Not only are the athletic teams affected by COVID, but The Pride Marching Band has had many changes to their season as well.

   The Band has protocols they have to follow and changes that had to be made. Some of their protocols include, hand sanitizer at the door, only 5 students may enter the room at a time, masks on at all times indoors, their chairs are 6 feet apart, and they have different types of bell covers they put over their instruments, such as t-shirts, actual bell covers, or any kind of makeshift cloth. Some of the changes that have been made are, they are split up during the week only half of the students are there every other day and they only practice all together one day a week, they haven’t been able to go to any competitions, they only play at home games and they have online playing assignments.

   Drum Major Jacob Eubanks tells us his feelings on COVID-19 affecting the band. He says he doesn’t like the protocols, but  “If we’re able to have band, I’m happy.” “Go band!” 

   Senior Alexis Smith, flute section leader, states that being split up has made it hard to hear the full sound of the band and not being able to perform as much and not being together all the time upsets her a lot, especially since it is her last year at the high school. 

   “It’s not as much fun.” Smith said.

   Junior Amarely Salinas, band librarian, said

   “COVID has made us figure out more ways to work together.”

   In her opinion things are more frustrating and time consuming, “We’ve done a lot better than most people would think and I’m really proud of how far we’ve come with COVID.” Salina said.

   Senior Abby Hubbard, color guard captain says the camps they go to have been a lot different due to COVID-19 protocols and most of their season was cancelled. They have to wipe down their equipment constantly and when they practice indoors they have to wear masks. 

   “It breaks my heart and it stinks, but it brought the band together in the weirdest way.” Hubbard said.