NORTON SHORES, Mich. — Restrictions and protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic are impacting high school marching bands in Michigan. And it's lead to the cancelation of competitions and performances at half time during Friday night football games.
"It's a little difficult to say the least," said Matthew Murry a drum major with Mona Shores.
The cancelation of the marching band season initially led to disappointment for musicians and band directors.
"All of us are bummed out about it," Mona Shores Director of Bands Jason Boyden said.
But spirits have lifted in recent weeks. To keep students engaged in music Boyden created a new fall concert band. One that practices in a parking lot adjacent to the high school.
"This is a brand new thing for us this year." Boyden said. "It's still super weird, and there are things we're working through."
The fall concert band is divided in two groups each practices on alternating days.
On Nov. 1, the two groups will joint together for an outdoor concert at Sailor Stadium. Each student will be allowed to invite two guests. And the entire band will be spread out from end zone to end zone on the Mona Shores football field.
Students are playing with mask specially made for musicians.
"I think it's all worth it," said student Sam Nye.
"With a year like this we have to make it work," Murry added.
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