Information for Face-to-Face Students September 8

We are looking forward to seeing many of our students in person this Tuesday as HEB ISD returns to Face-to-Face instruction. While it is exciting, there are, of course, changes to protocols and procedures at the school. Here are several things we want our students and parents to be aware of.

• The school building will open at 8:15 am. Students will not be able to enter prior to 8:15. The only exception is zero hour students and those students need to communicate with their zero hour teacher for the plan.
• Students may only enter through a designated entrance where they will have their temperature taken. These entrances include the main entrance (off the circle drive), the tower entrance (off the student parking lot), and the loading dock entrance (on the west side of the band hall)
• Band students need to bring their concert instruments (flags for Guard), binders, and water bottles/jugs. They will be able to come to the Band Hall to put their supplies in a band locker and then must proceed to their first period class.

Information for Virtual Students- September 8

For our students who are remaining virtual. Here is some important information for you!

• The HEB ISD Return to Learn plan says that students MAY elect to come to the school for UIL activities such as Band. If you plan to come to school for your band class, you must enter from the student parking lot (Tower Entrance) and you will need to leave with enough time to return home and log on for your next class. This means virtual learners who come to their band class in person will need to leave a little early.
• Virtual learners who are participating from home...continue to use the same Google Meets access code you have been using since the beginning of the school year! Your cameras must be ON or you will be counted absent and not receive credit for your participation grade. No exceptions! If your equipment is not functioning properly, it is your responsibility to get it fixed or contact the school to get a chromebook.

Letter Jacket Sizing- Tuesday, September 8- 4:15-6:00 pm

Students qualify for a letter jacket after having successfully participated in three trimesters of Band at L.D. Bell High School. (One trimester for Guard only students) Students must have maintained academic eligibility all year and have a zero balance on 2019-20 Band Fees to get their jacket. The jacket and letter are provided by HEB ISD. Any customization is an additional cost. In order to prevent long wait times, Texas Star Recognition (the jacket provider) has requested we divide up the afternoon by last names. The blocks of time are below. Please do your best to arrive during your assigned block.

• Last Names A-I: 4:15 pm-4:45 pm
• Last Names J-R: 4:45 pm-5:15 pm
• Last Names S-Z: 5:15-5:45 pm

Marching Band Rehearsals Begin Tuesday, September 8

We will be starting in-person rehearsals with an emphasis on marching and movement skills this week at Raider Bowl. For new parents/students...Raider Bowl is the turfed football field on the campus of L.D. Bell. It can be accessed off the westbound 183 frontage road west of Brown Trail. The schedule is as follows:

• Brass, Woodwinds, and Percussion- Tuesday and Thursday evenings- Raider Bowl- Check-in begins at 6 pm. Rehearsal from 6:30-8:30 pm
• Guard- Wednesday and Thursday evenings- Raider Bowl- Check-in begins at 6 pm. Rehearsal from 6:30-8:30 pm

What to Wear and What to Bring

Students should wear athletic clothing and athletic shoes and a mask. For instrumentalists, white shirts (school-appropriate logos are fine) are preferred for uniformity. Guard should wear black dance-wear and athletic shoes. All students must bring water!!! Students should bring their marching instruments and band binder on Tuesday. Beginning on Thursday, September 10, brass and woodwind students will also need a lyre for their instrument and flip folder. These can be purchased at Music & Arts or on Amazon. Please have all equipment, including water bottles labeled.

How to Check In/Rehearsal Safety

1. Students must fill out a COVID-19 Health Screening Prior to check-in. The form can be found HERE. Students will be prompted to sign into their HEBISD Google account to complete the screening form.
2. Upon arrival at Raider Bowl, report to your assigned gate to check in with a Band Director and have your temperature taken. (picture below). Parking is available at Raider Bowl.
3. Once you have checked in, report to your assigned "gear storage zone" (picture below) to get equipment organized and be assigned a spot in the rehearsal block. Masks must be worn at all times while on the sidelines. The only exception is when actively drinking water.
4. The full list of safety protocols and procedures can be found HERE
5. Once rehearsal has concluded, students will need to leave promptly so Raider Bowl can be secured. Please have rides waiting at 8:30 pm

Rain Plan

We will be keeping an eye on the weather. If inclement weather forces a change in plans or cancellation, we will communicate that via the website (ldbellband.org), a Band News email, and on Remind. If in doubt, check those resources for communication!

"Sophomore Package" available for online orders through September 13

Each year, Spirit Wear offers the purchase of dry-wick shirts, athletic shorts (in both male and female style), duffel bag, and garment bag all with the Blue Raider Band logo. Students may purchase individual items OR bundle them together for a discounted price. While we refer to it as the "sophomore package", any one can order! Check out the online shop HERE. It is available until September 13 for orders!