The Urbandale Band Department plans to perform an alternate marching show with limited movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have decided to save our Birdsong show for 2021 and perform alternate music. The new music will be used in a non-competitive format that offers high quality literature in a community building atmosphere. The team’s primary goals will be to build culture within our ensemble and present the highest level of musical performance current guidelines allow. The safety of our students and community will be at the forefront of everything we do.
Band Camp
We are planning a shortened band camp that begins on August 10th. Band Camp will take place 100 percent outdoors and observe social distancing. A safety plan with specific details regarding rehearsal will be shared with families in the coming weeks. New music will be provided as students arrive to camp. A modified calendar can be found on the band website here.
New Members
Band Camp Orientation will be on August 10th from 10:30 – 12:00. This rehearsal will introduce new students to our Leadership Team as well as basic marching fundamentals. This applies to all incoming 9th graders as well as new students to Urbandale or band.
***Be sure and bring any middle school instruments and/or music to this event. Mrs. Monson will be there to collect your instrument and music from last school year.
Health Screenings Suspended
Beginning on July 20th, the process of screening individual students upon arrival for all activities is suspended. Individuals are encouraged to monitor their own health on a daily basis and look for these particular symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Required Masks
In an effort to continue to stop the spread of COVID-19, ensure the safety of our students and staff, and help preserve future seasons, face masks/coverings are now required for all rehearsals. This guidance has been strongly recommended by the Polk County Health Department. Anyone with an underlying medical condition that would prevent them from wearing a mask should contact the Activities Office directly. Thank you for your support in helping keep everyone safe and healthy.
All State Auditions
The Iowa High School Music Association and Iowa Music Educators Association have decided that the All-State audition process for 2020 will be held completely online. More information will released in the coming weeks regarding this process.