Eagle Grove High School Vocal Music Director Sandy Muzzey said it best, “Music is an avenue that can bring people together.”
But it wasn’t quite that simple once COVID set in last March. Sprint band and vocal concerts, as well as traditional graduation performances were cancelled. Muzzey and EGHS Band Director Justin Schwake had hoped it wouldn’t affect the 2020 – 2021 school year as well, but it has…so they’ve made the best out of the situation thanks to the advancements of technology.
“Music in schools is a challenge when faced with restrictions such as face masks and quarantines, however, Eagle Music has CARRIED ON,” said Muzzey, keeping a positive attitude.
For her, the challenges of teaching vocal music and carrying on “as usual” for this school year actually began as soon as school was dismissed because of the pandemic last March.
“The challenges I faced with the musical (performed in November, 2020) started with the choosing of a show, which usually happens in April. I occasionally have the leading roles cast before school is out in May so they can work on songs in the summer and focus on lines and school work in the fall,” Muzzey explained.
But with school shutting down in March, it sort of forced her to wait until August before booking the 2020 show. Even after booking it, she still questioned whether they would be able to perform it for a live audience. After brainstorming with various people about different venues and seating options, she and Mr. Tolliver discussed the performance possibilities and both agreed the kids should move forward and carry on as usual. Seating options, mask requirements, and social distancing were able to make the musicalhappen. She felt fortunate that the show would go on.
“ The kids are our priority and their experiences in activities are important for their well-being, so the choir was thrilled to be able to practice and ultimately put on an outstanding performance,” Muzzey said.
She had hoped the same would be true for this year’s 2020 winter concert as well. To be safe, they ultimately decided to try something new and did a live stream feed with the performances taking place in the band room instead of on the stage. The idea was that parents, grandparents…anyone could watch the concert online. Unfortunately technical difficulties did occur, and while people were not able to watch it LIVE, they were able to watch a recording of the performance at a later date. While on one hand it was a bit of a bummer to not perform for a live audience, on the other hand it was great that family and friends who live far away could also listen to the band and choir provide music to their virtual ears.
Who knows what spring will bring. They are hoping with the release of a COVID vaccine that comes time for their spring performances, they can be back on the stage with loved ones filling the auditorium, so they keep working and keep preparing. The choirs are moving forward into spring concert music and contest literature. Muzzey is currently planning to hold the variety live in the auditorium on Saturday, March 6. As far as the Iowa High School Music Association, small group and large group contests, they are potentially virtual events which EGHS has the option to decide if they will participate in or not.
“ Either way, we will be working on the same literature in class and possibly bringing in our own certified judges. Most importantly, the kids are still getting the same experiences and still honing their musical skills,” said Muzzey. There have been many lessons learned for both Muzzey and her students during this pandemic. They have learned about being flexible. They have learned about how music can be a light in time of darkness. They have learned that there is more than one way to showcase their talents. They have learned that music brings people together even when they are far apart in miles.
“We have been forced into separation long enough. "Covid" and all its restrictions have taken the togetherness out of our music long enough. I look forward to singing for a live audience. I look forward to taking kids to sing at Rotary and the Senior Center again… I look forward to seeing reactions to our performances on the faces of proud parents and grandparents,” said Muzzey.
Despite the challenges, despite the lack of normalcy, Muzzey said there has been a silver lining throughout all of this, and that’s been the kids.
"They are the reason we're in this business in the first place. The few days we closed down this fall were painful without them. And I enjoyed the reunions when they returned,” she said.
