The music plays on.
Despite not having their traditional concerts due to the coronavirus pandemic, Blair Community Schools music teachers wanted to showcase their students' talents and provide some holiday cheer.
With the COVID-19 positivity rate rising and several students learning remotely, the teachers anticipated that in-person concerts in December were not going to happen. Instead, they focused on what they could do.
“Music classes were still happening, students were still learning and enjoying their opportunities, and in a school system where it seems every member of the community annually shows up to BHS to sing the Hallelujah chorus, the importance of sharing these students' musical achievements was at the forefront of all of our minds,” BHS vocal director Kirk Schjodt said.
Schjodt was in mid-production of a virtual fall choir concert when the teachers decided to put together a video of all music students.
The teachers coordinated musical selections and then each teacher captured some of what was happening with their curriculum and submitted photos, audio and video for compilation into the video.
“Ultimately, in putting this project together, it is our hope that these students' talents, achievements, and enthusiasm will bring a tremendous amount of joy and seasonal cheer to a community that supports these students so strongly — support for which we are all extremely grateful,” Schjodt said.
The video is available for viewing on the Blair Community Schools Facebook page and YouTube. Watch it here.
