Letters to the Editor

Music survived

a challenging year

Before the May 11 mini-concerts performed by the middle and high school bands and high school choir, our last in-person concert was in December 2019. 

It has been challenging this past year. We play with special masks that have flaps for the instrument’s mouthpiece to fit through, and we cover our instruments to keep our air to ourselves. Frequently we would have to stop because someone’s cover had become entangled in the keys of their instrument. I frequently heard, “Hold on, Mrs. Morse! My sarong has got stuck in my instrument!”

Our middle school band had never performed together until the evening of the concert. That is because we have had them in self-contained “pods” all year. I got to see these students on a three-day rotation, and I was teaching them all the same music.

We do something similar for our Honor Festivals and All-State Music, where students learn their music and can perform, but when we get to the festival to perform they have three days to iron out the wrinkles. Our middle school band did not get that chance. They had a one-shot-and-done opportunity and did well in spite of all that was stacked against them.

Our choir also faced challenges this year. Trying to sing without projecting our voices as is normally done in a choir was hard. Many times, we would take a breath and get a mouthful of mask. It was frustrating at times, and other times we just laughed at the predicament. 

It can be hard to stay motivated to make music when there is no one to share it with. Very few if any people make music to only keep it to themselves. Having the concert was, I believe, a huge motivating factor for many students. I heard from many students that they were happy to perform for someone again. 

I also want to note that while it has been a challenge to keep music alive and going through a pandemic, the students and I have been so thankful to have music as an outlet this year. There are several locations in our region that don’t have music or have limited what is going on within the school walls in regard to music class. We have tried to keep that at the forefront of our minds while facing this year’s challenges.

We are hopeful that in the future, as more things open up and look more normal, we will have more in-person concerts for everyone to enjoy.

Tasha Morse

Music Director

Wrangell Public Schools