Dear Band Family: As you no doubt know by now, in light of the most recent developments with the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, and out of an abundance of safety and caution, Fulton County Schools has closed all buildings until further notice beginning Friday March 13 (I know, Friday the 13th...). LGPE cancelled. WGI, SAPA (guard) and GIPA (percussion) cancelled the rest of their seasons. Thursday evening Carnegie Hall shut down. At the recommendation of WHO, CDC and NY Governor, Broadway closed it's doors on Friday until April 12. Broadway literally coined the phrase "the show must go on," but this unprecedented step was the only way that theater companies and actors would be financially protected from loss of ticket sales. As a result of these changes, the organizers for the Carnegie Hall Music Festival postponed or cancelled all scheduled festival performances through April 12. Obviously the combination of this action along with our FC school system closing (and the consequential inability to have group rehearsals) has resulted in our Spring Trip being cancelled. I can assure you that Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Crisman and our Band Boosters have worked very hard since the start of school to organize a great trip (I know, I've organized it three times prior to this) and are working diligently to take it back apart (ie. recoup funds). More info coming soon.
Needless to say, we are ALL disappointed and sad with the turn of events that are honestly, completely out of our control. We're not going to let all of our hard work in rehearsal go to waste. We're pushing the annual Spring Concert out to mid-May. Let's make our Spring Concert a HUGE BASH!!
We miss you guys already! I am thankful every day to be able to work with such an amazing Band Program with such talented and great students. Together we will weather this storm! MJW
============================================= As a result of our school system being closed, beginning Monday March 16 all schools will be delivering instruction via Teleschool (FCS strategy for learning continuity when schools are out for extended periods of time). Each area of discipline has been assigned by FCS and will be executed on a different day of the week. BAND LESSONS (electives) WILL BE TAUGHT / EXECUTED ON WEDNESDAYS. The minimum online expectation is 1 hour per elective. You will of course be expected to keep up with practice on your instrument. New spring concert music may be presented via Smartmusic. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL (for details), Smartmusic, MS TEAMS and MS OneNote DAILY for assignments. If you have questions or issues with Smartmusic, email or contact Mr. Jenkins. All instructors will be available via TEAMS on Wednesdays. As this is unfamiliar territory for all, we'll do the best we can to make it work for you!