TRENTON, Ohio — For students like Justin Quincy, music is everything. It’s the reason he’s in band, practices for hours, and why he’s outside.

 

What You Need To Know

  • All Butler County school districts are having band and choir classes outdoors

  • The new rule comes after concerns about the virus spreading through the air

  • All grade levels will have have those classes outdoors during the pandemic to keep the programs going

“It actually isn’t that bad; we just had to change up everything we’re doing," said Quincy.

They’ve had to change how they perform and where they do it because of COVID.

“Really it’s a bit disappointing that we miss out on most of our season, but at least we get to play,” said Quincy.

In order to play during the pandemic, the high school band is not performing at any away games or competitions and can only have music class outdoors to practice. 

“It was a little overwhelming at first because after teaching band for 24 years to be creative and teach in a different way than what I was used to,” said Edgewood High School Band Director Jon Arnold.

He says he had to space the students out 11 feet a part while they’re practicing.

“I think the challenge is having the students at a greater distance from each other, makes it harder to keep the music together,” said Arnold.

Choir classes also have to be held outside.

 

The directive came from the Butler County Health Department, comes after reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that coronavirus can spread in respiratory aerosols that can linger in the air.

The new rule applies to high schoolers down to grade schoolers.

“They will not forget this year,” said Edgewood Middle School Band Director Nick Fields.

He's now teaching kids music in the parking lot.

“We tried to find a way to still give kids a creative outlet, which is playing,” said Fields.

The only way they could keep the programs going in person during a pandemic.

“I still love it, 'cause, practicing is what I do,” said Quincy.