How do Lindbergh students in the choir program perform while wearing masks per the COVID-19 mandate. Teacher Brian Hoskins sat down and provided some additional information.

What were some of the COVID restrictions that have to be followed?
In choir we are required to wear three-layered, specially designed, singing masks. We spaced ourselves out in the choir room, as best as possible, and space ourselves out for performances as well. We made sure each student had their own materials (we used to share materials like music folders and music copies).

What has become of your usual routine?
Fortunately, we were able to get back to a fairly normal routine, it just involves a mask now.

Would you say due to COVID you had less kids, or weren’t able to teach them as much?
There are definitely fewer students than usual in the choirs now than before COVID. As things trend for the better, concerning COVID, we expect more students and families to feel more comfortable returning to singing. Students are learning, successfully, and at a pace that is very appropriate for their skills and ability. I would compare the learning in choir (or any music class) to a sport. The less you do the sport, work out, practice, the more challenging the activity. For many of our music students, the shutdown meant they did not get to practice and ‘keep up’ on their music skills. Now that we are in person again, we’re getting our music muscles back in shape and taking all the time necessary to do so.

What have you done to reach out more to the public, and what became of the events?
The zero-period Jazz Choir has been out in the public this whole year. We started with a public performance in October and did several before the Winter Break. The community and our Lindbergh families have been really excited to have a live performance return and, as an effect, have attended all of our concerts. Our Fall and Winter Concerts were well attended and celebrated.

What were some of the challenges you’d have to face while dealing with this as well as for your students? As I mentioned above, getting our music muscles back in shape has been a challenge, but one we’re overcoming quickly. Getting used to singing in a mask has taken some time. Fortunately, the singing mask allows for a lot of space around the mouth, so it does make singing with it much easier.

What will become of this class in the future?
Each day we’re improving. Each day we grow/improve. Each day we are grateful and excited to be together. The feeling of community is strong and the joy we share together is obvious and contagious. The last year taught us to not take for granted the things that bring us joy. For the choir students, making music together is a joyful, calming, centering, and essential part of the school day. In the future, I hope more of our Lindbergh community comes to experience making music together so they, too, can experience the positive connections, friendship, and belonging music offers.