SCHOOL CLOSURES UPDATE (MAY 26th)
Dear Parents/Guardians/Students/Supporters:
I hope you are healthy and taking all precautions to keep everyone out of harm's way.
The unprecedented and abrupt closure of school has left everyone, teachers included, with more questions than we have answers. The situation is fluid and changing day by day.
As our school and district work their way through this uncertainty, please know that I will continue to communicate information, not just as it relates to our program, but as it relates to the entire school community as that information becomes available to me.
A few specific answers to your questions:
Cookie dough: Please return cookie dough money to clients who may have purchased from you. If they paid online, please send me an email so I can contact the company regarding potential refunds.
Instruments: All students should have been able to pick up their instruments last week. If you were unable to do so, please send me an email.
Auditions: El Diamante admin and music staff have agreed that for next year and next year only, we will adhere to the following policy:
Students who were already enrolled in advanced music classes during the 2019-20 school year will be placed back into those classes (with the exception of graduating seniors.)
Students who were not enrolled in the advanced music classes during the 2019-20 school year will have the opportunity to audition for those classes as soon as it is prudent to do so. (Our current plan is that that may happen shortly before school starts, maybe during those few days between band camp ending and school starting.)
I will use the same music I passed out before the school closure for auditions. It is currently posted on Google Classroom.
Section leader applications: Invitations for interviews have been emailed to all applicants. Make sure to check your email and reply with the information that I need!
Spring Concert: The Spring Concert for this year is unfortunately cancelled. As I mentioned previously, at this point I am planning to postpone our Disney theme and use it for our Pops Concert next year. I am committed to allowing current seniors to play on that concert if they would like to, pending permission from admin.
Band Banquet will be postponed and we will hold it as soon as we are able to do so. I am still planning to have it potentially at the end of band camp or maybe Labor Day weekend. I will still release the band video and am hoping to publish it the day of graduation. Photos/videos are due by Thursday, May 28th to edhsbandvideo2020@gmail.com.
Band Camp: I am hoping and planning to run band camp as scheduled and as normal. It is far enough out that I am hopeful we will be over this hump and will be able to resume activities by then. Your staff and I are working and planning the design for the fall show.
Return of band uniforms: We have decided that only seniors or students who know they are moving out of the district need to turn in their uniforms. If you are planning to attend school in VUSD next year, we will wait to collect your uniform until school and/or band resumes. Please keep in mind that you are still financially responsible for all parts of your uniform. Uniform return will be held during your assigned day/time (see your band Remind or the school web-site for more details.) If you are able to get your uniform dry cleaned, please take it to Betty Brite's in Tulare. They will clean your jacket, pants, and sash for $7.50.
Incoming 8th graders and parents: I will be in touch with you shortly. Keep an eye out for communication from Mr. Sprague or Mrs. Basiletti; they will be reaching out on my behalf.
Seniors and parents of current seniors: I asked permission to do yard signs for the band seniors and that permission was not granted. I will still do an end-of-year video as I always do, but would love other ideas of how we can recognize our seniors. Please feel free to reach out via email with any ideas you may have.
In general, please be patient, and don't worry- that is my job. Your job is to stay healthy, keep a positive attitude, and lift each other (your peers, band-mates, and families) up in these difficult times.
Lastly, you have all heard me say that our program is more than a class. It's a family, and families help one another. If there is anything I can do to be of service during these unprecedented times, I am ready, able, and willing. Just send me an email.
I love and miss you all, I look forward to seeing you soon, please stay safe, and- above all else- wash your hands!
Miss Pallas
Help the band get more funding!
Take the LCAP survey by following the link below.
In each text box, type "more funding for band and the performing arts."
You can make a difference!
Link to survey: https://visaliausd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aboAxBVLswFtZrL
CLASSROOM WISH LIST
Water
Kleenex
Band Aids
Paper Towels
Hand Sanitizer
Clorox Wipes