Staying in tune through the pandemic

Grafton High School band, choir students use socially distant approach to prepare for winter shows

GRAFTON HIGH SCHOOL band students practiced in the school’s parking lot on Monday, Nov. 23. The band and GHS choir will perform two 30-minute concerts on Dec. 14. Photo by Sam Arendt

GRAFTON HIGH SCHOOL band instructor Alex Knoepker played saxophone with sophomore Madison Johnson-Hass during an outdoor practice. Photo by Sam Arendt
By 
JOE POIRIER
Ozaukee Press Staff

The show must go on for the Grafton High School band and choir.

The school will present two 30-minute concerts by the groups on Monday, Dec. 14.

Two immediate family members of each performer will be allowed to attend while others can view the concerts on a private YouTube channel.

“The students said they are very excited to perform for the first time this year,” first-year band director Alex Knoepker said. 

Earlier this month, the School Board approved the performances. Band concerts will take place in the high school gymnasium  and choir performances will be held in the school auditorium. The groups have been practicing outside this year to follow protocols for social distancing. 

“Performances are motivating and essential experiences for students,” said Director of Teaching and Learning Dianna Kresovic. 

Knoepker said the 45 students in his band program are anxious to finally perform in front of an audience. He said the students have been practicing outside the school for 85 minutes every day when the weather is conducive.

“Their fingers are starting to get cold, and brass players are noticing their tone is getting lower as the temperature drops,” he said. 

To ensure safety, the district purchased additional face masks for singers, and band members who play brass instruments also have double-layered masks to cover their mouthpieces. Knoepker said some instruments have a bell covering to reduce exposure to Covid-19.

“This has been a team effort from the School Board, administration and the players,” he said. “Everybody wants to stay healthy and enjoy the music.”

During this week’s School Board meeting, Kresovic said fourth-graders will begin participating in their recorder unit while wearing the layered masks.

The district is following research from an aerosol study of the University of Colorado that is promoted by the National Music Association. 

“The recommendations from the study talk about PPE (personal protective equipment) and the amount of time and space it is safe to stay apart,” Kresovic said.

“It really has to do with the air flow. When you are singing or playing an instrument, you are creating an opportunity for spreading the virus. You have to take extra precautions. We have to follow the science.”

The district also upgraded the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units in buildings to ensure students can continue practicing music when it’s too cold outside, Kresovic said. 

When high school students are unable to practice outside, they listen to recordings in the classroom and analyze the music.

Knoepker said it has been a struggle teaching lessons, but his students are good sports.

“It’s a challenge every time we have class. It is impossible to rehearse on Zoom,” he said. “These kids are dying to perform. They are hungry for it.”

Category:

Feedback:

Click Here to Send a Letter to the Editor

Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-3494
 

CONNECT


User login