Dear Foothill Band Families,

On Friday, July 10 the Western Band Association announced the cancellation of their regularly scheduled events for the remainder of 2020. Earlier in the year, WBA had taken over the marching contest responsibilities in California and Nevada that were previously held by the Marching Band Open Series (MBOS). The CCSD marching band show hosts met via ZOOM on Friday to discuss the implications of this announcement and the guidelines currently in place for performing arts. It was determined that the continuation of plans for a competitive marching season in southern Nevada for 2020 would not be feasible.

Governor Sisolak’s Summer Learning and Activity Guidance document prohibits performing arts from meeting in the summer months during the COVID 19 pandemic. While some athletic activities have been approved, with strict guidelines and limitations, CCSD has not yet approved rehearsal procedures for band, choir, orchestra, theatre, and dance. CCSD officials are working with medical professionals and researchers to determine what is safe for our students, teachers, and community but have not yet announced a plan specific for these activities.

Therefore, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of the Foothill High School Band and Color Guard Camps, scheduled for July 20 through August 7, 2020.

Q: Will there still be band and color guard in the fall?

A: Absolutely! It will just look a little different than it did last year.

Q: Will I still be able to play my instrument?

A: Yes! CCSD officials are working on guidelines for performing arts and safety.

Q: Will there be any possibility of marching band performances or competitions in the fall?

A: Yes! The Foothill Band Staff and Foothill Administrators are working with the CCSD Athletic Departments and the NIAA to establish safe practices for public performances. Additionally, Bands of America, Winter Guard International, and other performance organizations have dozens of scenarios in place to serve high school marching programs.

Q: Will I still get class credit and the Physical Education waiver for marching band?

A: Yes! Students registered for Marching Band or Percussion Ensemble are still on track to receive class credits the PE II waiver.

Q: Will there still be fees associated with Band and Color Guard?

A: To Be Determined. CCSD has rarely provided us with adequate resources or funding necessary to operate at the level at which we desire. However, band and color guard fees for 2020-2021 will be a fraction of what they have been previously. Due to the potentially reduced performance schedule and the current financial hardships experienced by our families during the pandemic, we do not wish to price students out of this positively life – changing activity. Additionally, fundraising opportunities will be available throughout the year.

This year has not turned out like any of us expected or wanted. No plan or proposal is perfect. This is not our fault…but it is our problem. We must now make the best of it. We will be creative and we will stay strong. Over the last two decades, the Foothill Band Department has become one of the most reputable music education programs in the United States. We will continue to provide world-class instruction and opportunities for our students and families. We need your continued support now, more than ever.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

We’re all in this together.

Sincerely,

Travis Pardee Dean Snavely Adam Steff

pardetl@nv.ccsd.net snavede@nv.ccsd.net steffa@nv.ccsd.net