Reality

Hello all. I hope you are enjoying the finally warm weather we have this weekend!

I wanted to get out there as much as I know about next year. Believe it or not, when I told you guys Thursday that I wasn't returning next year to coach, I had NO IDEA that Irving was being transferred. He didn't even know that was coming! I had just spoken with him earlier in the day regarding the fall meeting, and he was moving forward as planned. So please know that my decision had nothing to do with Irving's transfer. That was just a very strange and disturbing coincidence.

Now, here's what we know so far. Zander was RIFed (Reduction in Force... laid off) at Fowler as well as the choir director there. The high school band position, which was full time, has been cut to part time. The guitar position, held my Mr. King, was also cut to part time. So the district made a new job that was half band and half guitar. Also, the orchestra director was cut. I don't know if orchestra will be covered by this new position.

Anyway, Irving was moved because his job was now part time and he is a contracted full time music teacher. So, the logical place for the district to go was to put him in the open band director job at Fowler. And there it is.

Now we wait to see what happens. Mr. King has been offered the job of teaching band part time and guitar part time. He has not taken or rejected the job yet. We also don't know if things will be added back at a later date when the state budget is fully released. This may not happen until late August if at all. As it stands, the part time band director position is open and it probably will be until after the summer begins unless Mr. King decides to take it.

Then comes the question about next year. No one fully knows yet. The new band director would need to come in with a show in hand and written and with staff in order to get you guys going in a competitions season. Also, the money situation as it stands now is not good either. The boosters plan to meet with Irving ASAP to see what should be said and done at this point. Again, all could change.

If a new director comes in with a plan and no one to coach you guys, I would come back part time and keep you going. If there is a marching band next year, you will have someone to coach you so don't worry about that. Usually when people start a new program, they will have friends lined up to take open positions. So someone will be there for you IF a marching program is possible.

Don't ask about the winter. There are no answers to that at all.

Keep reading this blog and check with me if you hear rumors. Even though I'm temporarily retired, I'm still here to make sure MY guard is taken care of and informed. :)

I love you guys. Don't forget that.

Tisha

Parade practices

Hey all!
It's time to get those flags out of your closet and get spinning! We have our first parade practice from 3 to 5 on Monday May 11th. We will rehearse Mondays and Thursdays until the parade. The songs are celebration, eye of the tiger, and blow the roof off. I will teach you a routine (keeping it simple don't worry) and we'll march around the neighborhoods with the band. See you Monday!
Tisha