Today was to be the day that we had been looking forward to all being back together again.  But, because the current situation continues to advance, the decision was made that we will be out of school for another 4 weeks.  So, as a result there are several things that I need to share with you that we had been looking forward to answers on and things we need to know as we move ahead.

1) All Shore Band – The concert for this week obviously is not going to happen.  However, the word from the ESBDA executive team is that they are not canceling the event, but are simply going to postpone it to see if there is a later date that we might still bring everyone together to play.  So, as I know more, I will share that with you.

2) Jazz Band – Unfortunately, due to the amount of time that we would have left once we are scheduled to return to school, there is not enough rehearsal time to put a concert together from scratch.  So, the 17th Annual QACHS Night of Jazz has been canceled for 2020.

3) Marching Band – I recently received an email from the Chestertown Tea Party Festival letting me know that the 2020 Chestertown Tea Party Festival has been canceled as well.  So, with that performance and the spring trip performance canceled, combined with only two Mondays before the Spring Concert Performance, it is with a sad heart that I have to announce that the 2019-2020 QACHS Marching Lions Band has finished their performances for the year.  At this time we still have our 2020-2021 Percussion and Color Guard Clinic on the Calendar for May 20th and the Mini Camp nights on May 26, 27, June 3, and 10.  We will still plan to do Leadership Interviews in the afternoon of May 20th.  Applications for those positions always come on on May 1st and will be due back the Friday before the interviews (May 15th).

4) Pigeon Forge, TN – Last week we announced that our spring trip to Tennessee had to be canceled.  We are still waiting to hear from all of the contract parties as to if we have been cleared of all of our financial obligations and what refunds we will be getting back.  However, just as we are only operating with essential businesses open, many of the businesses in that area are also closed at this time, including the Music Road Resort that closed last Thursday as well.  So, as soon as we have a definite answer for everyone, I will share that with you.

5) April Band Booster Meeting – This months general meeting that was scheduled for this Thursday has been canceled.

6) On-Line Learning – I have revived the two band sections on Google Classroom that were originally developed when we first went digital 4 years ago.  Invitations have been sent to all students in both the Symphonic and Concert Bands.  I will be communicating with both ensembles via this method over the next few weeks and sharing some very exciting things that will allow us to continue to work and prepare for our Spring Concert that is still set for May 7th as well as other things ahead.

This e-learning experience is new for all of us, so please be patient with everyone as we navigate our way through this together.  Have a great week and take care of yourselves and stay healthy!