 | 2020 MARCHING TIGERS CAMP & SEASON UPDATE |
RCHS Marching Tigers friends, families, and students,
As many of you know, two big developments were unveiled yesterday, July 29th. The first was from Governor Pritzker pertaining to high school athletics in 2020-2021. The other was from the Richland County School District pertaining to the fall term, and potentially longer.
The state of Illinois has grouped high school athletics into three categories: 1) high risk of transmission, 2) medium risk of transmission, & 3) low risk of transmission. Low risk sports (such as cross country, and golf) may continue their season unaltered. Sports deemed high risk of transmission (such as wrestling and football) have been postponed until the spring - likely hoping a vaccine is available at that time. The RCHS Marching Tigers is a class, which means that we are not able to move marching band to another term. That being said, the Symphonic Band and Honors Wind Ensemble may play in the stands during football games. We just won't be able to march a field show in the spring.
We knew this was a possibility, which is why we were planning on incorporating a Halloween Fright Night/Trunk-or-Treat performance, sessions with college marching band directors on the RCHS campus, and parades into our season. I should mention that there is always a possibility that parades may be cancelled for the season. We still believe there were plenty of musical opportunities available to students while maintaining the safest environment possible in a school setting. For that matter, a lighter performance schedule means that we can do more "out-of-the-box" activities that I believe the students will enjoy, and that will keep them musically engaged in a safe environment.
In addition to Governor Pritzker's announcement, the Richland County School District also put out a notice. For the month of September, the high school will meet two days "on campus" with the remainder of the week designated as remote learning. I say "on campus" because classes will take place in churches and other venues until construction of the high school is complete. The marching band will meet in the stadium. This is still very doable! The show has already been written with less sets/pictures, but we will likely only work two movements of the field show this season. A rough-draft schedule of the first term may be found at the bottom of this post. Please keep in mind that the schedule may change.
To top this off, I was informed a few days ago that I have papillary thyroid cancer. I am scheduled for surgery next week. The good news is that thyroid cancer is slow growing and very treatable; however, I will need at least two to three weeks to recover from the surgery.
Taking into account all of these factors, the staff and I have decided to finish the week of camp and end camp after August 1st. That means that we will not meet during the portion of the camp that runs Monday, August 3rd to Friday, August 7th. We are also cancelling all summer practices. Practice won't resume until the first day of school on campus.
It is a bit of a bummer! None of us are happy that there are no competitions or halftime shows at games this year. With all that we have planned, I still believe the students will have a great time this term. They just don't have to work as hard for their P.E. credit this term! We will reuse the show next year, with modifications. Students who solos have solos or duets this year will keep them for the 2021 season.
Winds & percussion, you still need your summer uniform (department shirt, shorts, and Drillmasters or CrossOvers). Guard members need jazz pants, dance shoes, and guard gloves. New members may find the clothing order form at https://forms.gle/ENfQxo7e74rBAgCJ7. The due date is Friday. You may also find the show attire under the order form.
I reduced the class fee from $200 to $165 since the Marching Tigers did not spend preseason at Eastern Illinois University this year. Mrs. Deimel, Mr. Vaal, & Mr. Tucker will be with us the entire season. After August 1st, Mr. Brickner may join us on a rehearsal from time-to-time. Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Astriuski, Mr. Combs, & Mr. Downes will not be joining us this season, except for possibly an occasional master class on campus. Because they are not on staff this season, I plan on returning $42 of each student's band class fee. Please be patient with me! The $42 refund will sit in your son's/daughter's band student account for future use. That being said, if you prefer a check, please let me know. It may take a few weeks to cut checks, but I am happy to do so. Please contact me through Remind101 or by email at cjones@rccu1.net.
We have just started the 2020 season and the members of the Marching Tigers have done a great job following the procedures set by the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Plan for the Marching Tigers. It is now just part of our daily routine. We will continue to follow the Risk Mitigation Plan once the school year starts.
GROUP 1A (Color Guard, Brass, Drumline):
GROUP 1B (Woodwinds, & Front Ensemble):
I know there is a lot to digest here! Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Just remember that this is just one season, and there is still a lot to be had!
As many of you know, two big developments were unveiled yesterday, July 29th. The first was from Governor Pritzker pertaining to high school athletics in 2020-2021. The other was from the Richland County School District pertaining to the fall term, and potentially longer.
The state of Illinois has grouped high school athletics into three categories: 1) high risk of transmission, 2) medium risk of transmission, & 3) low risk of transmission. Low risk sports (such as cross country, and golf) may continue their season unaltered. Sports deemed high risk of transmission (such as wrestling and football) have been postponed until the spring - likely hoping a vaccine is available at that time. The RCHS Marching Tigers is a class, which means that we are not able to move marching band to another term. That being said, the Symphonic Band and Honors Wind Ensemble may play in the stands during football games. We just won't be able to march a field show in the spring.
We knew this was a possibility, which is why we were planning on incorporating a Halloween Fright Night/Trunk-or-Treat performance, sessions with college marching band directors on the RCHS campus, and parades into our season. I should mention that there is always a possibility that parades may be cancelled for the season. We still believe there were plenty of musical opportunities available to students while maintaining the safest environment possible in a school setting. For that matter, a lighter performance schedule means that we can do more "out-of-the-box" activities that I believe the students will enjoy, and that will keep them musically engaged in a safe environment.
In addition to Governor Pritzker's announcement, the Richland County School District also put out a notice. For the month of September, the high school will meet two days "on campus" with the remainder of the week designated as remote learning. I say "on campus" because classes will take place in churches and other venues until construction of the high school is complete. The marching band will meet in the stadium. This is still very doable! The show has already been written with less sets/pictures, but we will likely only work two movements of the field show this season. A rough-draft schedule of the first term may be found at the bottom of this post. Please keep in mind that the schedule may change.
To top this off, I was informed a few days ago that I have papillary thyroid cancer. I am scheduled for surgery next week. The good news is that thyroid cancer is slow growing and very treatable; however, I will need at least two to three weeks to recover from the surgery.
Taking into account all of these factors, the staff and I have decided to finish the week of camp and end camp after August 1st. That means that we will not meet during the portion of the camp that runs Monday, August 3rd to Friday, August 7th. We are also cancelling all summer practices. Practice won't resume until the first day of school on campus.
It is a bit of a bummer! None of us are happy that there are no competitions or halftime shows at games this year. With all that we have planned, I still believe the students will have a great time this term. They just don't have to work as hard for their P.E. credit this term! We will reuse the show next year, with modifications. Students who solos have solos or duets this year will keep them for the 2021 season.
Winds & percussion, you still need your summer uniform (department shirt, shorts, and Drillmasters or CrossOvers). Guard members need jazz pants, dance shoes, and guard gloves. New members may find the clothing order form at https://forms.gle/ENfQxo7e74rBAgCJ7. The due date is Friday. You may also find the show attire under the order form.
I reduced the class fee from $200 to $165 since the Marching Tigers did not spend preseason at Eastern Illinois University this year. Mrs. Deimel, Mr. Vaal, & Mr. Tucker will be with us the entire season. After August 1st, Mr. Brickner may join us on a rehearsal from time-to-time. Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Astriuski, Mr. Combs, & Mr. Downes will not be joining us this season, except for possibly an occasional master class on campus. Because they are not on staff this season, I plan on returning $42 of each student's band class fee. Please be patient with me! The $42 refund will sit in your son's/daughter's band student account for future use. That being said, if you prefer a check, please let me know. It may take a few weeks to cut checks, but I am happy to do so. Please contact me through Remind101 or by email at cjones@rccu1.net.
We have just started the 2020 season and the members of the Marching Tigers have done a great job following the procedures set by the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Plan for the Marching Tigers. It is now just part of our daily routine. We will continue to follow the Risk Mitigation Plan once the school year starts.
GROUP 1A (Color Guard, Brass, Drumline):
- Mondays & Wednesdays during early bird period and 1st period
- Saturdays (September 5th, 12th, and October 17th) from 8:50am-12:20pm.
- Additional color guard practice on Thursdays from 6:00-8:00pm
- Possible drumline practice on Tuesday on campus from 8:00-9:00am
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays are remote learning with focus on individual preparation.
GROUP 1B (Woodwinds, & Front Ensemble):
- Tuesdays & Thursdays during early bird period and 1st period
- Saturdays (September 5th, 12th, and October 17th) from 8:50am-12:20pm.
- Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays are remote learning with focus on individual preparation.
I know there is a lot to digest here! Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Just remember that this is just one season, and there is still a lot to be had!
Best Regards,
Christopher N. Jones
Director of Bands & Music Teacher
F. +1 (555) 3911 2087
P. (618) 393-2191 ext. 3137
Web // www.rchsbands.net
A. 1200 E. Laurel St., Olney, IL 62450
...
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw
Christopher N. Jones
Director of Bands & Music Teacher
F. +1 (555) 3911 2087
P. (618) 393-2191 ext. 3137
Web // www.rchsbands.net
A. 1200 E. Laurel St., Olney, IL 62450
...
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw
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