For the average student passing between classes and dining, the sounds of music usually are confined to the plastic prisons of headphones and AirPods. But for those lucky enough to pass by Byrnes or the amphitheater on a clear sunny day, the rare reverberations of live musical rehearsals may be heard and seen, produced by Winthrop University’s very own Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony.
“Due to the pandemic situation, aerosols that come from the woodwind and brass instruments dissipate much quicker outside than inside,” said Alexander Dudek, who is the band graduate assistant for both the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. “There’s no way on any of the stages on campus that we could rehearse six feet apart with all of our band members. So being out here helps to mitigate the risk of any faculty or students being exposed to the virus.”
Ever since Byrnes Auditorium was placed construction, the bands have been rehearsing in Tillman Auditorium. When weather does not allow for outside rehearsals this semester, the bands are still meeting on that stage.
The rehearsals, whether outside or inside, typically consist of eight to 12 students at a time, roughly a fourth of what the normal class size would be, according to Dudek.
Ensemble members are seated six feet apart at minimum, and groups are rotated out every thirty minutes. Ensemble equipment is cleaned and sanitized in preparation for the subsequent group’s arrival. The live rehearsals help serve as a protective measure for members of the ensemble and allows the group to hear how they sound in a more open location.
“Another benefit to rehearsing and performing in smaller groups is that the students are challenged to become more independent because they are the only personplaying that part,” said Dr. Lorrie Crochet, Winthrop professor of music and director of the Wind Symphony. “Additionally, we have been able to expose students to a whole new genre of music called chamber music that they typically have very little opportunity to rehearse and perform.”
“Playing outside allows a lot more room for the sound to bounce around,” said Marcel Burgess, Wind Symphony ensemble member and junior music performance major. “Out here, we can hear some good echoes depending on the group and its instruments.”
Both of the ensembles will officially perform on Nov. 19 in Tillman Auditorium, but due to COVID-19 safety precautions, live audiences are not permitted this semester. The performance will instead be recorded and posted the next day. For most students, the outside rehearsals will be the only opportunity to hear these ensembles live this semester.
“Overall, I think we are doing quite well,” Crochet said. “Most importantly we are still making music, and our students are still learning music. Making music in these times is different because we are meeting in smaller ensembles rather than groups of 40-80 students, and we’re six-10 feet apart and wearing masks.
“The Winthrop music program is determined to offer our students the best education and experience possible, so we will continue to adjust as needed to make that happen.”
The Wind Symphony meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and the Symphonic Band on Tuesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., rehearsing outside with weather permitting.
Photo by Tate Walden
