Feature
Pandemic And Per ormance By Maddie Austin
V
An update on performing arts classes and their response to the coronavirus pandemic
irtual concerts, Zoom rehearsals and sheet music on PDFs are becoming the new normal for performing arts students. As many schools continue making the switch to online learning across the United States, interactive and dynamic classes like the performing arts have also temporarily adapted their approach. In Times Square, the sound of music burst through the arena as orchestra students played the piece they had earlier planned for Carnegie Hall. Across the country in Arizona, Chino Hills High singers received over 1.3 million views on YouTube from their virtual performance of “Over the Rainbow,” according to the LA Times. Like other high schools throughout the nation, BVN’s performing arts department is attempting to navigate learning with the absence of students in classrooms. Musical classes at BVN like choir, band and orchestra conduct daily rehearsals online. Students still have the opportunity to practice their instrument and learn new music with their classmates. Junior Gabby Fulford has participated in choir since kindergarten and is now a member of BVN’s Chorale. Although disappointed to be singing in her house rather than the choir room, Fulford said she remains optimistic. “It’s a difficult situation, just because our entire curriculum is based on singing together and perfecting technique,” Fulford
said. “It’s pretty hard to put that task on teachers. I think Mr. Sickle is handling it super well with keeping choir as normal as possible.” Chorale member senior Garret Brax said he misses the dynamic atmosphere of
“
I think this gives us a great opportunity to come together and figure out ways to overcome the obstacles that are in place ahead of us.
- Dylan long
“
the choir room the most, explaining how choir teacher Jason Sickel incorporates interactive activities within the classroom. However, among the many traditions within the choir department, Brax said he is most disappointed about performances. “Concerts, Chamber’s Cabaret, and Mustang Showtime are all amazing events that have been done for years and years,”
12 | The North Star | October 2020
Brax said. “I really hope we find a way to continue on even through a virtual setting.” Performances are uncertain for the band program as well. Junior Keaton Lewis has performed in marching band for three years, playing the baritone. Lewis said he still looks forward to the upcoming year, even though the band is still figuring out the safest ways to conduct rehearsals and perform. “We are still working through performing in person,” Lewis said. “I think we’ll have to see how marching rehearsals will work on a football field long term and what’s safe.” For daily classes, the entire teaching approach had to be restructured, requiring months of work prior to the start of online learning, according to band teacher Daniel Freeman. The main focus of the online classes is to allow students to continue playing their instruments, so the ensemble will be prepared to practice pieces inperson. However, Freeman said that in-person classes will bring a new set of obstacles. “Our biggest challenge is not only restructuring to teach band online, but also to be prepared for when a return to in-person happens, whether it is hybrid or completely in person,” Freeman said. “As an activity that creates aerosols, we have many precautions and mitigation strategies to put in place. Fortunately, following those strategies, we will be able to make music
