“Playing” Out the Pandemic: Our Orchestras Dealing with COVID

So many things have had to adjust due to COVID. A few examples that come to mind are how we live in the dorm, having seating charts in classrooms, and the way we go through the cafe line, but what about how we deal with our group-based extracurricular activities? I interviewed the director of the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony, Dr. Christopher Wild, as well as Megan Case, (sophomore, music education) an orchestra member, to see how they are dealing with the new adjustments they have had to make in terms of their rehearsals and their overall outlook on this school year.
The first question I asked them was, “How has the orchestra/choir adjusted to COVID in terms of rehearsals?” Wild said, “The orchestra is observing the guidelines of six feet between musicians (and in the cases of a few instruments, more than that), so that has led us to always use the Howard Center's large concert hall, not only its main stage but also the balcony behind it, to spread out our approximately 50 musicians safely. Thankfully, I'm equipped with a microphone so that I can speak to those far away from me comfortably while wearing a mask. Some of those musicians are more spread apart, in accordance with the recommendations of available research. For this semester, we only have two scheduled performances, which gives us a healthy amount of time to gain a deep understanding of our music prior to performances. Also, each of our rehearsals now has a 15-minute break in the middle to allow the room's air to settle, and for our musicians to breathe fresh air outdoors.” Case, who is an oboe player for both the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony details that, “Wind players cut holes in their masks in order to play. We look pretty funny but apparently there’s some science behind it. To obtain 6 feet between players, the brass sections of both groups have to sit in the balcony. Our concerts will be mostly via live stream, at least for now.”
When asked how these adjustments have affected progress and/or quality of rehearsal Wild said, “Our musicians are progressing nicely, as I would hope and expect. Since each rehearsal is a bit shorter and we have fewer scheduled performances, this allows us to learn at a comfortable pace and reduces potential stressors. Since our in-person music-making will need to finish in mid-November, our members will thereafter be completing a short essay to finish the semester. I'm very proud of the musicians for adopting the university's guidelines within our orchestra setting.”
I also asked Wild if there were any creative methods/ideas they’ve found or looking to implement in order to enhance the experience for his students. He says, “Since we are situated farther apart, I've certainly tried to encourage us to get to know one another through other means, to feel more connected despite the distance. In past situations, I've observed our members not always knowing who some of their colleagues in the orchestra are, which is unacceptable. Therefore we've enjoyed sharing facts about each other. I also see our rehearsal breaks as an additional opportunity for musicians to get to know one another better.”
In terms of her enjoyment of participating in the groups this year, Case explains, “Even with all the changes I’m thankful to be able to play in an ensemble in person again. I actually really missed it when we had to go home in March. I’m happy to be back and I still enjoy playing. I think that outweighs the irritations of masks and the other things.”
Both Wild and Case expressed optimism about the success of this school year, and so far they feel as if things are going as smoothly as can be on campus. They both simply hope that people will adhere to the safety guidelines, and really, that is all we can ask of them in these COVID times; oh, and performing great music for us also.