I'm sure you've seen or heard or suspected much of the below, but I wanted to officially post and clarify so that no one is left wondering. I've tried to cover the major events that would have transpired had our semester continued as normal. Unfortunately, the update for most of them is the same...
Spring Concert - Canceled. Without us returning to full rehearsals and continued social distancing practices, no form of spring concert is feasible.
Band Banquet - Canceled. Again, given social distancing practices and the governor's decision, school functions such as this are canceled. I still want to give out senior gifts at some point later this spring/summer. Seniors, don't be surprised if I show up at your door one day, blanket in hand!
Drum Major & Leadership Auditions - Will be submitted online, via video and other means. More information will come out in a few weeks.
Color Guard Auditions - Will be submitted via video. Help sessions of small groups will be organized to comply with social distancing guidelines. More information will come out in a few weeks.
Carnival - As of this time, carnival is still set to happen the last week of May. However, this could change. Pride of Texas shows already canceled their April carnivals. May is tentatively still on, but not set in stone.
TSSEC - Canceled. In accordance with the UIL suspension of all remaining spring activities, TSSEC has been canceled.
Spring Trip - No further information at this time. Discussions are ongoing with administration and the tour company. I'll let you know more once more has been decided.
And in case any of you were planning on attending WT Band Camp, for the first time in decades upon decades, it too has been canceled. As an alumnus, this was heart breaking to me.
I'll be working on a summer band schedule soon, but know that right now anything past the next few weeks is up in the air. We're certainly living in uncertain times.
Please know that I'm here for you if you need me. As much as I have enjoyed the leisurely pace we've had lately, I'd trade it all to have band again, to rehearse the 2020 concert bands one more time. It's been hard for me knowing that I'll never have some of you under my baton again. I feel that, despite circumstances, the band had a wonderful year, if cut tragically short. Stay safe, and please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Mr. Benton
john.benton@pampaisd.net