PRACTICING. There are a lot of challenges in the world today. MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.
What to expect...
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
Assignments will be posted and due dates will be specific. Please pay close attention to instructions on each assignment.
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.
Join us for our scheduled GOOGLE MEETS!
When we meet as an entire band program, you will use the following link: https://meet.google.com/zid-tbjm-jve
It is simplest to click on the link on a computer/laptop/chromebook, BUT you may also go to http://google.meet.com and type in the code in the above photo (zid-tbjm-jve). You may also add the Google Meet app on your device if preferred.
Another option is to use your phone to dial this number for audio only: 402-946-0206 PIN: 229 732#
Our schedule for WEEK 1 of Virtual Learning is as follows:
Monday
Chromebook pickup
Practice logging in
Google classroom
Smart Music
Tuesday @ 11:30AM: Full band program Meet (the original time was changed due to a faculty meeting)
Wednesday
10:00AM: Beginning Flute & Trumpet
10:30AM: Beginning Bassoon & French Horn
11:00AM: Beginning Clarinet & Trombone
11:30AM: Beginning Saxophone, Euphonium/Tuba & Percussion
Thursday
10:00AM: Non-Varsity Woodwinds & Varsity Woodwinds
11:00AM: Non-Varsity Brass & Varsity Brass
12:00PM: Non-Varsity Percussion
12:30PM: Varsity Percussion
- Friday
- 10:00AM: Beginning Flute & Trumpet
- 10:30AM: Beginning Bassoon & French Horn
- 11:00AM: Beginning Clarinet & Trombone
- 11:30AM: Beginning Saxophone, Euphonium/Tuba & Percussion
Each of the scheduled Google Meet lessons should last approximately 20 minutes. The first meeting on Tuesday may take a bit longer to help students/parents with questions.
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.
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
Weekly Practice Records
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
MONDAY, March 23: Chromebook pick-up as scheduled (only those who submitted the form)
TUESDAY, March 24: 10:00AM CMS Band Google Meet
WEDNESDAY, March 25: Beginning Band Classes Google Meets
THURSDAY, March 26: Varsity & Non-Varsity Band Google Meets
FRIDAY, March 27: Beginning Band Classes Google Meets
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