music education and covid

As the school year quickly approaches, teachers are preparing their classrooms as well as their computers for a school year unlike any other.

Teaching students under new guidelines.

Newschannel 2's brent kearney spoke to a music teacher who says each district will have a different way of teaching.

As teachers ready their classroom's for the fall, holland patent music educator brian picente prepares for a music season unlike any other, but is thankful that their still is one.

.

None .

None "it will be so beneficial to our students especially coming back to school.

Having that sense of normalcy and routine an oppurtunity for them to connect with each other on a different level."

For instruments that use wind, such as band and chorus, the state requires 12 feet of social distancing.

Those that do not such as orchestra only require 6 feet.

For picente, holland patent has adopted a hybrid model.

So not every student will be in class.

"we will still have ensembles that are distanced for the safety of our students.

If you're in group a then you will be with the group studen.

Everyone else will streaming innd playg along at me."

"aftertalki the county, picente says their biggest challenge has to be space.

Now he says at his district he cant possibly fit all his kids in this room so he has to move all his kids into the auditorium for more space."

Depending on the district, music lessons will be held either in person or virtually.

Masks will also pose a challenge.

"as a band director i cant possibly tell a flute player to wear a mask.

Its simply too challenging and impedes the tone of their instrument.

To get around this, picente found a recent aerosol study done by music programs across the country.

The study details techniques musicians can use to prevent the spread of harmful particles.

It shows musicians that play wind instruments can tear a hole in their mask for a mouth piece while still having their face covered.

A technique picente says he will use in his classroom.

"we're expierementing with that with instruments such as woodwindands making these changes will be a challenge, but is confident music educators across the county are up to the task.

"i'm very proud of the work our district and that the county has done in order to meet the needs of our students.

We're working hard with our administrators to make the best possible music education given the guidance and restrictions that are put into place."

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