BAND DIRECTOR'S UPDATE

It has been several weeks since the last Grandview Heights Band Update.  During the long email silence, we have striven to stay on top of the latest updates from Governor

DeWine, Ohio Department of Health, Franklin County Board of Health, Grandview Heights Board of Education, and research into aerosol creation during artistic performance activities.  This would include singing, performing with instruments, and acting on stage. 
Critical to our efforts to bringing performance back into the schools has been the assessment of available interior spaces, evaluation and ordering of instrument-music specific PPE (personal protective equipment), and coordination of scheduling of aforementioned spaces.
We are excited to announce the beginning of band practicing/performing inside the walls of GHHS.  The following instrument groups are asked to bring their instruments to school starting Wednesday, November 4 -

• Flutes
• Oboes
• Clarinets (all)
• Saxophones (all)
• Trumpets
• Horns
• Trombones
• Percussion (sticks & mallets only)

Baritones and Tubas will only need to bring their mouthpieces to school - instruments delivered earlier this academic year are to remain at home for practicing or should the district pivot back to Enhanced Distance Learning.
To increase the protection of your student, instrumental music PPE will be issued to each student.  PPE includes:

• Music-specific face mask (https://rettigmusic.com/product/gator-face-mask-w-flap/)
• Instrument-specific bell cover (https://rettigmusic.com/product/instrument-bell-cover/)
• Percussionists will be assigned a station with practice pad and mallet instrument.  They are responsible for providing their own sticks and mallets.
• Flutes will receive two additional PPE items:
  • Win-d-fender (https://win-d-fender.com/)
  • Face shield

All items are provided through the generous support of the GHS district administration.  We continue to thank them for their support through this challenging process.
Our goal is to prepare a virtual performance to be released in December prior to the extended Holiday Break.  It could include small ensembles as well as full band performances.   Please expect an update in this regard as we get closer to December.
Lastly, if you have reservations regarding your student performing on their instrument indoors - please do not hesitate to contact me.  We will make alternate arrangements for them.
The safety of your student and family is our priority.  Thank you for your flexibility and continued support.