Bath Band Members and Parents:

We are excited to have our high school band members return to learning on Monday, July 20th to begin rehearsing our musical and marching program for the 2020-21 school year. Like athletics around the state, the OHSAA communicated a three phased plan on how schools could return to athletics this fall. I assure you that the safety and health of our students is our main focus as rehearsals will begin. Some of these guidelines may be viewed as
overly-cautious. We want to get our programs back to ’normal’ as soon as possible. Attendance at rehearsals are mandatory unless directors have received written email/handwritten notification in the same manner as in the past. Listed below are some of the main points that will hopefully guide our rehearsals. Please keep in mind that any of these policies may be subject to change as the Covid-19 situation is extremely fluid not only in week-to-week but seemingly day-to-day.

● Masks-Wearing masks will not be a mandatory practice. When not playing instruments masks will be at the discretion of the family. Teachers will wear masks when not able to socially distance. Each individual family has different views on this practice and have circumstances that are unique to their family. It is in our opinion for the health and safety of our community at this time and we believe limiting contact, exposure and spacing between students is the prudent course of action.
● Class Size/Spacing- We will be using the “six foot of social distancing” at all times. Our ‘classroom’ for the majority of this fall will be outside on the practice field. When on the field outside, students will be spaced out in no less than 3-step spacing which is about six feet. When inclement weather arrives, students will either be situated inside 6-feet apart or rehearsals will be canceled. Furthermore, we are attempting to group students in sectionals if inside and will be in a smaller capacity to mitigate the CDC recommended “six feet of social distancing.”
● Storage Room- Our locker/storage room will not be in use indefinitely for the foreseeable future. This will reduce the space we have to clean and maintain. Students will be instructed to go home after their practice. Any belongings or materials needed for rehearsals will need to be transported with the students. (Exceptions will be made for students with the following instruments: Drumline, Tubas, Baritone Sax).
● Arriving- Students should arrive no earlier than 10-15 minutes prior to rehearsal. They should arrive in whatever attire is needed for rehearsal (appropriate footwear is essential this year). Every student will need to bring their own individual water bottle. Gathering of students prior to or after rehearsals is prohibited. When arriving, students will have their temperature checked and logged. Any student with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be asked to go home as an excused absence. Other symptoms to look for include the following:
● Fever or chills (100.4 or higher) ● 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

● Camp Lunch- As of this moment we are planning on having camp lunches and snacks like in the past. These will be distributed via Bath Music Association members that will adhere to the CDC guidelines of handling food and distribution. Camp lunch forms will go home on the first day of camp, July 20th.
● Sanitization- All instruments that will be used by multiple students (percussion sticks/mallets) will be wiped down and cleansed in between use. Students will be able to sanitize mouthpieces if they so desire.
● Departure- Students should be picked up promptly at the conclusion of rehearsal. Teachers will stay on time for the convenience of parents and these rules will help prevent gatherings post rehearsal. The only exception is for uniform item pick up day the first week of band camp. (Seniors on Monday 7/20, Juniors on Tuesday 7/21, Sophomores on Wednesday 7/22, and Freshman on Thursday 7/23). There are also percussion or flags sectionals listed on the daily schedule where those students will need to stay for those specific times.

We hope this plan will allow us to dutifully teach and prepare for marching band season. We understand that students and parents want to get back to normal as soon as possible. Bringing music and education back in a responsible way will bring them back hopefully for good. We are committed to the Ohio Department of Education’s Four Pillars of Learning Domain: Foundational and Knowledge Skills, Well-Rounded Content, Leadership & Reasoning, and Social-Emotional Learning. We believe that music education is an essential part of developing these. We are looking forward to hearing the Tradition of Excellence throughout our community and we are gracious to have your support!

Sincerely,

Hannah Snyder & Stephen Hanhold Band Directors
Bath High School