School News Briefs Performing Arts News
Band Adopts Pandemic Adaptations St. Johns’ band program had to adopt many previously unheard of safety adaptations this year in order to proceed in the face of COVID-19. From masks with cutouts for mouthpieces to bell covers for wind and brass instruments, many modifications were made to St. Johns’ performing arts programs this fall. At the start of the year, band director Mr. Michael Warren ordered band students special bell covers— stretchy, spandex covers that act as a mask for trombones, trumpets, clarinets, etc. Additionally, disposable masks with cutouts for their mouthpieces helped keep musicians’ mouths covers while still allowing them to play. For their instruments the flutists received air shields, a clear plastic shield that redirects the flutist’s air away from others. And finally, the larger Symphonic Band moved practices onto the wide, airy stage in the Performing Arts Center, rather than in the smaller, enclosed band classroom. With these modifications, St. Johns’ Middle School and Symphonic Bands were ready to play!
Two Spartans Earn Florida Vocal Association Seats Two St. Johns students earned seats in the prestigious Florida Vocal Association All-State Choruses last fall. Students were selected based on a statewide recorded audition that included vocalizations and performance of excerpts of three choral selections. Autumn Henry ’25 was selected for the Middle School Mixed Chorus and sophomore Tripp Vogt earned a seat in the High School Men’s Chorus. Because of Covid restrictions, the annual Florida Music Educators Association Conference, during which the AllState groups rehearse, will be a virtual conference for educators and student musicians this year. Congratulations to Autumn and Tripp on this outstanding accomplishment. 14
S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
WINTER 2020
