Practice, Practice: Instrumentalists Prepare for Upcoming Spring Concerts
After months of practicing, through numerous accommodations and adjustments in order to navigate myriad COVID-19 protocols, Middle and Upper School student musicians are nearing a grand spring performance that is sure to please. The students weren’t able to perform last year, so this one is truly a long-awaited event. Song selections will include a variety of traditional marches, blues, and a few other surprises. “The musicians have done an amazing job persevering through a host of challenges this year,” said instrumental teacher John Rising. “It’s hard to hear and see each other due to the multiple layers of PPE, which are vinyl barriers, bell masks for brass and woodwinds, and air purifiers, etc. The big take-away is that we have been able to play, thanks to the resources and support of the school.” Rising continued, saying that everyone is excited to play a concert live! “There might be some audience capacity restrictions and we will be using every inch of that stage to make sure the players are distant and that all safety procedures are followed. It was extremely difficult to send off last year’s seniors without a final performance, especially for the kids who had played for seven years.” Rising said he would love to see the auditorium packed with family, friends, and teachers this spring, but it will not be possible this year, due to social distancing and safety measures. Seven Hills instrumental spring shows will take place May 8, with the Middle School Concert taking place at 2 p.m. and the Upper School Concert taking place at 4 p.m., both at The Schiff Center.