How Band is Planned
By Savannah Brady, 8th Grade
Have you wondered what band students have to do in order to stay safe during the pandemic? In response to COVID-19, students have gained new equipment for their instruments, rehearsed in separate groups, and have been keeping six feet distance during class. Ms. Knaster, our new Band Director, has successfully been able to continue regular band class, Jazz Band, and Honors Band!
What are these pieces of equipment you ask? Well, all instruments have a cover on the bell except for flutes; the bell is the part of the instrument that air comes out of. Flutes have a special mask with a side slit through it. The wind instruments have a rain jacket that covers the instrument so the air isn't blowing directly at someone. The clarinets are pictured above wearing the equipment. As for the percussion they cannot share the sticks: as usual but they must bring their own. In Honors Band, the students have matching masks specifically made for their instruments! Watch out for the recording of their music in a couple of weeks!
Ms. Knaster said, "Covid lets us do something creative other than what a normal year would allow for." This year Ms. Knaster gave the students a project that allowed them to unleash their inner DJ. Watch the fantastic Music Compositions using the link below! Ms. Knaster has also done an excellent job of keeping the students at a distance. There was a study led by an International Coalition of Performing Arts Organization that said instruments such as trombones and flutes should have at least a 9-foot distance between each other. During the sectionals of each group, the seats are spaced out 9 feet apart because the students sit in every other chair. In conclusion, if the band at Fugett Middle School can figure out a way to stay safe during this and be able to bring happiness to each other, you can too! Let's face it, without music, life would be flat!
Links and Contributors:
Jenna Knaster, Fugett Band Director
https://sites.google.com/wcasd.net/fmsmusic/home
COVID-19 Study