To all:
The last few years we’ve taken baby steps to move the “Ram” Band into the 21st Century. Several people have offered their assistance in this venture and we appreciate it!
With that in mind, I’ve set out three technology goals:
1. Decrease our reliance on printed media (paper, paper, paper)
2. Increase our reliance on electronic communication
3. Lower costs of communication
All three goals are quite important to our entire band community (directors, staff, WIMBA officers, chaperones, students, and families). Our phones, smart phones, and computers have set an expectation of lightning quick access to information. To continue our transition to electronic communication, we’ve created two resource options. One is accessible through the web; the other only requires a cell phone with SMS (texting).
Option 1: Marching “Ram” Band Blog (http://whitehallbands.blogspot.com)
This website is accessible 24 hours day through your web browser. Currently, it offers three resources of information: (1) All “Ram Band Updates” are copied and posted there; (2) The entire Ram Band calendar is available online; and, (3) our Twitter feed. The blog offers the option to access all these resources any time; especially if you accidently click “Delete” after you read the latest update e-mail.
Option 2: “Ram” Band on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/@wyhsramband)
Our twitter feed contains concise information regarding events in the immediate future. For example: a Ram Band Twitter post would include: Band Call, Uniform, and other important information for a band event that evening. Just a few short days ago (Aug. 10); Twitter introduced "Fast Follow" as an option for anyone who wishes to follow a particular feed but they themselves do not want to sign up for an account on Twitter. Once you have set your cell phone to follow our Twitter account; all posts will be automatically sent to your phone immediately. No need to sign on the web or create an account. Standard messaging rates apply, but many of us already have unlimited messaging.
If you are interested in following the "Ram" Band Twitter feed, text ‘follow wyhsramband’ to 40404 from your cell phone. You will receive a response similar to: "Welcome to Twitter! You're now following @wyhsramband and you'll receive their Tweets on your phone."
Don’t worry; everyone will continue to receive our weekly “Ram Band Updates” throughout the school year. These two new options will increase our speed and clarity of communication.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me immediately.
GO RAMS!!!
Mr. Herrmann
