pandemic update 7/29/2020

Maroon Band Family and Friends--

Due to rise in COVID-19 cases across Hopkins County and the Commonwealth, all 5 Hopkins Co. band directors met with Mr. Cline, asst. superintendent, on Wed. morning to discuss guidelines and procedures moving forward this marching season and band classes during in-person school. The meeting was productive and the outcome of the meeting will be crafted into a document for review by the Hopkins Co. Health Dept. and Hopkins Co. School Board. The School Board will review and discuss the document on Mon. Aug 3. 

The Kentucky HS football season has been postponed, with the first possible game (could be home or away) occurring not earlier than Fri. Sept. 11.

Due to practice restrictions of six hours per week and number of students in a practice at a time, we have decided to wait until the first day of in person classes to meet as a band and prepare for the 2020 football/marching season. Coupled with the professional development requirements for teachers during the week of August 10, we feel that the best way to provide a continuity of quality of instruction in accordance with safety guidelines is to wait until in-person instruction begins on August 26. We have chosen some cool, fun music (waiting on copyright clearance) and our goals will be to learn the music and simple drill for Home FB games and other opportunities to perform as they might arise (think Racer Band).
 
Once in person classes begin, we plan to meet, as a full band, on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:15-5:15pm. This time will be used to learn drill, music, and choreography with the full ensemble.
 
Students who choose the “remote learning option,” but wish to participate in the Maroon Band must email adam.harris@hopkins.kyschools.us and state you are remote learning but wish to participate in after school rehearsals/performances.  These decisions will be made by administration on a case by case basis.  We hope to see all of you once in person instruction resumes.

Thanks!
Alan Emerson