Dear Band family,
We wanted to send a quick addendum to yesterday’s message. After checking with the high school administration, we have verified that any family who opts in to the virtual plan for the first semester will have the same curriculum for band classes as the students attending the hybrid schedule. Virtual students will be given the same assignments, the same due dates, and the same expectations for performance. Virtual students will be able to attend all afterschool activities as assigned by the directors and will have access to school owned instruments when appropriate (i.e. marching instruments for pep band). The only difference between the experience of most virtual students and that of the hybrid learners will be that the hybrid students will have two class meetings during the week for instructors to provide in person feedback. The virtual cohort will receive feedback either through Schoology or Google meetings.
Percussion students who opt in to virtual learning may be given modified assignments to accommodate available instruments at home. To that end, these students must have a practice pad and snare sticks available, at a minimum.
Color guard members who choose virtual will be able to check out equipment and will be given weekly skills-based assignments. We will coordinate equipment check out if needed once school starts.
We encourage all of our instrumentalists to seek private instruction every year, but families who choose the virtual option may find it especially helpful this year. If you would like a list of private instructors who are teaching online lessons please email Mr. Hagan (john.hagan@gmsdk12.org).
Please know, whichever option you choose for instruction, that you are a valued member of this program, and we will do our very best to make your experience as rewarding as possible. We look forward to the day when we can all be together again safely.
Mr. Taylor & Mr. Hagan