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The Band Marches On

Mason Marching Band adapts to safety guidelines and continues traditions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

After dominating the competition at Bands of America (BOA) Grand Nationals year after year, the Mason High School (MHS) Marching Band is facing their toughest challenge yet: a global pandemic.

Due to COVID-19, MHS’ largest student organization has altered their practice procedures to keep students and staff safe and healthy this marching season. 

In order to participate in band rehearsal, all members must pass mandatory health screenings, including temperature checks, and wear a mask unless they are over six feet apart from each other, according to MHS Marching Band Director, Jason Sleppy. In addition, safety protocols have been put in place to avert the spread of air particles through the instruments. For example, flute players wear face shields while they practice, and members who play the sousaphone use bell covers, which act as “masks” to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through aerosols.

Senior Flute Section Leader Olivia Dorer says that although the marching band has not been able to compete, they have “rehearsed mostly as normal, just with new safety guidelines and requirements to keep everyone safe.”

As a senior, Olivia looked forward to partaking in her final year of traditions, such as competing in the BOA Grand National Championships and having “Show Reveal,” where band members watch a video that reveals the theme of their show for the season. 

Since the Championships were canceled and the band was unable to watch the Show Reveal while sitting close to each other as they did in years past, they adapted these traditions to fit the COVID-19 safety guidelines. They hosted their annual Show Reveal at a local drive-in theater to comply with social distancing rules, and for the first time ever, they will put on a showcase performance at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where the Championships are usually held each year.

“At the end of the day, I'm incredibly grateful that I still have a last season; many schools have canceled their marching season and my heart breaks for them, especially for their senior members,” Olivia says. “We're so lucky here at Mason to have the incredible boosters and staff that we do— they made having a season during the pandemic possible for us.”

Another tradition that had to be altered is Senior Night, where the band’s seniors are recognized and celebrated during their performance at an MHS football game. The marching band held two showcase performances for band families at MHS since they were unable to take part in competitions, with the modified Senior Night occurring during the first showcase.

Jason says the outpouring of support from marching band families, both through the booster program and through cheering on the band at showcase performances, has been pivotal in the season’s operation. 

“The Marching Band is a huge family, and it has been truly evident during this pandemic,” Jason says. “Our student leadership team has stepped up and has kept the entire organization moving forward. The band has one of the strongest, most well organized booster organizations in the country,” he shares. “They have been incredibly supportive. It is truly a team effort, and I could not be more grateful.” 

Similarly, junior trombonist Mark Troy says that the marching band would be incomplete without its staff and boosters. “It’s hard to put into words how important this program is, since there is nothing else like it,” he says. “The amazing directors, the hardest working parent volunteers, the most supportive community— with or without the usual season and competitions, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” 

For more information and ways to support Mason City Schools bands, visit MasonBands.com

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