If we have rain tomorrow (Aug 3) we will do an alternate plan of getting students their music and supplies at the front of the school so we can be ready for Tuesday. Students should still come at their assigned times by section (check you email or coopersvillebands.org for the schedule). If we need the alternate plan I will send an email and website post at 8:00am.
If we do the alternate plan it will be a pick up a go rather than staying for the assigned hour.
If the rain holds off, we will do our normal Monday schedule (see https://coopersvillebands.org/finalbandcamp2020/)
Arrival and departure procedures – including the check in process & health screening
Checklist of items students should bring to camp
If a student is enrolled in band for the fall semester and is unable to attend band camp for any reason please email the band directors. We understand that every family has varying comfort levels and circumstances. We want to work with every family to create the best experience possible.
LOGISTICS FOR BAND CAMP
WE ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON DURING CAMP.
Any wind players needing their instrument, reeds, lyre, other musical supplies fill out the google form as soon as possible.Percussionists (drumline and pit) do not need to fill this out.
After checking in, students should head directly to the marching band field.
THE BLACK BAND TEE SHIRT WILL SERVE AS OUR UNIFORM FOR NOW. – ORDER FORM
All freshmen and current members needing a new shirt need to fill out the order form by Friday, August 7th.
The cost of the shirt is $10.
We are not currently issuing marching band uniforms but this may change. This shirt is worn under the full marching band uniform and serves as our “summer/alternate uniform.”
We use the same tee shirt every year.
Students may pay (but are not required to) when checking in at band camp. It may take several weeks for the order to come in. If a student already owns a shirt they do not need to fill out the form and order a new shirt.
WE ARE ASKING FOR A $25 BAND DONATION AS OPPOSED TO A FEE
We understand that these are financially difficult times for many families.
Our fundraising opportunities will be limited – including pushing our Fall chocolate sale to later time
This fee helps cover the cost of: purchasing new uniforms (new marching uniforms were purchased in February of 2020), instruments, clinicians/instructors throughout the year, music & drill writing software, awards, pins, administrative supplies and more.
CHECKS PAYABLE TO: COOPERSVILLE BAND BOOSTERS
ARRIVAL
STUDENTS SHOULD PARK IN THE ATHLETIC PARKING LOT OR BE DROPPED OFF NEAR THE TENNIS COURTS. (SEE MAP)
Upon arrival students will need to check in before entering rehearsal.
ONLY CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BAND MEMBERS SHOULD BE IN THE CHECK IN LINE
This will help with social distancing
If you have questions or concerns please contact the directors via email prior to rehearsal.
CHECK IN CONSISTS OF EACH STUDENT FILLING OUT A HEALTH SCREENING & HAVING THEIR TEMPERATURE TAKEN.
Students should fill out the screening via smartphone if possible
Dear Parents, Students and our Band Family at large,
We are making changes to our band camp schedule. This was not an easy decision and we have circumstances we have never dealt with before. The directors have spent a lot of time talking with our administration and other area band directors to help guide our path forward. We have been monitoring band programs throughout the state and many have reduced their contact time and some have decided to cancel their camp entirely. We very much still want to provide an opportunity for our students to develop community and learn, but it will look a little different than previous years. We are following current guidelines and procedures to keep people safe while making a plan that will work for us.
We understand that not everyone will agree with all the decisions made. We understand and respect this and we ask that you be flexible with us as well. This has been a very difficult summer to say the least.
What can you expect?
We want to provide the band an opportunity to play again and to form bonds through music. We look forward to welcoming our new freshmen members and reuniting with our upperclassmen. Just as our athletic teams have had to make modifications to the way they do things so will we. Mr. VanStrien and Mrs. Borst have been sitting in on school scheduling meetings and the district is still in the planning stages of what the year will look like. Regardless of what the fall school schedule will look like, we will be flexible and do our best to create the best experience for our students while maintaining our traditions. Overall our goal is to provide a positive and meaningful experience for our students.
The Season
Music has been prepared this summer to be flexible to changing conditions. The music has been organized by decades and can be flexible to add and remove sections as needed. Music has been selected from our virtual learning list which was one of the band assignments this past spring. We have a roster of 125 band members but only 77 that have signed a commitment to camp that we sent out at the end of the school year. We understand that many parents may be watching and waiting to see what happens. We understand that and will be flexible. The issue that this caused however was that the drill could not be designed over the summer as usual. Once we begin the school year we will have a much clearer picture of where we are at. The drill section will begin with the school year. Our modified camp will focus on marching fundamentals and music and establishing our family culture.
Logistics and Building Use
During our time of camp we are not permitted to use the building. In a normal camp building use is essential for sectionals, breaks, lunches and having time out of the sun. We will still ask students to bring their own filled water bottles and sunblock but our day will be much shorter. Personal items should be labeled. There will be emergency use of the bathroom at the stadium but only one person will be allowed at a time.
Our first day will consist of basic logistics. We know there will be student needs for supplies and instruments. We will be setting up separate stations to make sure every student has what they need. The report time is staggered to avoid large gatherings. Please see the attached map.
We must also adhere to the 100 person limit to outdoor activities. There will be some groups rehearsing at a different campus location to match these numbers with an instructor.
Students will have to take instruments and personal belongings after each rehearsal. There will be no building storage. We will have the band trailer for the large instruments (Sousaphone, Bari Sax), drumline and pit.
Performances
We don’t what the future holds and how that would impact our performances. If we can not perform at football games we will develop our own independent show that can be recorded or showcased to a smaller audience. This will be an ongoing update as the months progress.
Uniforms
At this time we are not fitting students for uniforms as we would typically do at camp. When we have a clear picture of what the school year will look like we will reassess and develop procedures as needed.
Band Fee
We are changing our band fee to a $25 donation. Even though our camp is shortened we do still have expenses to pay. We understand that these are difficult times for many families financially, so we are asking for a donation as opposed to a fee. We will not have the opportunity for fundraising for quite some time and your donation is very much appreciated.
Again, we ask for all of your flexibility and support. We are very excited to see students again and we are doing our best to adapt to new situations. It has been a very stressful summer for teachers and it’s hard not knowing what may happen next. We will keep you informed as best as we can.
NEW SCHEDULE
*See map for arrival, check in and pick up locations
July 28th – High School Leadership Team Only (accepted members in grades 10-12) 9:00am – 11:00am
Check in will begin at 8:40 *After check in we will move to the covered section of the tennis courts.
Aug 3 – Logistics Day – All Grades (9th – 12th) by instrument sections
9:00am -10:00amWoodwinds Check in times for woodwinds 8:30 – 8:40 Woodwind Leadership Team Members 8:40 – 8:50 Flutes, Alto Saxophones 8:50 – 9:00 Clarinets, Bass Clarinets, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax
10:45am – 11:45pmBrass Check in times for brass 10:15 – 10:25 Brass Leadership Team Members 10:25 – 10:35 Trumpets, Sousaphones (Tubas) 10:35 – 10:45 Trombones, Mellophones ( horns), Baritone
1:00pm – 3:00pmPercussion (Drumline & Pit) w/ Mark Lopez Check in times for percussion 12:30 – 12:40 Percussion Leadership Team Members 12:40 – 12:50 A-K Last Names 12:50 – 1:00 L- Z Last Names
Aug 4 – 5 – Music and Marching Fundamentals 9:00am -11:00am
Check in Times 8:30 – 8:40 Leadership Team 8:40 – 8:50 Drumline/Pit, Woodwinds 8:50 – 9:00 Brass
We (the directors) are working very carefully to provide a quality camp this August. We are following mandates by both the State government and our school district. We do not have the option of making our own rules or procedures regarding the pandemic.
Here is the updated information based upon conversations with administration last week.
Masks – We will not need masks during our field time outside. We will however keep a safe distance. Students need masks if they need to use the bathroom inside in any other close situation they may encounter.
Water – The boosters will work on a refilling solution. Lager individual containers or coolers are still a good idea. Students will need their own water bottle and can not share that bottle with others.
Check In – We will still be having a check in area in the back of the school where temperatures will be taken before camp begins.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. This is still very much a time of changes and we will communicate with you any changes that may occur.
Date are still as scheduled:
July 28th Leadership Team 9-12
July 30thFreshman and Leadership Team
July 30thLeadership Team 12-3
Aug 3-7Band Camp 9-4
On an unrelated note, Mr. VanStrien will be taking some vacation time starting today July 14 through the weekend.
