We're now on the downhill slope to the end of the school year. We're still playing in the spring awards assembly as well as preparing for TSSEC for those involved. Additionally, this week I'll pass out a rough draft of our opener for us to begin reading through - marching season 2019 is just around the corner!
Also, regarding marching season: At the end of this post, you'll find information regarding the new physical requirement for marching band that we've discussed in class. This is a STATE requirement and must be completed prior to participation in the marching band.
Please shoot me an email if you have any questions.
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Schedule:
Monday
* Downbeat in the Band Hall at 8:00
* US History EOC
Tuesday
* Downbeat in the Band Hall at 8:00
* Algebra EOC
Wednesday
* Downbeat in the Band Hall at 8:00
* Biology EOC
* Spring Physicals from 3:00 to 5:00 in McNeely - FREE (more information below)
Thursday
* Downbeat in the Band Hall at 8:00
* Percussion Ensemble Rehearsals (Tentative - We'll discuss in class)
Friday
* Downbeat in the Band Hall at 8:00
* US History AP Exam
Saturday
* Band Banquet @ 7:00pm at MK Brown
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IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
An updated calendar for ALL of 2019 was sent out via Remind before the break. It's also available via www.pampaband.org. Please look it over and be aware of all dates that pertain to you!
May 8th - FREE Physicals held at Pampa HS
May 11th - Band Banquet
May 16th - Leadership Team Audition
May 17th - Marching Percussion Audition
May 18th - Color Guard Audition
May 20th - TSSEC Advancing Students recognized at School Board Meeting
May 25th - Graduation
June 2th - 4th - TSSEC Trip to Austin
Jun 18th - 21st - Caprock Color Guard Camp
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ONLINE PASS OFFS
Last set of playing assignments are posted. Please don't neglect them, as they're an essential part of your grade!
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MARCHING BAND PHYSICAL INFORMATION
A new state level UIL requirement states that band students must complete a pre-participation medical history form and physical PRIOR to engaging in any marching activities there freshman and sophomore years. HOWEVER, given that this is the first year of implementation, ALL band students must complete the medical history form and physical before I can allow them to participation in marching band in *any* capacity. This is a state level rule by which I MUST abide - please don't shoot the messenger.
How does this affect you?
1. If you're a student athlete already - it doesn't. If you've been participating in athletics and fulfilling the medical history/physical requirements for athletics up until this point, you continue doing the same thing. Your athletic forms (filled out online) and physicals will count for band as well AS LONG AS you have them completed BEFORE your first day of summer band.
2. If you ARE NOT in athletics - You MUST fill out the medical history form and have a physician complete the physical portion before you are allowed to participate in summer band. You WILL be sent home if this is not completed and in my hands prior to summer band. These forms are available in the band hall.
What are your options?
1. Bring your completed Medical History form to the PHS physicals next Wednesday, May 8th, from 3:00 to 5:00 in McNeely (where we had our spring concert). You MUST have your form with you, front filled out and SIGNED by a parent or legal guardian in order to receive a FREE physical that will fulfill the physical requirement for marching band. If you choose to get your physical at this point, you must be present BEFORE 5:00. If you're late, you may be turned away. This is the easiest and best option as it fulfills the requirement early so there's no last minute fretting before summer band.
2. Have a personal physician complete the physical and turn the form into me prior to summer band. If you would prefer have a family physician you're more comfortable complete the physical, this is an option. However, any costs are on you. Only the above option, on May 8th, is covered by the school.
Bottom Line
A medical history form and physical must be completed for ALL high school band students PRIOR to July 29th, 2019 (the first day of summer band). This can be done through athletics if you're in one of our athletics programs, through the school this Wednesday, May 8th for free, or on your own through your preferred physician. Regardless, it is a new state requirement and cannot be skipped.
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As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.
- Mr. Benton
john.benton@pampaisd.net
806.669.4800x1137