It seems the only thing that can stand in the way of Beaver Area High School’s music department is a global pandemic.

For years the band, choirs, and orchestra would prepare all autumn for the annual winter concert. However, 2020 is a master at breaking traditions, and it appears to be breaking this one.

This year, there will be no concert, either virtual or outdoors. That being said, there still seems to be hope for the spring concert and all-school musical.

According to Mrs. Susan Metelsky, Beaver Area’s choir director, “Hopefully we will be able to have our spring concert, even if we have to schedule more with less groups to control crowd numbers.”

Musical auditions for dancers ended earlier this month. With that done, all auditions for on-stage performers are completed. This allows Mrs. Metelsky, who also directs the annual all-school musical, to move forward with the casting process. As of now, the musical has not been announced, but it seems Metelsky has an idea of what it will be.

“I need to call New York where I purchase the Rights and Royalties [to the musical] to see if the show I want to do is available,” Mrs. Metelsky reported.

Once the cast list for the musical has been released rehearsals will begin. These will most likely be fully virtual, although Mrs. Metelsky has stated before that she hopes to have some in-person reherals.

However, such hopes for in-person rehearsals were also crushed for Beaver Area’s Show Choir, who are currently being limited by the COVID restrictions. While they originally participated in socially-distanced rehearsals on the auditorium stage, even those have been put on hold due to increased concern over the virus.

Fortunately, it seems even COVID cannot quell the music department’s giving spirit of cheer.

“The TRI-M Music Honor Society has been collecting video performances . . . to send to nursing homes and assisted living facilities,” shared Mrs. Metelsky. This gesture helps Beaver Area honor a tradition of performing for senior citizens while still respecting coronavirus guidelines.

While we mourn the temporary loss of the wonderful music brought to us by the Winter Concert, we also look to the future. These times can be an inspiration to musicians and non-musicians alike. In times of darkness, look for the stage lights, and when those lights are not lit, make your own.