Chaffey College Concert Band Overcomes Pandemic Restrictions
By Ethan Latimer
Before COVID-19 was a daily part of our lives, the Chaffey College concert band, led by the professor of instrumental music, Pat Aranda, met every Wednesday at 7PM. Novice and experienced players alike had a place to practice and perform in a safe space to socialize with like-minded individuals. Then, COVID-19 put the group into a semi-hiatus for about two years.
When the pandemic started, it caused the world to come to a standstill which obstructed the concert band in the process. Unlike core academic classes such as math and science, the performing arts are not a subject that can be easily taught through a remote means. Technical limitations such as latency on Zoom with a live group make it difficult to imagine such a class being held remotely.
Yet Professor Aranda managed to pull it off. When asked about the situation in fall 2021, he said, “[COVID-19] was really hard on all performance groups. It took what was special about the band and shut it down. I tried to keep [the band] alive online, so it didn’t die.”
Professor Aranda held occasional meetings over Zoom to keep spirits up while the group practiced assigned musical charts. At the end of the semester, everyone recorded themselves individually to create a compilation.
Chaffey College executives allowed certain classes on campus this semester with certain safety protocols in place: in-person attendance has returned. Professor Aranda stated, "the Chaffey College concert band is one for students and enthusiasts alike. It is an environment that all can partake in and enjoy, and now with many restrictions lifted, we are back this semester. I am looking forward to making music with my students again; come join us," emphasizing that regardless of current skill or declared major, everyone is welcome.
The school has implemented multiple safety protocols as students continue through uncertain times. The practice room is equipped with a medical-grade HEPA filtration system that constantly cycles the air in the room which prevents contaminants such as COVID-19 from lingering in the air. In addition, custom masks are required allowing the wind players to perform while covering both their nose and mouth, limiting the potential for infection to spread.
As of mid-February, about 30 members of the group were in attendance weekly. Everyone felt safer with the measures in place and a concert is likely in the near future. While many classes flourished online and students may have appreciated a more asynchronous lifestyle, the concert band was not one to rejoice. This semester, almost two years after classes went online, players can celebrate the return of in-person meetings, bringing back both social and live performance aspects.
Unfortunately, while the concert ensemble is thriving, the jazz ensemble did not fare as well. Due to school sanctions and low enrollment, the class was removed this semester. Professor Aranda and his students hope to see it return for fall 2022.