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Walhalla Middle School 7th Grade Orchestra

Greetings students and parents,

As distance learning continues for our district, I encourage you to reach out via email or Canvas with any questions you may have.

Updates for the week of May 11 include the following:

Distance Learning Units to be completed:

At this time, you have 5 units of distance learning assignments in Canvas. Unit 1 is a two-part assignment with a written response (Assignments tab) and a video upload question (Quizzes tab). Units 2 and 3 are also divided between the Assignments and Quizzes tabs. Units 4 and 5 can be found in their entirety in the Quizzes section (1 part, reading linked in quiz). Please make every effort to have these assignments completed by May 15 so that final grading procedures can begin. Please contact me if you have any questions or need assistance.

Materials Drop-Off/Pick-Up Days:

On the dates below, I will be at WMS to collect instruments, folders, etc. Look for a sign-up soon with appointment times during the hours posted. It is extremely important that you come at your appointment time so that we can space out traffic. We will meet at the back door of the strings room (back side of the school). Please email me in advance if you need personal items from inside the classroom so that I can have them outside waiting for you. ALL instruments not being kept for summer should be turned in at this time, as well as any school-issued ORIGINAL music (keep practice copies), or other school-owned items. Questions? Please ask!

MONDAY, JUNE 1: 9 AM - 3 PM (8th Grade)
TUESDAY, JUNE 2: 9 AM - 3 PM (6th/7th Grade)
TUESDAY, JUNE 2: 3 PM - 6 PM (ANY GRADE)

* If you cannot get to WMS on the day assigned for your grade, please email me to sign up for another day.

**If you have a school-owned instrument and would like to keep it for the summer, please send me an email including the following:
Instrument
Serial number (look inside the sound holes, usually at the bottom of the sticker label)
Any repairs needed

I will need this information to update rental inventory, so please let me know in advance--ESPECIALLY if your instrument needs repair. I can switch it out for another in the line if necessary, but you MUST let me know in advance. Thank you for your help!

Frequently Asked Questions...

* Which distance learning assignments will be graded?

In Canvas, you should find 5 Distance Learning Units, labelled Units 1-5. These are the only graded items during the school shutdown. All other music and resources in Canvas are for your own browsing and use. I encourage you to work on the solos provided via email, as we will be playing those as a group when we meet in person again. Please contact me for supplemental practice materials or for video lessons. I'll be happy to work with you!

*What about upcoming performance events?

Our hope is to simply shift performances dates for missed events this spring into our fall concerts, as well as any summer opportunities that are allowed. More information will follow about summer opportunities pending decisions about group meetings, etc. as the Covid-19 situation develops.

I hope this helps answer your initial questions going forward. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance. Please email me at hbmckee@g.oconee.k12.sc.us. I will do my best to get back in touch with you the same day.

Thank you for your patience as we move into a new experience together. Be well, rest, and enjoy your time with family. I look forwarding to seeing you as soon as that is possible.