The start of a new disaster called, “Covid-19” touched our lives as it spread nationwide. Our school shut down on March 13, 2020 as the number of new cases and hospitalization rates  kept rising.  The itch to play an instrument at school with other classmates caused a lot of tension.   Students began to feel isolated from the real world as they played their instruments from home.  They desired itched to play in a group with others to make beautiful sounds together.

      Students at Travis Ranch wondered if they would ever play together again. When they returned to school last October, changes were made to the music programprogam. The band students who play wind instruments had to have bell covers and all the students had to wear specialized masks when they played, to prevent aerosols from being blown into the air.  This represent, “When band students returned to school in October, all wind instruments had to have bell covers and players had to wear specialized masks to prevent the aerosols from being blown into the air when we play.” said band teacher, Mr.Nussss the  band teacher. The orchestra made sure all their students had their own stand, sat six feet apart, and wore their own masksmaks.

      Technology also became an important tool for the teachers and students here at our school.  Zoom kept us all engaged with each other, our teachers, and to the music program.  Due to Covid-19, changes had to be made such as virtual concerts, online playing assignments, and featured guests over Zoom. Even though the music students couldn’t attend any field trips or in person concerts, the virtual performances were a hit. 

    The new way of instruction was a concern for students, and the amount of content they may receive was an unknown. “I  adapted to the change but sort of worriedworied that the learning would not be as solid,”  said, 7th grade trumpet player Ryan Soto. Once they got used to playing over Zoom, they found the internet was really the main concern due to theto it the internet feed lagging at times. It wasn’t  the same as being in the classroom wth their friends full time.  Even though this has been a difficult year for us all, together I know we will make it through.