Hi Everyone
As I’m sure you’re aware, planning for the beginning of the school year is proving to be especially difficult. With more questions than answers at this point, I thought I would briefly update you on what I do know.
First and foremost, I want to thank all the parent boosters, student leaders, and others who have helped me navigate this unprecedented time. Your efforts and commitment to this band program, along with my strong desire to make music with new and returning students, has kept me determined to provide all of you with the best possible music experience.
Football Season Moved to Spring
The WIAA has officially moved football (and a couple other fall sports that require close contact) to the spring and modified all sports seasons to accommodate the change. Because of this, you can remove all the home football game dates for September and October. Once the school/league releases an updated football schedule (right now that’s March and early April) I will work it into the existing calendar I shared with you. While there’s been no determination regarding whether fans will be allowed at games in the spring, I think it’s best to go ahead and plan for us being at the games and then cancel later if needed.
Husky Band Day Canceled
The PAC-12 decided to cancel all non-conference football games this fall. Since the game that was supposed to be Husky Band Day was a non-conference game, Husky Band Day has been canceled.
Wind Ensemble Retreat is Doubtful
Frankly, it’s not looking good for the Wind Ensemble Retreat but I’m waiting to make an official call on that until we know if we’re returning in person or not. If we start school remotely, then I’m sure Wind Ensemble Retreat won’t happen. Even if we do start in some sort of hybrid model it would be difficult to make Wind Ensemble Retreat happen in its normal form, but I’m holding out until I have more direction from my superiors.
Band Camp May Still Happen, But Nothing Like Previous Years
I’m still trying to figure things out, as are others. The bomb that was dropped in the form of delaying the start to fall sports and then totally upending the season calendars has thrown everyone for a loop. There are many pieces to the puzzle that have to be put in place by people more influential than me before I can figure out exactly what to do. I’ll know more once the high school office reopens on August 3 and I can meet with Mr. Johnson (athletic director) and find out exactly what we can and cannot do. I don’t see us having a full week of band camp with everyone in the same place at once, but I’m contemplating possibly doing small windows of time for each section (outdoors and with all the proper social distancing measures) just to allow each section to put names and faces together and get some in-person instruction. All of this is very preliminary and subject to approval by the district. Of course, if district or county/state health guidelines don’t allow it then we won’t do it. Obviously with football season moving to the spring there isn’t a looming deadline or performance to necessitate a full week, but band camp is more than football. It’s also about getting to know your section, putting names and faces together, making new friends, and setting the tone for the year. Upon meeting with student band council officers yesterday I know students feel that some sort of camp is important to strive for, and I will commit to doing so as long as it is deemend safe.
New York Trip Refunds Coming Very Soon
I know many of you are upset/annoyed with EDT (and probably me) for dragging the refund process out, but I want to assure you that all parties have been working diligently to try and reach a resolution. Since March, EDT has kept me informed at least weekly regarding their progress working through some very unprecedented times. I should have something more concrete to report this weekend or early next week regarding refund amounts and how they will be received. You’re always welcome to call EDT as well at 1-800-544-4723 for updates beyond what I’m providing you.
Class of 2020 is Not Forgotten
I had every intention of scheduling a Senior Barbecue this summer, as I do for all my graduating band seniors. My intention was to schedule one as soon as we reached Phase 3 and it was safe and acceptable to do so. With the delay and even regression in our county’s reopening, I didn’t feel it was safe or responsible to defy these guidelines and throw a big party for all of you. I sincerely apologize we haven’t been able to get togther one more time. Hopefully once things progress in the right direction we can find a time with most or all of you are in town to get together for some closure. In the meantime, keep me informed and up-to-date on your suceesses in the future. Always know you have a supporter, sympathetic ear, or a job reference just a phone call, text, or email away 🙂
Closing Thoughts
I promise all of you that when I have any new developments on these and any other issues I will pass them along to you as soon as I am made aware. In the meantime, keep up the tough work of keeping yourselves and your friends and family healthy. It’s in everyone’s best interest! I hope you and your families are safely enjoying summer. While it’s great spending time with my family, I feel like a big portion of my family is missing. I hope to see you all soon!
Corey McEnry
Director of Bands
Hockinson High School
16819 NE 159th Street
Brush Prairie, WA 98606
(360) 448-6450 x5594
corey.mcenry@hocksd.org
http://www.hockinsonmusic.com