by Reinesse Wong
In-person schooling has started. In a class like band where instruments need to be played by mouth without masks, there is a high risk factor. Here is what Irvington band and orchestra students need to know about how their classes are going to run.
Band protocols include practicing outside, while maintaining 15 feet apart. On inclement weather days, band will rehearse in the campus theater. During the winter semester, it is expected that all rehearsals will also be in the campus theater. There is no playing outside at anytime, and masks should be back on indoors. Students will now need their own materials as well, such as sheet music, reeds, folding stands, and other materials. Band ensembles such as wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, marching band are online and may rehearsal similar to band, depending on circumstances.
Marta Bazdekis, a junior playing the flute, said she’s worried about upcoming rehearsals. “I feel like I’m nervous that we will be using instruments in general. However, I do feel more comfortable with the 15-feet distance being maintained.”
Orchestra students will rehearse while six feet apart in the orchestra room, with masks on at all times. Students must bring their own instrument, pencil, and music. There will be no shared materials at all. The orchestra ensemble is figuring out how to start up rehearsals.
As of now, teachers are unsure if, or how concerts will run this year.
However, Joseph Song, a senior in orchestra, had a more positive outlook on this year. He said, “I now don’t know what to expect for this coming year. If anything though, I want to remember this year not as the year in which the Coronavirus ruined my high school career, but the year I realized that I can make the best of life’s situations when I start embracing challenges as advantages.”
