March 13, 2020 - Info about MN trip cancellation

Dear Music Families of MHS,

We are receiving information and inquiries about the message sent by the music department to cancel the upcoming Minneapolis Music Field trip as it pertains to refunds.  It will take us some time to determine information from the vendors regarding refunds or how we might be able to utilize credit in the future.   Right now, the District's priority is creating plans for continuing instruction due to potential closure as well as creating procedures to handle staff or student exposure to COVID-19.   Trip organizers are going to need time to contact vendors, and the district needs to determine the best way to handle the significant number of refunds that could potentially result. What our nation and community are experiencing is unprecedented.   The situation is rapidly evolving. Either myself or the District Office will reach back out to you and other families in the district whose events have been canceled to share more information on refunds at a later date. 

Respectfully,

Peg Shoemaker

Principal

Ms Peg ShoemakerPrincipal 

Middleton High School

(608) 829-9923 pshoemaker@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

March 12, 2020 - Minnesota Trip Canceled

Dear music parents and families, We have just learned that the district has decided to cancel our tour to Minneapolis tomorrow due to concerns about COVID-19.  Unfortunately, they will not be able to offer any refunds or waive fees. We do not have any additional information to share at this time.  Please direct any questions to district administration. We are sorry to break the bad news, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as the school continues to navigate this evolving situation. Doug Brown, Steve Kurr, Jamie Pitt, Eric Rothacker, and Mike Ver Voort --  Michael Ver Voort Music Teacher & Director of Bands  Middleton High School  (608) 829-9680  mvervoort@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

March 11, 2020 - Update on Upcoming Band Events

Dear band families,

The school has made some preliminary decisions about upcoming events in light of the recent public health concerns around COVID-19.

1.  Minneapolis Tour, March 13-15  Our trip this weekend is still on.  The school is closely monitoring the situation in Minnesota in case anything changes, but at this time they do not believe that the situation warrants cancellation of events for this weekend.  Please make the individual decision that is best for your family, and know that the school will not be able to offer trip refunds at this time.

2. Large Group Festival, March 18  The University of Wisconsin-Madison has followed many colleges in canceling events, which means that our large group festival is also canceled.  Our guest clinicians are still booked, so we will still have our own performances and clinics at Middleton High School during the school day.  (Other schools will not be attending.)  See the new schedule below.

5 --- 8:25-9:52 --- Chamber Winds Block 1  6 --- 10:00-11:27 --- Concert Band Block 6  7 --- 12:42-2:09 --- Cardinal Band Block 7  ASR --- 2:17-3:44 --- Wind Ensemble Block 3

3. Basie Jazz Festival, April 22-24 In light of the many unknowns in the future, the school has decided to preemptively cancel our trip to Kansas City.  Trip monies will be refunded.

There are no decisions on any other events at this time, and unfortunately, we do not have any more information to share.  Please reach out to school administration with questions.

Finally, just a friendly reminder to check reliable sources for your news - be careful on social media! - and communicate as you make whatever decisions are necessary for your family.

Best regards,

--  Michael Ver Voort

Music Teacher & Director of Bands  Middleton High School  (608) 829-9680  mvervoort@mcpasd.k12.wi.us