Band has returned to in-person learning for all band instruments using safety protocols and PPE. Bell cover and music mask distribution details have been emailed to all brass and woodwinds families. Students should contact Mr. Carlson via Slack with questions. Those who opt to remain in distance learning should continue to login as usual (Mr. Carlson will be simulcasting).

Voluntary Sports Training – What You Need to Do if You Want to Participate

Should we resume in-person training for Marching Band, here is what you need to do if your student did not participate in the Fall, but would like to join now:

  • Have your student let Mr. Carlson know they’re interested in participating.
  • All forms can also be found on the Forms page (Parents tab, then click “Forms”)
  • Complete the participation waiver.  
  • Have your student take a Covid-19 test –
    • Any negative COVID test is acceptable
    • An anti-body test is not acceptable
    • Students for which this is a financial burden can fill out this form indicating they would like assistance.
  • Complete the Athletic Activity Emergency Card. This form can be found here.
  • Drop off your packet:
    • Drop Off Instructions: Place all paperwork in a sealed envelope and drop it in the MARCHING BAND collection box just inside the front office at Mira Costa between 8-4 on M/Tu/Th/F.
      • On the outside of the sealed envelope please note: Student Name, Student Grade, Sport (Marching Band or Colorguard)
      • Envelope must include: Emergency Card, negative Covid-19 test, and participation waiver.

In-Person Sports Training – Daily Procedures

  • If you are registered for an activity that is conducting in-person training (such as Indoor Drumline or Winterguard) your name was given to the administration so that they can add you to Ruvna.
  • Each morning, anyone on Ruvna will get a text that says “Reminder – Health screening from Manhattan Beach USD.” If your student will be on campus that day, you need to complete the screening questions for your student (even if they are over 18). If the student is cleared, a QR code will be generated. You can click the link to send a text of the QR code to your student for them to present as they enter campus.
  • Arrive wearing your mask
  • Have your Ruvna QR code out and visible as you enter. The coach or trainer at your cohort pre-screen area will verify correct time stamps and day. Attendance will be recorded.
  • Brass and woodwinds players must bring their music masks and bell covers.
  • At the end of training, return to your pre-workout area, and pick up your personal belongings. Use hand sanitizer
  • If your vehicle is there you may depart at that time. Students may only remain on campus after their training session is completed if they are waiting for parent pick-up.

In-Person Music Instruction in the 2020-21 School Year?

At this time, MBUSD has determined that secondary schools will open in the fall 2020 in a full distance learning format. Accordingly, we have developed plans to deliver meaningful music education online, while concurrently planning for the the shift to hybrid learning formats consistent with the District’s “Phase In” plan and guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. In addition to engaging in the same in-depth, nuanced music instruction our program is known for, students will explore audio recording and production, and develop new skills in the area remote performance. Students will also be afforded greater opportunity to connect with their own creativity, and experience music making in small ensembles as well as contributing to traditional large-ensemble performances captured using cutting-edge digital recording and audio production techniques.

Regarding Marching Band and Colorguard, we have reimagined the season both in terms of content and schedule. Using “blue screen” filming techniques and cutting-edge audio recording and production, students will participate in advanced virtual performance, culminating in an immersive digital show. Find out more on the Programs page, Join tab, “Marching Band & Colorguard.”

Creating Meaningful Social Connections In the Distance Learning Format:

Band and Guard are often described as a family. We know that starting the year in a distance learning model presents unique challenges to forming those connections. We are currently developing a variety of programs designed to foster those social connections, not just within our MCHS Band & Guard Community, but also with band students at the middle and elementary school levels. Look for more information coming soon about these programs under the “Mentorship” tab.

Instrument Pick Up

Instrument and Equipment pick up was conducted as part of the school’s Textbook, Swag and ID Distribution. If your student needs an instrument or equipment, or was not able to make their allotted time slot during the school’s Distribution, please email MCHSBandDirector@gmail.com.

Supplies & Equipment

  • Apps & Platforms:
    • BandLab/Soundtrap – Provides backing tracks and a platform to submit audio recordings
    • Discord/Zoom with Soundtrap/Upbeat Music – Allows faculty to interact with groups of students as they are playing
    • Classroom spaces such as Zoom & Google Classroom
    • Possibly Flipgrid and Jam Kazam – Allows for recording of solo performances and small ensembles respectively. Would become part of virtual concert content.
  • Technology – Because some students do not have laptops, our goal is to have all apps and platforms be compatible with students’ mobile phones or ipads.
  • Microphone (Recommended) – Students will receive more information in class.
  • Instrument – If your student needs to use a school instrument during distance learning, please contact MCHSBandDirector@gmail.com, or MiraCostaBand@gmail.com.
  • Digital sheet music – Students will receive pdfs or downloadable copies of their music.
  • Notification Communication Systems – Students use Slack Messaging. They will download and sign up for Slack as part of their classes.

Microphones

Microphones are optional for students. However, if you are looking to acquire a microphone for your student, here is one option you may be interested in. If you have any questions about providing a microphone for your student, please email MiraCostaBand@gmail.com, or MCHSBandDirector@gmail.com.

Instrument Covers

Once we are able to play instruments together in person, we expect that all brass and woodwind students will be asked to use an instrument cover (sometimes called a bell cover). Below is an example of what these covers look like. FLUTE PLAYERS – please note that covers for flutes are not commercially available. Flute players will receive an email with instructions about instrument covers. If you have questions about instrument covers please email MiraCostaBand@gmail.com.

Link to Instrument Cover

Music Masks

As with Instrument Covers, once we are able to play instruments together in person, we expect that brass and woodwinds players will need to use specialized “music masks” – masks that have an overlapping design so the instrument can be played while the mouth and nose are still fully covered. Below are two examples of this style of mask (one for most woodwinds and brass players, the others specialized for flute players). These music masks are available by bulk order only at Dance Sophisticates. The Boosters will place a bulk order for the program, and in turn make them available to families at cost. If you have questions about music masks please email MiraCostaBand@gmail.com

Link to Music Masks
  • Example of Music Mask
  • Image of Flue Mask – Back Side
  • Image of Flute Mask
  • Close Up of Music Mask

What Does Digital Learning Really Look Like?

Here is a glimpse behind the scenes from October, 2020

Here is a Sample of the Remote Performances Submitted for the WBA Finale Virtual Festival in November 2020

Here is a Sample from the Spring of 2020

Please note that this sample is using BandLab. All classes will be using SoundTrap for the 2020-21 school year.