Playing through a screen

Its Crescendos and Decrescendos

By Troy Castillo

Reporter

Distance learning has caused many teachers to find a different way to teach their classes. But, the Sanger High School Marching Band has found ways to improve despite the limitations.

“During these unprecedented times, technological issues have been no stranger to us. However, we have been moving along steadily and accommodating to these changes efficiently, such as through frequent check-ins and meetings to see how everyone is doing. As we continue to go forward, we are taking advantage of the online resources available and using them to the best of our abilities in order to ensure a successful production is created,” said Sanger High band member Mikaylah Angulo.

Even though many students and the teachers prefer to learn in person, online distance learning has been a new way for them to improve and to play together. When getting back in person, many of the students will have to learn how to play together like they did before the pandemic.

“Recording our playing is not so much of a challenge as we originally thought. The most difficult part of recording would be the afterward evaluation. When it comes to our production, we all want to do our best, so any mistakes we hear are bound to be corrected. Depending on the amount of self-criticism, the amount of time we take to record will often fluctuate because we encourage ourselves to do better each time. Though this could be time-consuming, it pushes us to want to improve and makes for good practice,” said Angulo.

This has caused stress on students to be able to get everyone to the same as it was and it will take a while to get back to that point.

“You have no idea how many times I’ve cried for having to record for the hundredth time,” said Heidi Villa, band member.

When it comes to teaching the band, this new environment of online teaching has been a challenge for band directors as well.

“I think virtual teaching affects the band more than most other classes. Playing music together in person is exactly what the class is about and we can't do that right now. Much of what we're learning when we're in person is how to work together as an ensemble, which is also important in building the camaraderie within the band that can make or break our level of success (not unlike any athletic team), and that's simply not possible to do when everybody is at home and away from anybody else in band,” said Alan Moffet, assistant band teacher.

While we might not go back to school soon, the band will continue with getting better each day and make the class as normal as possible.

“Since everything is online, we're not able to truly play with each other. It's not just that we're not in person to play with each other, but every video conferencing platform has too much lag for any performing ensemble to actually be able to play with each other live (or sing as the case is for choir, who I know is dealing with similar such hurdles). Instead, one person at a time plays unmuted and everybody else is muted and plays along with them at home. It makes it much more difficult for us to hear each student playing, so we instead rely on listening to their recorded assignments to hear each of them and provide feedback,” said Moffet.

With the hope of going back to school to be able to teach in person. Band will continue to improve through these tough times and get back to being able to show their talent.

“On behalf of Sanger High School Marching Band and Colorguard, we hope that everyone is staying safe and healthy during these tough times. We'll see you all soon! Go Apaches,” said Moffet.