Dave Matthys, OMEAs OSAA Band and Orchestra Liaison

1. Current OSAA regulations state that if a school is closed, that schools team, band, choir, etc., cannot participate in any OSAA event. Given the state of the many budget problems throughout the state and the possibility of closing schools early, there was a proposal presented at the OSAA meeting, on February 3rd, that school districts or the schools administration will have the authority to let the team/band compete at an OSAA event.

2. Current OSAA regulations state that if a school is on strike, that schools band, choir, or orchestra would not be able to participate at any OSAA event. It looks like this proposal will remain the same.

3. Another proposal is to reevaluate reimbursement for activity programs. As is stands right now, we are not reimbursed the same as sport teams. The proposal would give activities like band, choir, and orchestras a per diem.

4. Are you aware that every school is reimbursed for mileage when you go to an OSAA event? (This includes the state band/choir/orchestra contests, and the state solo contest.) The check goes to your school at the end of every school year. If you are paying for your own busses, the check should go to your account. Talk to your bookkeeper and/or your principal!

Need Information about the OSAA State Contests? Download the OSAA Handbook (319k pdf) or go to the OSSA website.