When the pandemic first hit in mid-March of 2020, students and teachers panicked as they scrambled to move school online. All classes were adjusting to the new norm as best as possible and band classes were no exception — lessons, rehearsals, and performances were now virtual. This presented many difficulties to the band directors since it was challenging to capture each instrument’s individual sound while also having a cohesive performance piece. Students were urged to practice more on their own and were tested on their skills using recording apps and one-on-one playing sessions. The young musicians no longer had time to stay back and chit-chat, which took away the community feel within the bands. When the band directors, Mr. Grimaldi and Mr. Bongiovi, decided to bring in-person rehearsals back this month, teachers and students were relieved for this small step back to normality. 

The return of in-person rehearsals has been difficult: there are strict protocols that must be adhered to in order to keep everyone healthy and safe. This poses some extra challenges to the musicians whose instruments require a steady airstream and uncovered mouth, thus enabling the spread of germs.

 “We also have to account for COVID procedures while in person, with 15 minute breaks every 30 minutes of playing and we have to use special musician’s masks and bags at the end of our instruments to catch aerosol, making it difficult to play,” said flautist Delaney McCarty ’22.

 Although strict COVID-19 protocols help keep everyone safe, it can make playing more difficult. Similarly to how we must cover our face with a mask, bags are placed on the end of their instruments to ensure that no virus may be transmitted. Strict social distancing guidelines are also being enforced to ensure everyone stays safe. Students now stand six feet apart, which has also been a strange adjustment since musicians normally play very close together. 

“I’ve also had to get used to the distancing. The distancing while we're playing and during breaks is much different from normal rehearsals where we’d be very very close to each other,” said Layla Mobin-Uddin ’22, a flautist in the PHS Jazz Ensemble. 

Overall, students seem to be happy with the switch to in-person rehearsals. Being able to interact with their fellow band members has made a significant impact on their progress, both musically and mentally. 

“I believe that hanging out with and having good rapport with other band members is crucial to a successful band, which we can’t get online,” said Connor Stewart ’23, a percussionist for Studio Band. 

There has also been an increase in rehearsal time after going in person, as students can play together and have more interaction with their directors. This also makes the conductor’s job much easier. Online, it was difficult to get playing time in due to latency and difficulties with technology. Consequently, students found themselves to be more productive when learning from in-class discussions and videos rather than when attempting to play together with Zoom delays.

Many students feel that they have made more improvements when in-person than when online. 

“I think switching has improved my performance. If anything, it has encouraged me to practice more and practice playing louder with a more full sound since there aren’t a ton of people at in person rehearsal,” Mobin-Uddin said.

Even though in-person rehearsals have allowed students to be surrounded by other musicians which creates a more encouraging and positive environment, some still think it is not nearly the same as pre-COVID rehearsals. 

“While in-person rehearsals do provide more accountability for practicing than virtual ones, they’re not nearly as impactful as a pre-COVID rehearsal. We can’t work within sectional groups, and we can’t hear the band play as one — I can only really hear myself and maybe a few others — both of which were major advantages to pre-COVID rehearsals,” McCarty said.

Students hope that these protocols will help rehearsals go back to normal soon. 

“I do feel like the protocols are difficult to follow at times, but ultimately I know it’s for the best,” said Sara Carson ’23, a guitarist for Studio Band. “I hope everyone continues to follow these guidelines so that we can return to rehearsals full on next school year.”