Please read the Directors' Updates
in Band E-News & Orchestra E-News.
March 12, 2020 - Minnesota Trip Canceled:
March 12, 2020
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
March 13, 2020
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
Canceled: The Spring Supper, Concert & Auction has been canceled.
On Friday, March 6, composer Viet Cong visited the Bands to work with the 6th block Concert Band via Skype during class. The Concert Band is preparing his composition Diamond Tide for their March 18th festival performance.
March 9 & 10: Jazz violinist Randy Sabien is coming next week to work with the orchestra classes and jazz bands. Mr. Sabien performs concerts, runs clinics, and composes music for all ages of string musicians. He will be working with the jazz bands during their rehearsals on Monday night 3/9 from 6:00-7:30. All band students are invited! Mr. Sabien will be spending the day on March 10, with the Cardinal Orchestra and Sinfonia and then will join the Cardinal students for their Creation Demonstration in the evening.
March 10: Orchestra Creation Demonstration
March 11: Eine Kleine Kindermusik
March 12: Mike Dewey Concerto Aria Showcase Concert State Solo & Ensemble Registration - If you received a 1* rating at the district festival, your performance qualified for the WSMA state festival on April 25th. If you would like to perform at State, please fill out the online registration form no later than March 12th.
March 18: Canceled: The University of Wisconsin-Madison has followed many colleges in canceling events, which means that our large group festival is also canceled.
Week of March 30: Chamber Wind Ensemble Auditions
Canceled: 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.