The music room at Carlton High School is currently set up with percussion instruments only. (Submitted photo/Brenda Bernath)

By Dawson Thompson

Gone with the wind

Wind instruments not in use but band still plays

Oct 2, 2020 | 1:00 PM

Carlton High School, along with all other schools in Saskatchewan that have a music room, are following a province wide protocol set by the Government of Saskatchewan to not allow regular use of wind instruments by students at school.

Wind instruments are either not allowed or are being played with restrictions. If schools have the proper amount of space, they are able to perform live music, including singing, woodwind and brass instruments, but should be separated from patrons and other performers by a distance of four metres and/or a physical barrier.

Principal of Carlton Comprehensive High School, Jeff Court, said their bands have currently cut the use of wind instruments.

“We are doing some virtual work with our students, where we are sending wind instruments home with them,” Court said.

“That is obviously just a part of trying to maintain some sort of safety protocols around the transmission of COVID-19. As we move forward, we’ll continue to work with our school division and the local medical health office and try to figure out where to go from here.”

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As of right now there is no timeline as to when the likes of the saxophone, trumpet or trombone will be aloud back in amphitheaters. Like all the various departments at school, the local division is still looking for answers as to what the future will look like.

Despite current situations, music is not being forgotten at the school, music teacher at Carlton High, Brenda Bernath, told paNOW through email.

“As the guidelines for band, and specifically playing wind instruments at school have changed, we have had to adjust accordingly and look for new ways of offering music education to our band students,” Bernath said. “Options include offering music-based activities focusing on theory, listening, and music appreciation.

Wind instruments have been left on the shelves since March at Carlton High School. (Submitted photo/Brenda Bernath)

According to Bernath, things have still been running smoothly.

“Families and students have been very supportive and understanding as the guidelines and plans for band have adjusted and changed, Bernath said. “They were open to exploring various options and even offered suggestions as to how we could move forward with band or music in its place.”

Although the pandemic has taken its toll on much of the arts and entertainment industry, it is not taking away learning opportunities from band students in P.A.

“Band is not presently what we would like it to be, and we will be missing the rich, full sound of the concert band and the personal connections made with each other within the group setting, [but] we are still able to engage in music and offer a music education to students,” Bernath explained.

“Even though we would prefer to play together as a group, individual practice can be a good thing, great musicians do it all the time. This pandemic has required us all to become innovative to overcome obstacles; to rethink and reimagine how we do things. Band is no exception.”

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Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8