Dear music students and families,
As you know, hybrid students will return to in-person instruction 4 days a week next week. Minimum distancing has been reduced to 3 feet (6 ft during lunch), with masking except while eating/drinking. Many of the restrictions on wind instruments and the limits on cohort size have been eased recently. You may be wondering how all this will affect music, including the after school percussion and rhythm section instruction we started a month ago (funded by Music Boosters!).
On average, about 1/3 of students have selected hybrid, with the rest remaining remote with DLA. During class time, our teachers will need to instruct both in-person musicians and those watching from screens at home. While this will be challenging, I know Mr. Lloyd will have some creative solutions so everyone’s needs are addressed. Students at school will be permitted to play instruments (including winds) and sing outdoors, with spacing up to 12 feet between wind instruments. In addition, all instrumental musicians, including DLA and winds, now have the option to join after school as follows, effective April 19:
UPDATED! Jazz- Monday 3:15-5pm. Winds and rhythm section from both intermediate and advanced jazz will play together for the entire time slot, outdoors in front of the band room. This area allows 12 ft spacing between winds. There will be a 15 minute break (no playing) to allow the area to ventilate. Disposable masks will be provided and a slit will be cut to accomodate wind mouthpieces. All students should bring non-slitted masks from home for non-playing times.
Band Percussion - Tuesdays 3:15-4pm 10-12th grade, 4:15-5pm 9th grade. Mr. Schlotter will be talking to the percussionists about possibly combining all grades through a longer time 3:15-5pm.
NEW! Band Winds - Fridays 3:15-5pm (3:30-5pm May 7, 14, and 21 due to AP exams) in the amphitheater. This area allows 12 ft spacing between winds. Mr. Lloyd will conduct from the stage area. There will be a 15 minute break (no playing) to allow the area to ventilate. Disposable masks will be provided and a slit will be cut to accomodate wind mouthpieces. All students should bring non-slitted masks from home for non-playing times.
We have purchased special filtering masks for wind instrument bells. Each student will be responsible for safeguarding the bell mask that they are issued. Flutes will use face shields for now.
Additional safety procedures for entry, exit, assigned seating, and handling of music stands, etc will be discussed with the students next week.
Please note, all in-person music activities are optional at this time, and any student uncomfortable with rehearsing in-person will not be penalized.
I am very comfortable as a musician, parent, and physician who lives with multiple very high risk individuals that our music protocols are sound. Having discussed procedures with our music teachers for the last year, I know how seriously they take everyone’s health and the education of our students. While no protocol is 100% risk free, I am confident enough that I will encourage my DLA trombonist to take part after school. Note, he is fully vaccinated already, and I strongly encourage all students 16 and older to get vaccinated unless they have a clear medical reason not to (discuss with your pediatrician). Pfizer is approved for ages 16+, and Moderna is ok for 18 year olds.
I’m hopeful that next school year, we will once again enjoy the sounds of our wonderful ensembles in full concerts!
Please feel free to email me or Mr. Lloyd for any questions or concerns.
Wishing you health and music,
Angela Tang
Music Booster President
As you know, hybrid students will return to in-person instruction 4 days a week next week. Minimum distancing has been reduced to 3 feet (6 ft during lunch), with masking except while eating/drinking. Many of the restrictions on wind instruments and the limits on cohort size have been eased recently. You may be wondering how all this will affect music, including the after school percussion and rhythm section instruction we started a month ago (funded by Music Boosters!).
On average, about 1/3 of students have selected hybrid, with the rest remaining remote with DLA. During class time, our teachers will need to instruct both in-person musicians and those watching from screens at home. While this will be challenging, I know Mr. Lloyd will have some creative solutions so everyone’s needs are addressed. Students at school will be permitted to play instruments (including winds) and sing outdoors, with spacing up to 12 feet between wind instruments. In addition, all instrumental musicians, including DLA and winds, now have the option to join after school as follows, effective April 19:
UPDATED! Jazz- Monday 3:15-5pm. Winds and rhythm section from both intermediate and advanced jazz will play together for the entire time slot, outdoors in front of the band room. This area allows 12 ft spacing between winds. There will be a 15 minute break (no playing) to allow the area to ventilate. Disposable masks will be provided and a slit will be cut to accomodate wind mouthpieces. All students should bring non-slitted masks from home for non-playing times.
Band Percussion - Tuesdays 3:15-4pm 10-12th grade, 4:15-5pm 9th grade. Mr. Schlotter will be talking to the percussionists about possibly combining all grades through a longer time 3:15-5pm.
NEW! Band Winds - Fridays 3:15-5pm (3:30-5pm May 7, 14, and 21 due to AP exams) in the amphitheater. This area allows 12 ft spacing between winds. Mr. Lloyd will conduct from the stage area. There will be a 15 minute break (no playing) to allow the area to ventilate. Disposable masks will be provided and a slit will be cut to accomodate wind mouthpieces. All students should bring non-slitted masks from home for non-playing times.
We have purchased special filtering masks for wind instrument bells. Each student will be responsible for safeguarding the bell mask that they are issued. Flutes will use face shields for now.
Additional safety procedures for entry, exit, assigned seating, and handling of music stands, etc will be discussed with the students next week.
Please note, all in-person music activities are optional at this time, and any student uncomfortable with rehearsing in-person will not be penalized.
I am very comfortable as a musician, parent, and physician who lives with multiple very high risk individuals that our music protocols are sound. Having discussed procedures with our music teachers for the last year, I know how seriously they take everyone’s health and the education of our students. While no protocol is 100% risk free, I am confident enough that I will encourage my DLA trombonist to take part after school. Note, he is fully vaccinated already, and I strongly encourage all students 16 and older to get vaccinated unless they have a clear medical reason not to (discuss with your pediatrician). Pfizer is approved for ages 16+, and Moderna is ok for 18 year olds.
I’m hopeful that next school year, we will once again enjoy the sounds of our wonderful ensembles in full concerts!
Please feel free to email me or Mr. Lloyd for any questions or concerns.
Wishing you health and music,
Angela Tang
Music Booster President
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