Band Carnival
The Band Carnival for 2020 is officially cancelled. All other panhandle venues have canceled but us, and the cost of bringing out an entire carnival to the panhandle for only one event exceeds any potential profits that could be made. Combine this with ongoing COVID-19 concerns, especially in a venue such as a carnival, and it simply isn't possible this year. We're still planning on a 2021 carnival!
Band Trip to NYC
The band trip is canceled. I promise you, this was a decision not made lightly. It was made in conjunction with consultation of the administration, the tour company, and taking in a wide variety of factors. The fact is, NYC is still a hotbed of COVID-19 and the consensus is that travel there is not in the best interest of our students' health and safety. (And, given the continued closures of many venues, it would likely not be a very fun trip as it stands.)
Refund Amounts
I do not have a definite number regarding refund amounts at this time. I've spoken to the tour company daily over the past week and a half. The fact is, many of the vendors we were using (travel, hotel) are struggling financially at this time given the lack of travel, cash flow, and many groups asking for refunds at the same time. The process of receiving refunds could take several months and come in waves, as we receive responses and funds from individual vendors.
I will give more information out as it is made available, but I want to be clear that it will not be 100%. Many vendors are charging a processing fee for refunds, etc. I will make a breakdown of initial cost plus any penalties available as numbers are given to me in the interest of transparency, so you know exactly what you're getting back and from where.
Non Seniors
If you wish, you may leave your refund credited to your name for future expenses, be that a future band trip, reeds, repair, T-Shirt, etc. All monies are tracked through Quickbooks, where your statements are generated. Again, refund breakdowns will be shared for transparencies sake, so you'll know the amount refunded as it becomes available, and you'll be able to see those credits on your account. If you choose note to leave the refund as a credit for future use, checks can be made available.
Seniors
As money is returned to the boosters, refund checks can be made available. Again, understand that this will probably be a somewhat drawn out process - we are at the mercy of the individual vendors and the speed at which they process their refunds. We cannot refund money we do not have. If a senior has a younger sibling and would like to credit their amount to their account, that is an option for them. Otherwise, refunds will be tracked and handled as described above.
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A final note on the trip, please understand that this truly is all of the concrete information I have available at this time. I wish I had more to give you.
End of Year Auditions
On a less somber note, I do want to let you know that End of Year Audition information will be trickling out next week. This is for leadership team, drum line, color guard, and drum majors. It will most likely be setup and shared through a Google Classroom made specifically for auditions. More information will be posted here and in your normal band Google Classes.
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School Property Check In
Any school owned instruments, blue books, tuners, and Pride yard signs in your possession will need to be checked in to the band hall on Monday, May 18th. Items will be dropped off curbside and checked in with a director. Specific times will be posted closer to the date. Please understand that Pampa ISD property MUST be returned. Anything out past May will be considered stolen property. The cost of small items will be charged to students if not returned. If you have any concerns about drop off on this date, please contact me and set up an individual time to turn your equipment in.
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As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to me. Email is the easiest way to get a hold of me at this time.
Mr. Benton
john.benton@pampaisd.net