UL Band in a Time of COVID

by Head of Community Engagement Gordon Mathis

Over the summer, UL band director Daniel Solammon attended a multi-school arts collective which focused on band, chorus, theater, and visual arts practitioners. The participants discussed the challenge of teaching the arts in person, via a hybrid model, and using hyflex technology. 

Instructors also learned about the dispersal of aerosols as they emerge from musical instruments from two studies from the University of Colorado-Boulder and the University of Iowa. Brass and woodwind instruments produce a different range of “spray,” for example, saxophones and clarinets produce a “spray” that goes everywhere; a flute is more focused in its “spray.”  The recommendation for the start of school was to procure covers for brass instruments and bags or shields for other instruments. 

Unfortunately, there was a five-week back order from the manufacturer. However, Galloway’s incredibly skilled costumer Misao Cates quickly sprang into action. In the weeks leading up to the start of school, Ms. Cates made 10 pieces of protective gear for brass and woodwind instruments, using instructions for the bags on the manufacturer’s website. She took into account the varying sizes of the instruments and the needs of left- or right-handed student musicians. Collaboration among Galloway arts professionals saved the day - and the music season - for Upper Learning students. 

The 20 members of the ensemble practice on the Chaddick stage to avoid using the more confined space of the band room. They recently performed in morning carpool for Early Learning students and will perform on the Chaddick Porch during the EL Halloween Parade - listen out for music from Marvel movies, a tribute to Chadwick Boseman from Black Panther, and cinematic music from Harry Potter and Indiana Jones. 

Even in a time of COVID, the instrumental arts continue to thrive at Galloway!