The ongoing pandemic has forced changes in the way schools do things, which has affected many school organizations. Performing arts groups have been hit hard by the pandemic, as the option to practice in person is no longer available. Without this option, our school’s orchestra program has sought new methods to practice and perform chamber music.

“Contrary to previous years, our chamber music experience has been mostly online,” said senior Charisse Liu. “Usually, we form groups and practice in person, but that wasn’t an option this year. We chose groups online by just messaging friends, and we practiced in Zoom breakout rooms in lieu of in-person practice. For our final product, instead of a live performance, we had to record a video to share with the class.”

“Orchestra has been doing chamber music this year mostly virtually with the small groups practicing over a call with one person muting while the others play along,” added senior Matt Reale. “Once the groups are ready to perform, the groups either meet in person and play together socially distanced with masks, or the players record their part with a metronome playing by themselves. Then, one or two people edit all the audio and video together into one final video.”

Matt also noted that most, if not all, of the groups chose the virtual option, as people did not want to risk getting infected. The in-person method would also have been difficult due to the hassle attached to transporting large instruments from one place to another. 

The change in format for practicing and performing chamber music has brought new experiences with it as well.

“I think that Orchestra is doing the best we can under these circumstances, but I also miss interacting with my fellow string players in person,” said Charisse. “The chamber music unit was always a fun unit due to my growing relationships with my peers while practicing with them. Though it’s not the same, I have managed to forge closer friendships with my chamber group.” 

“I am glad that the orchestra was still able to perform in chamber groups this year despite COVID, and that this is a smart way to go about it,” said Matt. “One of the best parts of chamber groups is hearing all the diverse pieces that the groups choose or arrange and hearing it come together. While it was nice to hear the final products of all the videos playing together, it does not beat playing together in person. Being able to play along with each other and react to how everything is going in real time is an experience you don’t get when recording separately. I completely understand why we have to play online, but I still miss the experiences of the concerts that make Orchestra feel like Orchestra.”

Matt also added that remote learning made the orchestra feel less like an orchestra, and more like solo practice instead.

As the year continues, Orchestra will no doubt be faced with many challenges. Orchestra will continue to overcome these challenges and adapt to a constantly changing environment. 

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