Many of the town's Christmas celebrations have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic. However, the show must go on, and so music teacher TJ Bond and FE Miley Elementary Elementary have put on the annual Christmas concert with a creative twist. Due to safety considerations, the concert was not performed for a live audience. Instead, the show was streamed online where it can be viewed by parents, families, and the community. "I wish we could do the real thing! But what a great solution in this weird year!" remarked Principal Heather Wolery.
Mr. Bond explained the Covid regulations as they relate to school performances: "They are allowed to do a performance on stage without masks as long as the audience wears them." Regarding the decision to stream the show during the day, rather than having an evening performance with a smaller audience, he said "In terms of the decision to do stream only, I was thinking of any possible way we could do a concert while still making sure everyone could view it. With the guidance for audiences, it is very difficult since there would be no fair way to make sure everyone got a seat with safe distancing. I decided to try a streaming concert, with all the different cameras set up so that everyone had a way to see the concert. I also changed it to be during the day so parents wouldn't have to worry about picking their students up late for something they as adults couldn't go see."
The school ran the concert in two parts during the school day on Thursday, December 10th. In the first part fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students were able to play their musical instruments as a band with the rest of the students in their grade. In addition, several students played special music in solo, duet, and trio performances. The grades also sang several holiday themed songs. Later in the day, kindergarten through third grade students sang holiday songs for the second half of the show.
"I like how it used to be, when all the kids could get together and they could do a big production... We've had a lot of things that we just cant do with Covid. It's important that we keep going. This is the way it has to be this year to keep everyone safe," remarked fourth grade teacher, Demrece Keller.
Mr. Bond explained the differences in preparing a streaming show, compared to a more traditional concert: "In terms of prep, the biggest prep we had to do different was making sure the kids were spaced out and wearing masks while not performing in the auditorium. Other than that, it was similar to preparing for previous Christmas concerts. The students did an awesome job and I am very proud of them."
The students were still excited about the concert, despite performing without an audience. Fourth grader, London Keane announced: "We wish we could practice more, just for the fun of it."
"It was kind of nice because you didn't feel like you were being watched, and it felt like you could do it a little more freely. It felt a little more open. You didn't feel like there were people right there watching you. It was a little easier to play, but I do prefer to do it in person. It just feels like more of a concert with people there," explained Colter Han, a fifth grader.
Fifth grader, Astrid Ketchum said of the streaming performance: "I felt sad, (about the streaming concert instead of live performance) but I didn't feel more confident because I hate cameras. With people, I would have been more confident."
Sixth grader, Bailey Heppner explained her feelings about the online audience: "I kinda like it when the audience is here, because you can actually see your family afterward. And then you're done, and you don't have to go back to school. But with everybody live, you don't know who is really watching. And so that's why I like it when they're in here, because I have a big family. You can see them."
"Whatever works. Whatever gets it out there for the kids," was the Nona Danruther's reaction. She has been involved with school concerts for around 45 years. She pointed out one positive aspect of the streaming concert: "It's good because people can watch it later, too. My mother loves it, because other people can't get out, and they can watch everything. They usually make copies of it (to pass around), so if you stream it... I mean my mom watched volleyball. She watched junior high basketball." Family around the country and those who can't get out to events due to age or infirmity are able to watch their grandchildren, nieces, or nephews perform. Nona went on to explain her philosophy regarding the importance of the school events and the community's participation: "It's the duty of somebody that lives in this town and has abilities to help the school. It's our duty to help however we can. I love doing this."
The concert can be viewed on the School's Facebook page at any time. A limited number of DVDs will be available. Talk to TJ Bond at the school for information.
