Spring Update

Good evening De Soto Band Family,

I am writing to keep you informed about the many changes occurring during this time.  Yesterday, was incredibly difficult for many of us due to all of the uncertainty.  What is certain, is that we are an incredibly resilient group and will continue to work together to improve as an organization. 

Google Classroom
Please check Google Classroom for updates and access to the Band Google Drive folders.  Students will have access to music to help prepare them for All State Bands next year.  I will also be posting how to videos and review material for you all to continue learning music theory skills.  Whether we are able to complete this school year or not, I hope that you will be able to find some time to continue to improve as a musician.   Students wishing to take part in Marching Band and DHS Jazz Ensemble should submit their recordings by March 23rd, if possible.  It is incredibly important that you continue to play your instrument.  We do not know how long this Covid closure may last.   I will be adding opportunities to Google Classroom for you to continue to make music with me.  Please take advantage during this time off to enjoy some music making with your friends.  

Bad news
The following events have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled for this year.

Fountain City Jazz Fest (Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab, Tri-M)
Combined Band Concert with Farmington HS (Symphonic Band)
De Soto MS Band FestivalDHS Night of the Arts (1 and 2 Rating Events from District)
State Large Ensemble Assessment (Symphonic Band)
Missouri Music Symposium (Concert Band)
North County Jazz Festival (Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab)
DHS Spring Jazz Showcase (Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab)
DHS Spring Band Concert (DHS Symphonic Band and Concert Band)

It is with tremendous remorse that these decisions have been made, but we must continue to do what we can to limit exposure and community transmission.  If you had pre purchased tickets for the Fountain City Jazz Fest, those have been refunded through Ludus, and you should see that money back into your bank accounts in the next 7-10 business days.

Memphis 2020 (2021)
The Spring Band trip for this year has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for April 2021.  For our seniors and chaperones that will no longer be taking this trip, we will be processing refunds for your trip payments. If your child is not currently a senior, and will no longer be attending the Memphis trip, please let me know.  For students that are interested in attending the trip, we will be allowing for additional participants once school resumes.

Wipe Out Fundraiser
At this time, due to the panic purchases that are happening all over the country, we have not been able to secure our fundraising materials.  Those will be ordered and delivered after the Covid 19 pandemic subsides.  We apologize for this inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding, but we are at the mercy of the masses.

Good news
Jefferson County HS Honor Band-
We had several students represent us in the Jefferson County HS Honor Band.  Thank you to these students for representing DHS and our community well during their one day marathon rehearsal and performance!

Mrs. Boyer and I have begun to put together the 2020 Band DVD.  Those of you interested in submitting may do so on the Google Classroom assignment that will be created. 

Letters of Recommendation
Seniors- I will be emailing all Letters of Recommendation out tomorrow.  If you were in need of one of these letters, you should have it by the end of the day (3/19/20).

Students interested in selecting the Fall Marching Show may do so this year.  More information will be posted on Google Classroom this week. 

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email.  Together we will get through this. 

Darrell Boyer, Ed. S.
Director of Bands
De Soto High School
De Soto #73 District Leadership Committee Member
MSTA HS Building Representative
East Central District #7 Webmaster 
Facebook: /desotobands
Twitter: @DeSotoBands
www.desotobands.org