Performing In A Pandemic
Photo by Sam Adkins and Leyla Dumke
Along with multitudes of other events in 2020 and 2021, fine arts activities at Saint Joseph High School evolved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there’s some good and bad expectations on the horizon for the spring semester with fine arts programs.
According to Mrs. Gray-Roll, choir and musical director at SJHS, hope is dim for thespian-related activities this year.
“I do not think it will be likely that there will be any sort of musical, play, or variety show. After school clubs and activities are mostly canceled with the exception of sports. I really hope this can all be back to normal next year,” she said.
In addition, choir has had to make some alterations this year to keep singing. Along with masks, students must face the same direction and remain 6 feet apart. Masks create additional problems in a class geared around profound use of one’s voice. They make it more difficult to project, sing with tall vowels, and take deep breaths. To be able to hear each other better, it’s easier to be closer to one another and on occasion face each other, which are not currently safe.
To date, one in-person choir concert was held. Every other row and seat were taped off, and students were allowed to invite only two people to come. Others, such as the holiday concert, were virtual recordings where students recorded themselves from home and the videos combined to create a virtual performance.
Band activities have also needed to adjust, according to Mr. Joshua Doe, band director at SJHS.
Students wear “musicians’ masks,” which have overlapping folds that allow it to be worn while playing. The folds prevent air from leaking out of the corners of the mouth. Each student also has their own instrument and copy of music to prevent any sharing.
“We do not know if there will be in-person concerts. We are hoping to, but it is all up in the air. We adjust based on current recommendations from the state,” said Mr. Doe.
“Since we have larger rooms, we are able to keep the students socially distanced even though many of the classes are large groups,” said Mr. Burke Lokey, Orchestra Director for SJHS.
“The Band, Choir, and Orchestra actually had live concerts in late October/early November. We were only permitted to have 25 percent capacity in the auditorium. So we reduced the number of students on stage and the number of audience members. We are hoping to have similar concerts in March and May,” he said. Like with most events in 2021, things are planned but always subject to change as the pandemic continues
Article by Roberto Cuadra, Josh Hafley, and Alex Jewell