Chalford Band

Note to all members from Chalford Band Committee

We hope this message finds you and your family well.

As you are aware, the band (all bands) have not rehearsed now since the March 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. This is the longest period band inactivity in recent history.

The band committee met on the 14^th of April to specifically discuss the potential for a return to rehearsals following successful continuation of the Government’s unlock road map.

All main lockdown restrictions are due to be lifted on June 21^st. 

Considering this we are targeting Monday 28^th June for a Senior Band return to rehearsals.

Youth / Academy start date will be announced at a later date.  This is based on an anticipated need to stagger rehearsal return between the three bands and based on historic arrangements where youth band typically shuts down over Summer months.

We are not simply announcing the above date.  There are things that need to be done at the Bandroom prior to returning to rehearsals.

We also think it would be a good opportunity after such a long period of time away from rehearsing to meet with players on a small group / individual basis to ‘check in’ on band related matters, make sure instruments are ok and music / pads available etc.

Bandroom:

A skip has been ordered and will be delivered to the Bandroom on 21^st April.  We will be identifying items to clear out as well as undertaking some redecoration, maintenance and a thorough deep clean of the whole building.  Your involvement and commitment to helping in this process will be appreciated.  Some efforts were made last Summer to tidy up outside and some maintenance jobs done.  But a long list still remains, and we will be targeting the most essential jobs primarily to enable thorough cleaning.

We are also anticipating that as we get closer to the 21^st, there may more specific guidance on Covid related residual measures to be kept in place for bands / larger groups meeting inside.  We will be keeping abreast of any recommendations and applying where feasible.

As part of the above work, we also need a complete sort and review of the percussion area and equipment – this is related to the thorough clean up and also to populate insurance details.  It is hoped that the percussion team can head up this process alongside other activities.

We are aware that over coming weeks when the above activities need to take place Covid restrictions will still be in place and that attendance at the Bandroom needs to be managed. We will update on how this can be effectively achieved in due course.

Players:

Over the next few weeks, we will be preparing selected dates for players to come to the Bandroom for a chat, anticipating that individuals from sections can come on the same evening and round up with a section discussion.  This will be done in accordance with current Covid guidelines.

This process will be for Senior Band initially with Academy / Youth players undergoing a similar exercise thereafter.