ARTHUR MAHRER Staff Writer
Like almost every aspect of campus life, Bethel’s Musical Ensemble has had to abide to a more regimented schedule. The fact that bethel’s musicians have to adapt to immediate changes to campus status regarding the positive COVID cases, means that there might be major interruptions to the fluidity of the Musical Ensembles’ rehearsals, causing setbacks in the pursuit of mastery. Despite this, the new measures employed by the musical ensembles to ensure campus safety may also grant Bethel’s musical body with innovative means of expression.
“The steel drum band and the pep band have observed the guidelines of social distancing of 6 feet between players, bell and instrument covers, and wearing masks during rehearsals and performances. The steel drums , for instance, are set up to allow 6 feet between instruments.” Brad Shores director of extracurricular bands/director for summer programs said. Providing a vivid example of the strict measures imposed in order to avoid health risks.
The regimented nature of COVID restrictions in this case does not seem to fully limit the capacity of students to learn new things.
“The orange status means that the pep band will not perform at the ball games to keep students safe. The steel drum class pivots to remote learning during yellow and orange statuses. Although the students cannot physically play the steel drums while remote learning is in place, they do learn about the culture of Trinidad, the history of steel drums and some music concepts,” Shores said.
However, these restrictions do not come without their shortcomings, as it has an impact on the organization of pep band and steel band. The steel drum band and pep band can still effectively play while following social distancing guidelines, however, the players have a more difficult time hearing each other’s musical parts. In addition, two players can no longer share a music stand, so that forces every place to have a stand.
On a more general note, the efficiency of Bethel’s Musical ensembles, almost fully depends on the color-coded statuses imposed by the uncertainty of this COVID period.
“When the status is orange there are no rehearsals. A blue and yellow status indicates that we will be in rehearsal. In the choir, that means: two to three days student led sectionals, larger classrooms, socially distance and in singer’s masks. These masks are laundered after each rehearsal; students are consulted to determine if they consider the decision to rehearse a safe one for all their colleagues. Each singer determines their level of safety and they have the option of opting out of rehearsals with advance notice. Since Open Road and Woven are student led they will determine whether the color-coded status is safe for conducting rehearsals,” William Eash professor of music and director of choral activities said.
It is safe to assess that just like all the departments entrusted with Bethel’s creative expression, the music department is smoothly adapting to the harsh demands of COVID-19.
