ENTERTAINMENT
BEST OF SEPTEMBER 2020
NEW DYNAMICS Performing arts responds to challenges of COVID-19, implements new changes EMILY CARLISLE STORY
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SADIE PENIX PHOTOS
he past seven months have proven a challenge for the entire world. But in spite of it all, performing arts groups at this school have continued to work toward performances. While social distancing protocols have changed how the arts program functions, students still manage to make music together. Freshman Grace Hammett said that this experience is definitely different from what she expected her introduction to marching band to be. Hammett said via email, “Everyone talks about the feeling of performing at Grand Nationals and the feel-
ing you get performing at Lucas Oil Stadium. At the beginning I thought I was fine without competition season but when I realized how much work I put in and the literal blood, sweat and tears that went into learning how to march, I’m really frustrated that we won’t have competition.” Ayaan Abbasi, member of New Edition and junior, said the choir program is doing pretty well with the new procedures. He said via email, “The safety measures that the directors have put into choir classes are pretty similar to the ones we have at school, like be-
SIDE TO SIDE: The flute section moves in formation together during rehearsal after school. They practice their music and the moves at the same time, putting it together with the rest of the band. Social distancing is enforced as much as possible.
ing six feet apart and wearing masks at all times. One difference would be that of our performance schedule and things like that as everything is incredibly tentative at the moment, and another would be certain things in performances, such as partner dancing, are not being allowed. “Due to hybrid scheduling, we’re unable to rehearse as a full group every other day. I think that choir is doing a good job of staying safe. Within this time, it’s incredibly hard to successfully do something the way it’s been done in the past. With what the directors have been handed, they’re
