Important Band Information 03/20/20 (PLEASE READ)

Hello GEB,

As you are all well aware, RISD has closed indefinitely. Below is the most recent information I have received:

On Monday and Tuesday, Richardson High School will be opened for pick up of essential items. Essential items include: Chromebooks, instruments/music and medicine (if applicable). The band hall will be opened from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. My goal would be that we do any instrument/music pick up on Monday only, if possible. If you absolutely need to come on Tuesday, that is okay. Please fill out the google form below for your instrument/music pick up time. We cannot have more than 10 people in the room.

https://forms.gle/BkBMRZfCfzDGF2gR8

Starting Wednesday-Friday, all teachers will begin instruction through many different distance learning options. This will give an opportunity of trial for both parents and teachers to get accustomed to the technology being used; this is why you need your Chromebooks. For high school band, we are primarily looking at Zoom, Google Classroom and/or Youtube (outside of email). Pending our return (should this occur), we will play our music at the spring concert. Wind Symphony – we will submit for Honor Band (if we are allowed). This is why it is critical to practice and get your music up to tempo as discussed before spring break. Private lessons may continue online, pending arrangements with lesson teacher. Please reach out to your teachers.

Upcoming events that are cancelled:

Night at the Opera (AP Music Theory)
Winterguard Championships
Pre-UIL Concert
Golden Eagle Band Orientation
UIL
Dallas Winds Festival
Spring trip

With everything that is going on, I wanted to put you at peace about one thing regarding our spring trip – transfers/refunds.

Southwest flights will only be able to be transferred. This means you can use it for any travel (under that name) for the cost of the flight; the flight cost ranges from $304-$325. When you decide to use it, you would pay the cost in fare difference (if applicable). There are no fees to change it and will be available for one year. Again, there are NO REFUNDS for your flight.
Outside of the flights which are transferable, each member will only be responsible for $38! This is for the amount for deposits that were made.
To summarize, you will refunded any amount that was paid over the flight cost ($304-$325) and $38 for deposits. This adds up to be $342-$363.

While I know this is not ideal in regards to anything, I hope you feel at ease and see this as a huge win for our spring trip, as I have already heard horror stories about other spring trips. I kindly ask for your patience as our treasurer (parent volunteer) begins to work through everyones accounts for the next few months.

Families – Continue to hang in there. We love you and appreciate you. If you need anything, please let us know; know that the GEB always has your back. For meal service, RISD will be providing two meals (breakfast and lunch) starting Monday, March 23rd. Dr. Stone will be sending out information through blackboard for locations.

Seniors – While I understand you may have many different emotions at this time, I hope that you always remember everything that we have accomplished together and think of all of the memories you have cherished in the last four years. It is about the growth not only as musicians but also as people. All of these challenges will define you and make you better for anything that comes your way in the future. Once all this all passes, I promise that we will all do something together (as we discussed that one day in the music library).

If you have any other questions or just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please know that I will keep you updated with the most up-to-date information; I will be sending another email next week in regards to extended learning. The band directors look forward to connecting with the students!

Thank you,

Mr. Marquez

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