Big changes are happening in the music wing due to coronavirus. All high school classes have had to adapt to the new online procedures, and music classes are no different.
Sophomore orchestra student Audrey Maize stated, “We haven’t gotten too far into the course yet, but so far we’re doing a lot of scheduled individualized practices. I’m not sure how Mrs. Graham will handle ensemble practice, but I think she’s focused on getting us good at our music first before we tackle that.”
Junior Emilie Kerr, a band student, explained, “While I will miss being physically with all of my friends and Mr. Scanga during band, I am glad that we are still able to interact and learn new music together. We’re all learning how to survive in this virtual environment, and I think it will be interesting to see how well we interact once we have.”
According to junior Emily Garcia, who is in Women’s Ensemble, the chorus classes are going well.
“[It’s] honestly one of my favorite periods so far,” Garcia said.
When asked how they’re handling the virtual meetings Garcia stated, “the entire women's ensemble is meeting at first, but after we have section leaders we're going to meet together and then possibly work on parts on our own.”
Women’s Ensemble director, Mrs. Susan Metelsky, shared regarding virtual instruction: “I feel everyone is trying to do their best with the information provided and taking into consideration everyone’s different family situations.”
The band is trying to use “play-along musical tracks to simulate how we would rehearse with our students in person,” band director Mr. James Scanga explained.
However, that doesn’t mean it will be business-as-usual for the young musicians.
“We are not planning a winter concert, but are instead exploring other creative options to showcase our students’ work this fall semester,” shared Mr. Scanga.
Orchestra teacher, Mrs. Kristina Graham, is “cautiously optimistic” that there will be some live performances this year; however, she feels it is “too soon to tell when that will happen.”
While her high school orchestra classes are fully virtual, the middle and elementary schoolers have a mix of in-person and online.
“I am working hard to bring those young musicians along,” said Mrs. Graham.
Mrs. Graham feels there’s an advantage to this unique arrangement, as the students are able to rewatch the virtual lessons, which can help them better understand some concepts.
Mrs. Graham said that “I truly miss the experience of seeing my students ‘in-person’ and I don't love wearing a mask to teach, but I am more than willing to do so if it means staying in school and getting back together sooner. So, wash your hands, mask up, and for goodness sake, keep practicing! Music is such a fabulous outlet when other things are not possible—and for that I am truly grateful!”
Classes aren’t the only thing changing due to the global pandemic. Every spring, Beaver Area stages a musical. Hopefully this year will be no different after last year’s planned performance was cancelled. According to musical director Mrs. Metelsky, “the musical is on the calendar for March.”
Mrs.Metelsky went on to state, “I would like to have auditions for those interested by submitting their one-minute monologue and song via video. I can put these into a Google Drive and have my judges view and provide feedback. We can then possibly cast a show and hopefully get to work through it and perform.”
Some students wondered if the school would be producing My Favorite Year, the musical that was cancelled last spring. Mrs. Metelsky disclosed that it would, in fact, be a different musical. They will be casting a different production based on auditions.
Another activity that is facing changes is Show Choir. Mrs. Metelsky is hoping to hold rehearsals on the stage using the same social distancing guidelines that are in place for middle school students. However, she is still waiting on approval from Dr. Meghan Murray, the high school principal.
“I will mark the stage with tape so the singers can remain six feet apart,” explained Mrs. Metelsky.