(Updated on 4/16)
In our current circumstances, music classes are especially difficult. The concept of "social distancing" is the complete opposite of what we do in the classroom together. Singing together in close proximity is what brings us together emotionally and erases many of the social differences that we bring into the classroom.
As a teacher, I've struggled with how to give the students motivation to keep practicing their music, separated from the very environment that made it safe and exciting for them to make music.
A virtual choir is by no means a replacement for the art of singing together. Indeed, in many ways, it poignantly reminds us of what we're missing. However, it is my hope that this gives students motivation to keep going forward with their art, and gives them a final product to be proud of.
As we cannot be at school in person, we are still there in spirit. These are a few of the members of the 8th Grade Chorus who recorded their parts at home from the arrangement of "Dear Theodosia" that we started working on before leaving school.
This video is the result.
