This page contains information and updates specifically for band classes. Due to the nature of the pandemic, information may change at a rapid pace. We strongly encourage checking back often for the latest information.

We take the health of your students VERY seriously during this pandemic. The last few months, Dr. Shelly Miller at the University of Colorado led a scientific study in the UC Boulder Aerosol lab to discover if and how Covid 19 would be spread while playing musical instruments and singing. Their findings are currently being corroborated by Dr. Jelena Srebric at the University of Maryland and they are repeating their tests to ensure accuracy. They found that playing a wind instrument does not generate any additional aerosols than a normal conversation would from about six feet away; however, they had some recommendations in order to reduce the spread of aerosols even further. We have taken all of their recommendations into consideration while formulating our guidelines for the safety of our students. You can read more about the study and see their results here.

For all of our students who choose to come back to school in-person, we will be making modifications in accordance with UIL, CDC, and district guidelines as well as the results of the UC Aerosol study. To view all of the information released from Rockwall ISD, please visit this link.

In-Person Learning

Band classes will happen for those families who choose in-person learning. Using CDC, UIL, and district guidelines, we have made the following accommodations to our classroom and procedures.

Entering / Exiting the Band Room

• Students will be picked up from their academic classrooms and monitored as they move through the building to the band room/portable
• Students will be required to wear masks at all times 
• Students will be required to use hand sanitizer upon entering the room
• Doors will be propped open during class transitions to minimize touching of door handles and common surfaces
• Backpacks and other student bags will remain in their academic classroom; only band-related materials will travel with the student to the band room/portable
• Students will be escorted back to their academic classrooms and monitored as they move through the building

During Band Class

• Students will be spaced 6′ (or as far as possible) from each other in straight, offset rows
• Students will all sit facing the same direction to minimize potential exposure
• Students will have assigned seating
• As possible, band classes will be split among other directors, including RHHS directors, contingent on space and schedule limitations
• Common-touch areas have been removed or restricted (pencil sharpener, tables, etc.)
• Students will remain in their assigned seat unless given specific permission to leave by a director
• All students will use their own equipment and instrument; nothing will be shared

Masks and Band-Specific PPE

• Students will wear their ‘normal’ masks when entering/exiting the band room/portable
• The band has purchased ‘blow-hole’ style masks for students to use during class who play oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba
• Students listed above will wear the ‘blow-hole’ style mask for the duration of band class
• The band has also purchase attachable shields for flute students; flute students will use this in lieu of the blow-hole style mask
• Additionally, the band has purchased bell covers for trumpet, trombone, and euphonium students
• Students will be issued their band-specific PPE when appropriate
• Students will be required to keep up with the additional PPE; students can store masks and bell covers in their instrument case
• Percussion students will wear their ‘normal’ face mask during the duration of class
• Band directors will wear face masks and optional face shields while giving instruction

Instruments

• All students will play their own instrument; nothing will be shared
• We already have a policy of “don’t touch an instrument that isn’t yours” and it will continue to be enforced this year
• Brass players will empty water into rags at close proximity and not onto the carpet

Private Lessons

• At this time, all private lessons will be held virtually
• Limited financial aid is available for students who wish to take private lessons, but may have financial issues

Online Learning

For families choosing the online option, students will still have ‘band,’ however, it will look different than those students who participate in person. This part of the plan is the most under construction! As we receive more information and guidance from district leaders, we will update this section.

Remote Learner

• Students have the option of participating in band online
• You will need adequate space for your technology, chair, stand and instrument
• All course content and assignments will be delivered through Canvas
• Virtual private lessons are strongly encouraged, more so than ‘normal’ semesters
• Students who play bass clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, bari saxophone, French horn, euphonium, and tuba will have the opportunity to pick up an instrument in September

Frequently Asked Questions

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Still have questions?

If you still have questions, please feel free to email Mr. Ousey by clicking here.