Sweet Sounds During Difficult Times

 By Austin Stiles, ’21

When the Coronavirus reached the United States, life changed for both musicians and athletes. Virtual learning became a new normal for every student, and for musicians, recording software became especially important. 

At the end of the 2019-2020 school year, music students used a program called Soundtrap to record their musical pieces that would have been performed in the spring concert. When the summer arrived, focus was shifted towards the current school year and how music practices and performances would be held. 

Instrumental students practice socially distanced and wearing 
specialized masks. 

The determined plan consisted of temperature and symptom checks before every practice held outside of school hours, something that is still happening with current practices, mask requirements for students during rehearsals, and requiring special playing masks and bell covers for Instrumental Music students. For Vocal Music students, masks are required during every class and rehearsal while singing.

Overall, music activities have been able to work around restrictions and keep students engaged and performing musical pieces. In the winter and in the spring, music students recorded their songs and the concerts were performed in a virtual manner with no in person concerts this school year.

Molly Stonesifer, a freshman and member of the color guard in the marching band, noted, “I think that the music activities were handled fairly well. Even with the COVID restrictions, we were still able to carry out the band season.” 

Her sister, Joy Stonesifer, a sophomore and also a member of the marching band color guard, added, “For the most part I think that the music activities were handled pretty well for the current circumstances. I think it must have been hard to make certain decisions about what can and cannot be done due to restrictions.” 

Jocelyn Meyer, a junior, explained that limiting the number of audience members or live streaming a concert were two possibilities that could have been done to still have a concert. 

“I think that for the most part we did a great job with social distancing and singing with our masks on, but I wish we could have done an in person concert,” Meyer noted.  

Students also appreciated the time at home to hone their own musical skills and embark on new endeavors such composing.

Another senior, Hannah Poppek, further detailed how music changed outside of school.

“I think music changed a lot during the pandemic. Since we all had a lot of time when we were first quarantined, people were starting to write their own music or experiment with listening to new music,” explained Poppek.  “I know I did a lot personally, and I assume it was similar for others.”

For many students, continuing to play and be part of a school group provided some level of “normalcy.”

Sophomore Keefer Stiles mentioned,  “The band, both marching and concert, felt like a safe environment in these difficult times, and this safety was because of the procedures taken before each rehearsal.”

All students involved in the music program appreciated the efforts of Mr. Brian Yealy, Music Director.

“I think that music activities were handled pretty well with Mr. Yealy ordering custom playing masks for all of the instrumentalists as well as making sure to take our temperature and asking questions that pertain to COVID exposure before any activity to ensure the safety of all of his students,” added Junior Daniel Roe.