2020 Return to Play

Good morning Marching Tiger Parents and Guardians, 

This is the first FYI for the 20/21 School year!  As a reminder, this is the official location for accurate information regarding the detailed happenings of the Marching Tiger Band and Concert Bandsl. All other social media sources are NOT official informational outlets for the band. I do run an official twitter account for the program which you can follow at @PHSCTigerBand as well. The band's twitter account runs the gamut from informational, to school day info, to band humor.  

You might be aware that the percussion students returned to "at school" practices last week.  Many precautions and protocols are in place to help protect our students and staff from any viral infections related to Covid-19.  The protocols in effect today are called Phase 1 protocols and are being executed by all fall activities practicing right now.   

On Monday, June 22 the entire district will move to Phase 2.  In this phase many of the same safety precautions are still in place however the number of students allowed to gather increases.  We will be allowed to meet in socially distant groups off 50 starting Monday! This is HUGE, as groups of 50 make band practice for woodwinds and brass practical again!

There will be a Phase 3, however the details of this phase are unknown to me at this time.  Additionally, I have no information regarding what actual Marching Band will look like this fall.  I have no facts regarding what band will look like during the school day, at football games, or contests.  I will be sure to share facts with our band family as soon as they become concrete.  Regardless of whats to come I feel responsible to provide a Marching Band experience for all students at PHSC.  Despite the unknown, I feel our students and fans of the Marching Tigers will appreciate anything and everything we can do to maintain the traditions of this organization. 


First Practices Beginning Next Week
I have attached  an important PDF which will provide all parents with the links and more thorough information regarding the safety protocols.  After reading through this information you will need to provide two things on the day of your Child's first practice regarding Covid-19.  The first item is the district's Cover-19 waiver which must be signed and turned in ONCE upon arrival at the first practice.  The second item is a daily well-check screener.  Students must complete this screener before every practice.  Students will be asked to return home if they do not complete the daily well-check.  These precautions are to maintain the safety of everyone participating in the activity.  

Student Groupings
We will begin our practices on June 24th at 8am.  I will not start with full groups of 50.  As a precaution I will rehearse our groups by sections at a time.  Please see when your student will need to be at practice based on their instrument section listed below. (Guard and Percussion specific calendars are available through Mr. Gorgas and Ms. Allie.) 

Wednesday    6/24/2020     8am-9:30am      Flutes & Saxophones
Wednesday    6/24/2020     10am-11:30am    Clarinets & Field Commanders
Thursday         6/25/2020     8am-9:30am      Trumpets & Mellophones
Thursday         6/25/2020     10am-11:30am    Trombones, Baritones & Tubas
Friday              6/26/2020     8am-9:30am      Flutes & Saxophones
Friday              6/26/2020     10am-11:30am    Clarinets & Field Commanders
Monday          6/29/2020     8am-9:30am      Trumpets & Mellophones
Monday          6/29/2020     10am-11:30am    Trombones, Baritones & Tubas
Tuesday          6/30/2020     8am-9:30am      Flutes & Saxophones
Tuesday          6/30/2020     10am-11:30am    Clarinets & Field Commanders
Wednesday   7/1/2020         8am-9:30am      Trumpets & Mellophones
Wednesday.  7/1/2020         10am-11:30am    Trombones, Baritones & Tubas

NO Practices on July 2nd or 3rd.  No Parade on July 4th. 

As you can see everyone will have 3 rehearsals lasting 1.5 hours each.  The intent is for students to ease into a socially distant setting again, work on becoming more physically active and make music!  The goals are simple but are important to the development of the band.  I expect to see everyone there!  Be sure to bring water and wear tennis shoes. 

In conclusion, don't forget about the booster meeting Monday night.  The impact of  covid-19 did not stop at families and small businesses.  Look for a zoom invite for Monday's meeting very soon.  Please remain flexible and supportive of the students as we move forward.  I look forward to getting the band back together!!!

Best Wishes,

Mr Stowe