Vanden Berg Notes: Back to School Band and Orchestra 2020!

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Back to School Band and Orchestra 2020!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Welcome to the new year! I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces, getting to know new students, and making great music!

There certainly will be some things about this year that will look different, but what will remain the same is my love for helping students, our love for making music, and the joy that this shared project brings to our lives.

1. We care about the health and safety of our students/musicians, so our daily routine and room set-up have been adjusted in accordance with safety guidelines. Follow this link to see the details of our band and orchestra plan for beginning this new year.

2. Last year’s Florida spring break trip had to be postponed because of these unprecedented circumstances.

We are planning/hoping to take that trip this year with a concert band, symphonic band, and orchestra to Florida with performances at Disney World. We are planning on departing Holland on Wednesday, March 31, and heading home on Sunday, April 4, arriving back in Holland on Monday, April 5.

Some families decide to travel to Florida and have their children stay with them at the end of the trip rather than ride the charter bus back to Holland.

We have lots of fun on these trips. The trip is not required, but you won't want to miss it. :) Financial assistance is available. We are waiting to see how things develop health-wise over the next months and we are working to be sure all money is refundable in the event that the coronavirus does not allow us to travel again this coming spring. More info will be made available at a later date, but put the dates on your calendar.

3. We will not be able to do an overnight band/orchestra retreat this year; however, we will still gather to share fun, food, games, and music making at a two-day, day-only retreat in September. This band and orchestra retreat will be held on Friday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please put these dates on your calendar. This is a great way for us to get to know each other better and meet new friends.

4. No instruments will be needed on Monday the 24th or Tuesday the 25th. We will use those days for fun welcomes, getting to know each other, instructions, and handing out music.

Thank you!

Mr. VB