Effects of Covid-19 in Music Education (U.S.)

Audrey Montanez

Kansas

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has affected pretty much everything about the upcoming school year, but high school band and orchestra students were hit especially hard. The need for social distancing throughout the school day has forced band and orchestra classes to reduce their sizes, stunting the overall growth of the ensembles as a whole. Large group ensembles, like band and orchestra, are two-way streets. Their true potentials are revealed because of the constant flow of creation, response, and connection between musicians. Classes just aren’t the same when they’re not in person.

Unfortunately, social distancing has ruined the sense of community that comes with playing in large ensembles with those who have the same passions as you. In addition, the quality of music education will most likely diminish as many schools are considering online classes instead of returning in-person for this fall. The effect of virtual music classes depends heavily on the skill of the student. Playing towards a screen does not allow for the shaping and molding of live sound with fellow musicians, which is key to becoming a better musician overall. Live virtual classes aren’t exactly super helpful either when the video conference distorts the sounds of instruments or you aren’t able to hear your teacher directing you while playing. It just isn’t a substitute for the real thing.

The emotional impact that COVID-19 has had on music teachers and students is devastating. Frustration, stress, nervousness, and worry are constantly running through the minds of teachers as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Thoughts of how they’re going to teach, their own health, the music program, and engagement of students are all burdens that come with their job at this time. In a time that is so uncertain, it will be hard for them to maintain the same dynamic that they had in their band before the coronavirus hit when they can’t be sure of their own educational plans. Similar thoughts might run through students’ heads as they face the upcoming school year wondering how their musical extracurriculars will look.

In the Fall 2020 Guidance for Music Education, the plans for bands and orchestras were laid out by the National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Association for Music Education. Nothing is exceptionally out of the ordinary concerning COVID-19 safety measures. 6 feet apart as always and of course, wearing masks. Mainly the precautions directed specifically towards music were sharing items such as sheet music, instruments, and stands. Because of this restriction, the budgets for music programs take a hit as more stands, more instruments, and more copies of music are needed. Also, transportation to and from events will be even more difficult than before. Social distancing is still required on buses and vans that are taking students to festivals, competitions, auditions, etc. Most likely, parents will have to consider taking their child to events because of the limited amount of students allowed on each bus. Possibly, parents and band directors may not even have to worry about transportation as many event organizers may consider shifting everything online to prevent risking more lives. For events that are not becoming virtual, the NFSHA and NAfME have laid out a hierarchy of people who should be attending these events.

People who are essential to the events and are first in priority would be the student participants, directors, adjudicators, event staff, medical staff, and security. If anyone would be allowed to attend these events, it would be them. Next in line are the preferred people. This mainly includes media that would provide coverage for the contests, festivals, and activities. Lastly, non-essential participants would be the spectators and vendors selling there. Most likely, they will not be allowed to attend if health conditions do not get better. Only essential and preferred people will be allowed to attend if state/local health departments lift the mass gathering restrictions in that particular area. Those who were anticipating these events last year are most likely going to be slightly discouraged as the events won’t be as free-reign as they were last year.

This year has come with many challenges, especially for musicians. Despite the changes that have occurred and will occur in the way we make music and interact as a community, we need to make an effort to rely on and support each other as we continue to grow and develop as musicians in this time of adversity. Because of this uncertain period, it has become even more important that we need to refine our skills on our own and not just in the classroom to become better musicians overall.

Staff, Evansville Courier & Press. “Gallery: Marching Band Begins Practice at Harrison High School amid Coronavirus Pandemic.” Evansville News, Sports, Weather, Business, Evansville Courier & Press, 16 July 2020

wthr.com, Author: “Washington High School Band Performs Social Distancing Concert.” Wthr.com, 27 Mar. 2020