The University of Idaho has mellowed out this fall semester compared to recent academic years. Events have been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns and the fall sport season has been moved to the spring. The absence of fall football games and UI Marching Band performances for the masses have put semester activities in perspective. However, the band will not let the virus stop them from being creative.
The marching band has always been known for its over the top, clever performances to entertain the crowds. This year they still seek to provide the UI campus amazing music and unique performances, just as they always have.
“Being like every other marching band is boring,” said Marching Band Director Spencer Martin. “We want to be good and be unique. So, this isn’t that far out of the ordinary for us.”
The marching band has felt the effects of COVID-19. According to Martin, there are only 150 marching band members this year, compared to 250 members in past seasons. Due to concerns of spread, members can’t play their horns for now. Social distancing is also difficult because there isn’t much distance between performers. Yet, they are adapting to the restrictions.
“If we were to have a theme for this year, it would be do not let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do,” Martin said.
The marching band will be performing using percussion, buckets, keyboards, guitars and even their bodies. The idea is to adapt and change, according to Martin.
Some members of the band are disappointed that they can’t play their instruments. Ryan Egan, a junior and a tuba player for the marching band said it’s going to be a letdown for those who find out they can’t play their instruments this year in the band. Guinevere Richmond, a sophomore and an alto saxophone player says its disappointing they won’t be able to play their horns for the season but remains hopeful they will play eventually.
“If the conditions get better, we might be able to have one last performance where we’re able to spread 15 feet apart and get our horns,” Richmond said. “But even without our instruments, I’m still looking forward to how things are going so far.”
The marching band has also taken extreme precautions regarding COVID-19 to ensure their members will be able to practice and perform. According to Martin, each student will get a storage container that will hold their safety gear, such as face masks and face shields, which can double as an instrument for them. All equipment is provided by UI. They will have plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes to disinfect their hands and instruments. When performing they will have a six-foot radius around each student to meet social distancing requirements. They will make sure every student has what they need so they don’t share anything. This is all to ensure they can do what they love safely.
Fans will unfortunately not be able to see the band in-person. Due to most events being canceled and COVID-19 concerns, Martin has decided to put in-person events on hold for now. Yet, it doesn’t put a damper on the performers’ spirits. Liam Robert Marchant, a section leader and a senior at UI, is excited to show what the band has been working on.
“I think a lot of ensembles like the university marching band are putting as much effort as they can into making a really incredible product,” Marchant said.
Brandon Webb, a senior, said this is an exciting opportunity to think outside the box and this pandemic is a good way to push the band in a creative direction.
Martin said the band will still showcase their performances online. Using drones and cameras, they will film the performances and post them online, allowing everyone to view their hard work.
Martin said eventually the band will be able to use their horns, though extra precautions will be taken, such as covering the holes of the tubas, trombones and trumpets with a specially designed mask. However, Martin is excited to show off what the band can work with even without the horns.
Ryan Hill can be reached at [email protected].