As the Knoxville High School Music Department prepares for its upcoming winter concert, students and staff have had to deal with numerous changes as it relates to COVID-19 mitigation. Band Director Meredith Tipping tells KNIA/KRLS News that the concert band is spaced out and takes up the entire space in the band room and concert stage. She says the band has done well adapting to the changes, and has helped make them better musicians because of the heightened need for listening to other sections to stay on track.
“It’s not as much of a challenge as I thought it was going to be, which was a very pleasant surprise. I think after the first couple of days, students and myself, having the band take up the entire space, it’s just a different way of listening to the group, having to listen more carefully than if someone is sitting right next to you. The students have been phenomenal and have adjusted really well, and continue to make every rehearsal very productive.”