After weeks of anticipation and preparation for Hybrid Learning, Danbury Public Schools decided to continue with Distance Learning for all students. More specifically, extracurricular activities such as the various music programs depend on the whole group being in unity rather than individually over a computer screen. This has made things difficult on all students, but especially those in the music programs.  Still, the musicians of DHS have varying perspectives on their time in quarantine since it began.  While some have found the time away to be quite beneficial, some have found it to set them back.

After the initial suspension of in-person learning, music teachers sought to prepare their students for the worst. 

“We were told to bring our instruments in case we were to go longer than two weeks,” Junior Khezia Demiao, a saxophone player in the DHS band, explained.  “After my teacher, Ms. Dandeneau realized we weren’t going back to school, she contacted us and said we should start practicing, so I started practicing in my room.” 

However, household and neighborhood rules restricted some students from being able to practice at home, as Demiao expressed.   

“I’m happy that I do not live in an apartment complex or anything close to that because I know some do not allow a lot of noise.   I’m grateful to have been able to practice without any trouble.”

In regards to home life, freshman and fellow band member Kevin Furtado emphasized the importance of family during quarantine: “Many people had just brushed off COVID-19, just saying we had nothing really to worry about. But my family and I had our concerns.  I practiced probably two times because of how I was mostly focused on my family.   Anything could have happened and could still happen as long as this virus remains.” 

Although Furtado is not satisfied with the number of opportunities that came in his way of practicing, Furtado shares that there was still a lot of hard work put into maintaining his musical abilities.

 “I practiced my high notes a lot as I knew it was an area I needed to improve in.” 

DHS musicians have worked long and hard through the challenges that they have and are facing during this pandemic and will be exciting to see perform when the time comes.