The Fort Atkinson High School Band Program held its first concert in over a year, according to information released by the School District of Fort Atkinson.
The concert was held Sunday, May 2.
In a typical school year, the Fort Atkinson High School (FAHS) bands would have held between four and five concerts, three of which would have occurred by this time. This concert not only marked the first performance of the year for many students, but for some, it was the first performance ever, the release stated.
According to the release: FAHS Band Director Justin Steger, this year, has the opportunity to work with four separate ensembles: The Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Messengers, and Jazz Ambassadors. Each of these groups performed in a separate portion of the concert. The FAHS symphonic band features over thirty students and various instruments, including flute, clarinet, trumpets, and percussion. The FAHS wind ensemble, similarly, has nearly 30 members. Both groups perform music that can range from traditional folklore tunes to popular music. One crowd favorite from the FAHS wind ensemble was music from Pirates of The Caribbean. The familiar melodies were fun for both performer and audience member alike. The Jazz Messengers and Jazz Ambassadors focus more on the performance of jazz music. Many of the tunes prepared for this show were originally performed by such big names as Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.
The 2020-2021 school year started much like the 2019-2020 school year ended — with virtual education and much uncertainty. Finding ways to play instruments, sing safely, and perform together has been the main focus of the music wing at FAHS over the past year. FAHS Music Education and Performing Arts Staff firmly believe that providing students the opportunity to grow, learn, and try new things in music and performing arts is a vitally important part of being a well-rounded student.
At the start of the school year, music teachers were planning to distribute videos of students performing at home as the usual showcase at the end of the year. As of March and April 2021, cases of COVID-19 have been on a steady decline.
The School District of Fort Atkinson is so thankful for the community support and commitment to safety that has led to a climate in which students, staff, and administrators alike can feel safe about participating in a concert.
A decline in cases and implementation of performer mitigation measures has lead to this opportunity to perform live for an audience.
Students who are using instruments powered by air — such as trumpet, saxophone, or trombone — wear a special mask that has a split in the front to allow for a mouthpiece to be played easily. The bell, or end, which the sound (and air) comes out of, is covered by some sort of barrier to prevent the spread of germs. For students who share physical instruments — such as maracas or drums — the instruments are cleaned between users.
A virtual option is still available for those who would prefer to tune in from home. Over 120 family and friends of FAHS Band Students were in attendance at this mid-afternoon concert. The usual capacity of the FAHS theater tops 600. With distancing guidelines in place, the maximum capacity is reduced to approximately one-third of the original capacity.
FAHS Theater Managing Director, John Collins, has worked with district staff and other health experts to develop a safety plan for events occurring in the theater. The plan includes usual measures such as face coverings and hand sanitizer. It also includes some unique approaches which are beginning to appear in the entertainment and live-event industry.
A QR Code is available at the door of each event in which a paper program would usually be handed out. By allowing patrons to scan the QR code, they can pull up an electronic copy of the would-be paper handout, reducing touchpoints. In addition, between each group of patrons in the theater, the seating section, and other high-touch surfaces are disinfected.
The video of this concert is available on Youtube at the following link: click here.
The FAHS Band will be back in action on Sunday, June 6th. Stay tuned for more information as the date becomes closer.
For more information about Fort Atkinson High School Performing Arts, please contact boxoffice@fortschools.org or follow us on Facebook.
Drummer Cameron Andrews plays a solo between the symphonic band and the jazz band segments of the concert.
Senior Gabe Russell plays saxophone as part of the jazz combo between the first and second half of the concert.
Casey Strayer, senior, follows along with fellow band members as the jazz combo performs during intermission.
Anton Saucedo plays the alto saxophone.
Four of five jazz combo members find their groove.
Musicians on stage.
Supplied photos.
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