2020 MMB Updates - July 6th 2020

Dear Clio Band Families,

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer so far. Clearly, these are unique times we are living through. While I may not have many answers right now, I want to ensure that we are making reasonable communication during the summer with regard to the marching band season, and what to expect. Please read through the document in its entirety, as there is a LOT to update on.


Band Booster Meeting (Monday, July 6th, 6PM)

If you have a student in the band program, you are a member of the band booster organization! We are continuing to hold our booster meetings via Zoom.

Here is the information to our next meeting on July:

Topic: July Band Booster Meeting

Time: Jul 6, 2020 06:00 PM America/Detroit

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/96144969992?pwd=M052YjkrcS94WElpeGwzbHlGcGhXQT09

Meeting ID: 961 4496 9992 Password: 5NzxRA


MMB Q&A Session (Wednesday, July 8th, 6PM)

We know during this time, it can be very challenging to ask and to answer questions via email, one main Zoom meeting, etc. and to accomplish this with details changing rapidly. We'd like for all of you to have another opportunity to get some questions answered about the MMB and our current situation. On Wednesday, July 8th, at 6PM, We'll be hosting a Q & A session about all things marching band and the booster organization for all parents of current and incoming members. We'd like to give you the opportunity to ask up to five questions in advance that we will compile and address at the meeting using this form -

https://forms.gle/omBKWaGVGfYYwe9C8

We'll also have the 'chat' feature running through Zoom so that you can ask live questions/follow up questions/etc. The ENTIRE meeting will be devoted to answering your questions, getting feedback on our current situation, and explaining some aspects of marching band in a little more detail. We will record this meeting for anyone who isn't able to be there and, again, this meeting is for parents only. No students. Hope to see you there!

Topic: MMB Parent Q&A

Time: Jul 8, 2020 06:00 PM America/Detroit

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99114041500?pwd=VWZGTTZuTCtRS3AwSjB6MDBBRXlBZz09

Meeting ID: 991 1404 1500 Password: 1NUj19


COVID Rehearsal Protocols

Right now, myself (Mr. Mufarreh), the band boosters, as well as the CHS admin are working on the necessary protocols that will need to be in place for our students to safely rehearse for the season. This will include, but is not limited to; wearing masks, proper sanitation of equipment, social distancing, and many other details that are in the works. As of right now, we ARE moving forward with the MMB season as scheduled.


Calendar Updates

Please continue to check our website for the most up-to-date calendar information Due to restrictions on the number of students that can be at the school at one time, we will use staggered rehearsal times, and staggered dismissals. Exact timings will be posted early next week.

IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING FULL ENSEMBLE CAMP & BAND CAMP.

Full ensemble camp will be from 9AM-5PM for the scheduled days, and BAND CAMP will also be 9AM-5PM. This is a change from years past, but this will allow protocols such as social distancing during meals, staggered rehearsal times, division of sections to maintain social distancing, much easier. We are working on a shorter show this year (6 minutes versus the typical 7-9 minutes), so we will not be behind due to less rehearsal time. By adding the extra time to the full ensemble camp, we have minimal time loss. We are also going to be scheduling fun/bonding activities (following guidelines of course!) to allow the students the social time that they need! Please feel free to contact Mr. Mufarreh with any questions regarding this schedule change.


Communication

Please make sure you are subscribed to our reminds, as well as checking email frequency.

Text the phone number (81010) the following codes


Freshman/Sophomore members/parents: @mmb2023-24

Junior/Senior members/parents: @mmb2021-22


Please let me know if you have any questions!

Mr. William Mufarreh

2020 MMB Information/Updates - June 8th 2020

Clio Band Families,

At this time we have decided to push deadline for paperwork one week (next Monday June 15th), we understand this is an uncertain time, and we want to make sure there are no limitations to any student wishing to participate in the MMB.

MCBA is continuing with preparations for the competitive season, and we here with the CLio Mustang Marching Band will follow suit. We will be following MHSAA guidelines, which will include screening questionnaires and taking temperatures prior to rehearsal. Parents, we will need your help in this, especially if you have infrared thermometers!

At this time, we are encouraging families to commit to only the deposit ($50), instead of payment in full. If you have already paid in full, do not fret!

Any deposits/payments made in the event of a season cancellation will be credited to the students band accounts. We will have further details if there are any developments, but we will remain optimistic

Please sign up for our REMIND, that way you will get text message updates.

Text the phone number (81010) the following codes:

Freshman/Sophomore members/parents: @mmb2023-24

Junior/Senior members/parents: @mmb2021-22

We will also be utilizing CHARMS for email updates, make sure that we have a valid email on file. You can login to your students CHARMS account, or send an email to wmufarreh@clioschools.org.

Thank you, we are looking forward to a wonderful season!

Mr. M

Clio Bands Update, April 6th

Dear Clio Band Students, Families, & Community,

I hope you all are doing well and staying safe. While the school buildings may be closed, please know that myself, and our administration are working diligently to create a plan for our students. Below I have included specific information regarding items such as fundraisers, COA, Marching Band, and other questions that I have been asked. While I may not have all the answers yet, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions (wmufarreh@clioschools.org), remember, the door (email), is always open!

Please read all of this update as it contains A LOT of important information!

Weekly Update (PDF links):

HS Bands

MS Bands

Remember, all assignments are for enrichment, and will not count against the student. These are to encourage the students to continue developing and growing as musicians. This will also give students a framework of what is expected of them over the week.

Marching Band 2020

If you are interested in applying to be on our LEADERSHIP TEAM, please apply at the following link: https://forms.gle/GoiMSuhwuAEQhXw68\

Those of you that applied will receive your interview time via email on Thursday morning. Interviews will be held on Thursday (4/9), and Friday (4/10).

Our MMB Interest Meeting will be Live streamed via Facebook on Wednesday at 5PM. Please see the link below for the event! https://www.facebook.com/events/236693217468320/

Century Resources Fundraiser, Celebration of the Arts, MS Cedar Point, Seniors

Mrs. Witham and Mr. Mufarreh met Monday morning and came to the conclusion that for the safety of everyone, especially our students, we will be canceling our Century Resources fundraiser. This was not a decision we came to lightly, but it was the right one. Any fundraiser money that you may of collected for paper orders should be returned, and all online orders will be delivered once restrictions are lifted.

We are also saddened to announce that our Cedar Point trip for our MS students will also be canceled. In the event that restrictions are lifted sooner than expected, we will look into possible rescheduling. There are no plans as of right now to do so.

Finally, Celebration of the Arts will be indefinitely postponed. If the restriction is lifted before the scheduled date, we would consider an alternative event, but that is unlikely at this time.

Seniors, we understand this is a sad and frustrating time. We are looking into the possibility of a performance in the Fall where we would invite you to perform then to get closure on all of the hard work you have put in all of these years. We would still like to recognize you and your achievements, could ALL BAND SENIORS, please fill out the following form to be featured on our Social Media pages!

https://forms.gle/PqEFLTP9odkTxfuj6

Also, please send Mr. Mufarreh a picture of your self to accompany the spotlight feature!

Zoom Class Meetings

Mr. Mufarreh would like to meet with each of the band classes via Zoom this week! Please see below for all of the class times, each of the meeting passwords will be shared in each classes Google Classroom.

To download Zoom, you can Google it on your computer, or search it in the iOS or Android app stores.

Tuesday (4/7)

Wind Ensemble - 12PM

Symphony Band - 2:30PM

Wednesday (4/8)

6th Grade Band (Mufarreh) - 12PM

8th Grade Band - 12:30PM

7th Grade Band - 1PM

Technique Checks/Band Karate (6th-8th Grade Students)

For any MS students who are working on Technique checks or Band karate, please continue to work on these! The due dates have been pushed back until further notice. Do continue to submit them via Flipgrid.

Recruitment Videos

Recruitment is so important for our band program, we need students to join band! Without students joining band, there would be no band! Mrs. Witham and I need your help. In each Flipgrid for your class is an assignment to make a video (60 seconds or less), about why you love band, and why someone else should join band.

HS Students, you have options to make these for our current 8th grade, or 4th grade students.

MS Students, you have the option for just our 4th grade students.

These videos will be edited together, or sent individually to our students who will hopefully be continuing, or starting their journey in band! Please complete these as soon as you can!

https://flipgrid.com/cms8thgrband

https://flipgrid.com/cms7thgrband

https://flipgrid.com/6thgrbandmuf

https://flipgrid.com/chssb

https://flipgrid.com/chswe

School Instruments

Those of you who have school instruments in your posses-ion, do not worry. Once restrictions are lifted, we will handle the collection of school instruments.

Thank you,

Mr. William Mufarreh

Clio Bands Update, March 24th

Dear Clio Band Students, Families, & Community,

I hope you are all doing well and staying safe during these times. I know these are difficult circumstances, and truly the most difficult part is not being in the classroom with the students of Clio, making music every day. Obviously, there is some uncertainty as we move forward, but I wanted to take a second to offer at least some clarity.

MSBOA State Band Festival

I am sad to announce that MSBOA State Band & Orchestra Festival has been cancelled with no plans to reschedule. This is truly saddening news, especially for our band members who worked so hard to qualify for this event. It has been hard for me knowing that these students have poured so much time and energy into their craft, and to not have the payoff. It is okay to feel frustrated, and upset at these circumstances, but all of the students should know that your hard work did not go to waste. You are better musicians for all of the work and dedication you put forth, and I am proud of each and every Clio musician.

Supplementary Information/Materials

Hopefully your student has been keeping up with the supplementary material posted in Google Classroom. We understand that not all families have ample resources to keep up with any additional work, but please know that this work will NOT count against your student. At this point we are encouraging our musicians to continue to make music and be involved with their art. Especially during difficult times, having an outlet such as art and music can be comforting.

Follow this link to find all of our Google Classroom codes, and make sure to check daily for any posts regarding additional practice material:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dfQ18u08ppullKWNElyoNRZ_SZlLi0S7UIu0eErvqKI/

Keeping a Level Head, Staying Productive, Staying Positive

I watched this video today on how to be productive, and I think many of these tips are extremely helpful in keeping busy with all of this extra downtime. It is important to have goals for the day, and to have something that you are working towards. Take the time to do something for yourself, but also take this opportunity to grow and learn in ways that you haven't before!

MMB 2020

Leadership applications open tomorrow (3/25), they will be posted on Classroom, Facebook, and Instagram.

Also, we will have our informational meeting via LIVESTREAM on April 8th at 5PM EST, the event information is linked below:

https://www.facebook.com/events/236693217468320/

Final Thoughts

Please know that your character is not defined by the things that happen to you, but how to react to them. Seniors, please know that I am thinking of you everyday. It is normal to be disappointed, confused, upset, but you will be better people on the other side if you choose to stay positive. This program has been built on a foundation of a single concept - family. Lean on each other during these hard times, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to make more music together soon.

If you need anything, please know that my door (or in this case, my email), is always open.

Musically,

William J. Mufarreh

Clio Bands Updates 3/15

Dear Clio Band Families

Due to the unforeseen circumstances of the mandatory 3-week school closures, we have done our best to compile a list of updates regarding various events related to the band program.

Band Booster Meeting

Our booster meeting scheduled for March 16th has been canceled, our next regularly scheduled meeting will be for April 20th, at 6PM. If you are interested in a position on the Executive Board, please attend!

Marching Band Meeting

Our marching band meeting will be to be postponed. Tentatively, we will plan for our meeting to be held April 8th, the Wednesday we return, at the same time of 7PM in the HS Auditorium. Leadership applications will still open this day online, and our show reveal will also be for March 25th. Details will be made available as the date approaches.

Century Resources

Fundraising will continue as planned! Forms will be due April 8th to Mr. Mufarreh or Mrs. Witham. We also HIGHLY encourage use of the web-store. Follow the link to the Century Resources website (https://www.centuryresources.com), click Online Webstore, and use our school code 37305.

Google Classroom Assignments

Students in all concert bands were informed that there will be Google Classroom assignments posted throughout the break. These assignments are not required for students to complete, but they are strongly encouraged. The assignments will help guide students' practice in preparation for upcoming performances.

Sight-Reading Factory

Sight-reading factory is a resources for students to work on their sight-reading skills. It will generate random sight-readable music for the students to develop and to push themselves musically during the break. Students will be emailed an access code to create a free account which is good for 3 months.

State Band & Orchestra Festival

Currently we will move forward under the assumption that the students WILL be performing at State B&O scheduled tentatively for April 30th (8th Grade & Symphony Band), and May 1st (Wind Ensemble). Any updates from MSBOA will be communicated immediately.

Celebration of the Arts

At the moment, no changes have been made to the May calendar, or or COA. All events will move forward as scheduled.

Any questions?

wmufarreh@clioschools.org