The Drive-In

BY: AJ H.

The West Jefferson Music Department and our lives have been on a downhill slide since March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of October 31st, 2020, the Choral and Band programs created a new vision of enjoyment for their families. The rocky road to this journey finally had students performing through a Drive-In style concert.

The outdoor format was a first for choral director Mrs. Rachel Armas, who has been directing music at West Jefferson for 5 years. “At the time, the Madison County Health Department only allowed singing and playing outdoors because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Armas said. “This occurred for many months. Mask wearing and social distancing were enforced.”

Many meetings with Mr. Bute, Mrs. Omen, and the health department allowed the drive-in concert to take place. The next step was a sound production for the choirs.

“Markey's Rental and Staging out of Hilliard, Ohio was the sound production company that we used, and they offered us a huge discount since we are a small school,” Armas said.

With the pandemic hitting hard on schools, Group A (Monday and Tuesday) and Group B (Thursday and Friday) students had little to no practice together. Armas said, “Chamber Choir had 2 after-school rehearsals, Concert Choir had 1 after-school rehearsal, and the Middle School Choir had 0.”

“With only 11 kids in Chamber Choir, it is strangely small compared to last year,” she described.

As the frigid windy conditions swept through the area, Armas said, “The students performed as well as they could have, even if it wasn’t the highest quality. Looking around the country, we are blessed. Students who were in attendance enjoyed themselves; one of the most important things to me.”

The concert was made possible by the work of volunteers. Armas said, “We had a training meeting for over 15 volunteers, which include present and past parents whose kids were in the music department.”

As temperatures get colder and the unfortunate news that school will return to fully remote, the music department does not have any concert plans in the foreseeable future.

Students in both band and choir were asked to perform at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble Contest. This year the competition is being held virtually. “Students will record a video of themselves or their ensembles performing, and they will get a rating based on their performance.” Armas described the event.

The future of drive-in concerts may become a new norm, allowing the music department to perform one last time in the spring. “Unfortunately, I will be going on maternity leave early spring, but I will create as many opportunities as I can.” Armas peacefully said.

Currently, the music department does not have any plans to hold their annual musical in the spring due to budget cuts and the current conditions of the raging COVID-19 pandemic. With that said, we must make the most of this odd school year.