It’s safe to say that the Corona virus outbreak has impacted all of us in one way or another. Band kids in particular have had to face some devastating losses and cancelations. With the closure of campus, the VT concert bands can no longer meet or perform. Valiant Indoor Guard had to cut their season short and can no longer attend championships or host a friends and family show. Students who march other AIA or WGI indoor groups during the winter have also been unable to continue, and Drum Corps International recently announced that to ensure everyone’s safety, the summer tour will not be happening this year (Read More).
We know that these decisions were entirely necessary and best for all of us, but we’re still mourning the losses of some of our favorite activities. This is a difficult and scary time, but it’s also a great time to think about how music still unites us and can help us get through these difficult weeks.
Camy (shown at the top) has marched Blue Stars for the last two seasons and posted this sweet memory after learning of this year’s DCI cancellation; Source: Facebook
For this article, I asked some band members and our social media followers how they are keeping music in their lives. It was really cool to be able to see the wide variety of ways that everyone is staying musical while social distancing.
Cymbal player Sam Lightfoot says that when he’s faced with challenges like this “I find myself drumming a simple rhythm to distract myself. I’m not sure why I do it, but I do think it’s calming. Other than this, I’ve been listening to a lot of energetic music to keep my energy up.”
Sam cheesing at a home game this year; Source: Alana Hassett
Quad player Ethan Carroll says that he’s planning to take video lessons for quads, and that he and his girlfriend are learning to play guitar together. This is the perfect time to pick up an new or old instrument and get some quality practice time.
Ethan (right) pictured with the rest of the quad section; Source: Alana Hassett
Drum major Ashlyn McDonald is keeping music in her life by teaching dance classes through Zoom. Ashlyn has experience teaching dance classes back home, and she also led an awesome session for last year’s National Dance Day. If you’re interested in joining Ashlyn’s sessions, shoot her an email at mashlyn6@vt.edu—she’s always happy to include more people. Ashlyn says that she’s also been listening to some great band pieces on YouTube.
Ashlyn led a super cute dance session at the MVC for National Dance Day! Source: Emery Poulsen
On Facebook, Denise Aspell commented that she’s keeping music in her life by still providing content for her band students, practicing her own instrument, and playing with technology. Her cute video shows one awesome way to use technology to play multiple parts of a song yourself!
Cymbal player Spencer Rankin says, “I use Spotify and music to get my mind away from the news and everything currently going on in the world right now.” There’s no better time to explore new songs and artists. On Twitter, Karen Worzell (@karen_worzel) agrees saying, “I have Spotify playing almost 24/7!”
Spencer at last year’s Military Bowl rehearsal; Source: Rainier Homoroc
Some MVs have also connected with band members from other schools across the country in Facebook groups dedicated to university band kids. They’ve been able to share a little about their experience in the MVs, support other musicians who are dealing with the same thing as them, and make light of some of the challenges of online learning.
A photo from the ‘Zoom University Marching Band’ Facebook page
This is definitely a difficult time to be a band kid, and it can be really challenging to find ways to distract ourselves and stay positive in spite of the sadness and fear in the world. Looking to music and connecting with others (online or from a safe distance of at least six feet) can help us push through the hard times and stay optimistic about the future.