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Auditions

Ensemble directors have been in contact and planning all summer for the upcoming semester. They have been following the various studies regarding the virus and music making closely, reading articles and research and trying to find out how we can continue to make music as safely as possible. The university has been very helpful in securing rehearsal spaces that will allow us to continue much closer to "normal" than expected. Things will, of course, look very different this year but hopefully when your eyes are closed the music will sound better than ever! While every effort has been made to reduce exposure for everyone, it must be acknowledged that the risk will not be zero. More results from the studies will be released in time and it may be possible that plans will have to be reevaluated based on emerging science. Read on for the current plans for the ensembles.

Concert wind/percussion auditions will be held online with students submitting videos.

  • Tuesday, September 1st 11:59 PM deadline for woodwinds and brass
  • Wednesday, September 2nd 11:59 PM deadline for percussion

Jazz auditions will be held online with students submitting videos.

  • Wednesday, September 2nd 11:59 PM deadline for all instruments (winds and rhythm section)

Safety Considerations for All

PPE

  • All present will wear masks at all times (pull down to drink water if needed).
  • Winds will use musician masks with openings for mouthpieces/headjoints. These will be provided by the university. They may also provide their own with approval of the director.
  • Winds will utilize bell covers with MERV-13 fabric over bells to reduce aerosol spread.
  • Awaiting further recommendations from the University of Colorado and University of Maryland aerosol study and additional information from the Colorado State University aerosol study.

Equipment

  • Students will use their own portable music stand. A handful of department stands may be available for percussion or other unique situations but will be disinfected before and after use.
  • Students will disinfect their chairs before and after each rehearsal using university-provided cleaning supplies.
  • No wind instruments will be shared. In necessary situations a thorough disinfecting process (following guidelines) will be completed before changing students.
  • Percussion equipment for concert ensembles will be stored in room 237 of the MUB (directly off of the Strafford Room). Exploring options for students to possibly practice there as well, if needed.
  • Percussionists must use their own set of sticks/mallets.
  • If percussion equipment that comes in contact with hands must be shared, gloves will be worn or the equipment will be disinfected by the student before the next student comes in contact. In cases where cleaning supplies could damage the instrument, students will thoroughly wash hands immediately before and after use and not touch their face or possibly contaminated surfaces in between.
  • No sheet music will be shared. Photocopies will be used for all music and destroyed following performance. Recyclable cardboard folders will be used instead of reusable folders.
  • Students will be encouraged to disinfect their equipment (following guidelines provided by various music organizations) before and after each use.
  • Students will set up, transport, and break down their own equipment.
  • Wind instrumentalists will face same direction while playing.

Other

  • Wind players will be spaced at least 8’ apart. Vocalists will be spaced at least 8’-10’ apart. String and percussion players will be spaced at least 6’ apart.
  • All performances will be live-streamed with little to no live audience. PPE and distancing will be utilized as in rehearsals.
  • For additional safety and following the recommendations of the researchers at Colorado and Maryland, rehearsals will be held for approximately 30 minutes at a time. The rooms will then be cleared for the period of time needed for one full air exchange (3 ACH=20 minutes) to avoid buildup of aerosols, then rehearsal will resume.
  • When possible, separate doors will be used for ingress and egress.
    • House right and left doors in Johnson Theater, entering and exiting through lobby and NOT through backstage areas.
    • M226 will dismiss in waves due to only one practical door.
    • Left and right doors in Strafford Room AND/OR patio stairs.
    • Lobby door and outside door in M135.

Wind Symphony

Strafford Room (Yellow)

  • Relatively normal operations can continue.
  • First rehearsal will be Friday, September 4th.
  • Concerts will be live-streamed from the Strafford Room.

Remote (Orange or Red)

Online topics in line with student workload for 1-credit class.If the university moves to Orange or Red, students will at first receive assignments to practice and prepare specific portions of the literature for the upcoming concert. If it becomes clear that the university is unlikely to return to Yellow, then the course modality will change to a format using online modules. Please know that we are aware that the workload for these modules should be reflective of the one credit nature of the course.

Students may elect to participate in the modules offered for Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, or Symphony Orchestra, regardless of which course they are enrolled in. Students may also elect to change “tracks” in between the Special Topic and Repertoire portions. All course requirements will be completed on or before November 20th, after which there will be an optional session about the basics of choosing orchestral bowings (see below). Following are the general plans for each ensemble:

Special Topic (first three weeks of online)

  • Symphony Orchestra – Orchestral Leadership and Membership – We will discuss the various roles and responsibilities of the leaders and members of orchestras in public school, youth symphony, community/amateur, and professional settings. This will be mostly discussion-based with brief readings or small group research projects.
  • Wind Symphony – Brief History of the Wind Band and Pillars of the Repertoire – We will discuss the evolution of the wind band as a viable artistic medium and examine pivotal compositions in this development. There will be one lecture/discussion each week and small reading and listening assignments.
  • Symphonic Band – Intonation for the Performer and Conductor – We will discuss pitch tendencies for various instruments as well as in various harmonic and melodic contexts. There will be a small amount of reading and lecture/discussion as well as activities to develop and strengthen the ear. Wind players will have the option to complete a pitch tendency chart for their instrument.

Repertoire (variable, depending on how many weeks are left in the semester)

  • Symphony Orchestra – Orchestral Repertoire
  • Wind Symphony – High School Band Repertoire
  • Symphonic Band – Middle School Band Repertoire
  • You will be required to create a listening log or participate in online discussion threads as part of the repertoire sessions. Each will involve some participation in synchronous meetings as well as a small amount of outside listening.

Optional Session (November 23-December 11)

A Primer on Orchestral Bowings – Well-chosen bowings can make the difference between consistent results and musical chaos, and published bowings are not always dependable. Participants will learn some simple principles and ideas that guide the ongoing process of selecting orchestral bowings.

Symphonic Band

Strafford Room (Yellow)

  • Auditions for membership will need to be conducted to limit numbers to ~45.
  • First rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 8th.
  • Concerts will be live-streamed from the Strafford Room.

Remote (Orange or Red)

Online topics in line with student workload for 1-credit class. See Wind Symphony above for additional information.

Symphony Orchestra

Strafford Room (Yellow)

  • Membership limited to string players only, with perhaps piano and percussion, all of whom can wear masks. Wind musician participation will be extremely limited, if allowed at all.
  • If needed, the group will rehearse in smaller cohorts that rotate. If necessary, the room may be temporarily emptied mid-rehearsal to allow the HVAC system to clear airborne contaminants.
  • Concerts will be live-streamed from Johnson Theater.

Remote (Orange or Red)

  • Online topics in line with student workload for 1-credit class. See Wind Symphony above for additional information.

Jazz Bands

PCAC M226 (Yellow)

  • Relatively normal operations can continue. Ensemble will be spaced around room rather than in usual platform setup.
  • Concerts will be live-streamed from Johnson Theater.

Remote (Orange or Red)

  • Students will submit a video/audio recording of one of the concert compositions to be combined into a virtual “performance.” Alternatively we will discuss literature, pedagogy, and rehearsal techniques.

Wildcat Marching Band

See more detailed plan below.

Fields (Yellow)

  • Video of field show will be created. Exploring other opportunities as well (possibly with CPA).
  • Rehearsals will be held exclusively outdoors and canceled when needed due to weather.
  • At least 6’ distancing will be practiced at all times, including in the drill (drill writing program has a feature to highlight performers coming closer than a set distance so this will ensure distancing is maintained even during transitions).
  • Indoor PPE guidelines will be followed.
  • No off-campus travel.

Remote (Orange or Red)

Online topics in line with student workload for 1-credit class. Students will select multiple topics (depending on length of modules). Some will be geared toward music education majors, some geared toward all students. Possible topics include:

  • Drill writing
  • Leadership training
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
  • Physical conditioning geared toward marching arts
  • Continuation of musical development with breathing and playing exercises

Synchronous meetings will be held regularly to maintain community and retention, practice collaboration and interaction with other college marching bands in the region/conference, and connect with alumni and history of the organization.

Beast of the East Pep Band

See more detailed plan below.

Lundholm Gym/Whittemore Center Arena/Wildcat Stadium(Yellow)

  • Rehearsal/meeting #1 would be conducted virtually to cover logistics, game assignments, etc.
  • Remaining rehearsals would be held in Lundholm Gym or Wildcat Stadium (availability and weather-permitting) with sufficient spacing.
  • Typically play only at hockey during fall semester and that won’t change.
  • Two full large sections in the Whittemore Center have been assigned to the band, fitting up to 50 students at 6’ spacing. Needs to be recalculated for 8’ spacing as recommended in Facilities report. Student attendance will be limited to cap number and “volunteers” will be permitted only if space allows.
  • Band will NOT attend games between November 20th and when students return in January.

Remote (Orange or Red OR if hockey is canceled/pushed back to January or later)

If still at yellow we may hold in-person rehearsals in Lundholm Gym in addition to the following. Online topics in line with student workload for 1-credit class. Possible topics include:

  • Survey of UNH traditions, spirit, and school songs.
  • Creative assignments to put into practical use such as developing new “horn visuals.”
  • Continuation of musical development with breathing and playing exercises.

UNH ATHLETIC BANDS DETAILED PLAN

Wildcat Marching Band

Primary Objectives

  • Large ensemble performance techniques
  • Musicianship
  • Marching fundamentals and technique
  • Ensemble rehearsal skills and strategies
  • Performance skills
  • University service (performance at athletic, university, and regional events)
  • Maintain university traditions

Secondary Objectives

  • Student engagement and spirit
  • Leadership
  • Educational modeling for music education students
  • Problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Continuity of program

Face-to-Face Considerations

Band Camp

Our traditional pre-season training camp will not be held in person in 2020. There will be online meetings the week of August 23rd and instrument distribution August 29th and 30th, pending Wildcat Days schedule.

Performances

  • Traditional performances (football games, band shows, parades) will not occur.
  • Students will still produce a field show and create a recording.
  • Opportunities for analysis and evaluation by students.
  • Possible hands-on opportunities for music education majors.
  • Other on-campus performances (U Day, Fall Open House) also canceled.
  • Possible creation of additional performance video for university community with #UNHTogether theming.

Physical Plant

  • No indoor full rehearsals
  • No changing indoors
  • Equipment will be signed out for the season and stored in student housing where possible.
  • Those requiring shared instrument storage in the PCAC will follow these guidelines:
    • Per university policy, masks must be worn at all times inside the building.
    • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching lock, locker, key, or door.
    • Only one person will be allowed into storage closet at a time. Those waiting must maintain social distancing, which may include waiting outside the annex.
    • Again wash hands after securing equipment.
    • Schedule will be utilized to minimize crowding.

Equipment

  • No instruments will be shared.
  • Percussionists must use their own assigned/provided/purchased set of sticks/mallets/cymbals.
  • No sheet music will be shared.
  • No colorguard equipment will be shared.
  • Colorguard members will carry and set their own equipment.
  • Students will be encouraged to disinfect their equipment (following guidelines provided by various music organizations) before and after each use.
  • Students will set up, transport, and break down their own equipment.
  • Specific students or staff members will be assigned to set up rehearsal and performance equipment (podium, ladders, PA system).
  • May have staff wipe down podiums/ladders with disinfectant in between drum major changes, if applicable.
  • Students will need to purchase accessories such as shoes and lyres on their own, rather than through the band.
  • Wipes and hand sanitizer will be available at rehearsals.

Uniforms/Clothing

  • To avoid logistics and health concerns involved in uniform distribution and collection, changing, AND to reduce production of sweat (thereby reducing facial contact), students will wear “on campus performance uniform” for any performances.
    • Official WMB t-shirt ($10 purchase for each student)
    • Non-cargo khaki pants or shorts (instrumentalists) OR black leggings (guard)
    • Official WMB ballcap (provided to each student)
    • Calf-length black socks (instrumentalists)
    • Marching/dance shoes (purchased by students)
  • Possibility of separate guard “costume” for field show performances.
  • All will arrive in the clothes/uniform they will need for a given performance/event.
  • Students will be expected to provide long-sleeved black crew-neck shirts to wear under band t-shirt in cooler weather.

Design/Rehearsal Considerations

  • Marching drill will be written with at least 6’ spacing throughout (Pyware drill charting program has a feature that ensures spacing is maintained, even during transitions).
  • Field show will be shorter and easier to learn due to reduced rehearsal time.
  • Visual and music warm-up blocks will utilize at least 4-step (7.5’) spacing.
  • Wind instrumentalists will face same direction while playing at all times (no backfield or circle playing).
  • Rehearsals will be conducted in 25–30-minute blocks with 5 minute breaks to clear the field and allow for aerosol dispersal.

PPE

  • All present will wear masks at all times (pull down to drink water if needed).
  • Winds will use musician masks with openings for mouthpieces/headjoints. These will be provided by the university. They may also provide their own with approval of the director.
  • Winds will utilize bell covers with MERV-13 fabric over bells to reduce aerosol spread.

Travel

  • There will be NO travel by the band.
  • No band shows, parades, or other off-campus events.
  • Communal transportation seems too risky at this time and it is against university policy to require students to transport themselves (plus many would be unable to do so).

Food/Water

  • There will be no communal food or water.
  • Without band camp or football games, this poses very little problem. Students can bring their own water bottles to rehearsal. Standard size should be plenty for two-hour evening rehearsals.

Outreach/Alumni Events

  • Any events that bring outside visitors to campus will be canceled, including:
    • Wildcat for a Day
    • Band Day
    • Homecoming Alumni Band
    • Band Extravaganza (indoor concert)

Remote Considerations

The possibility of a temporary or permanent switch to remote learning will exist throughout the semester. The nature of marching band is such that continuation of the same curriculum would be difficult through remote learning. As such, a separate curriculum will need to be created for online learning. This is an opportunity for students, both music majors and non-majors, to learn things they don’t typically get to learn. Even music education majors who want to take Marching Band Methods are often unable to fit it in. Many non-music majors go on to work as marching band staff members, especially on the visual side (drill writing and instruction, visual technicians and instructors, colorguard technicians and instructors, etc.) but don’t receive training in advance.
Several modules will be created which will allow for flexibility to fit students’ interests and to meet various lengths of time. The standard length of a module will be two weeks but some may be longer or shorter, depending on the content. Students will have flexibility to complete those which interest them most. Some would also be ongoing and/or required for all. Planning continues.
Topics may include:

  • Drill writing
  • Leadership training
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training
  • Physical training geared toward marching arts and promoting health
  • Arranging for marching and pep bands
  • Percussion arranging/writing
  • Colorguard design and choreography
  • Rehearsal techniques
  • Show Design
  • Continued musical development through guided breathing exercises and warmups
  • Stationary visual technique

Additional possible opportunities:

  • Band directors in the New England area have also been in touch to discuss a plan to connect our bands during remote learning. Two bands will be paired up each week with members sharing videos and traditions with each other.
  • Colonial Athletic Association band directors have been in touch and are working on a plan to create a collaborative virtual performance including all of the CAA bands.
  • Enhanced band “history night” presentation over Zoom with alumni and former directors from all over the country and over many decades.
  • Record another virtual performance.
  • Regular meetings of sections and entire band to maintain community atmosphere and promote continuity and retention.

Beast of the East Pep Band

Primary Objectives

  • Large ensemble performance techniques
  • Musicianship
  • Performance skills
  • University service (performance at athletic, university, and regional events)
  • Maintain university traditions

Secondary Objectives

  • Student engagement and spirit
  • Problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Continuity of program

Face-to-Face Considerations

Physical Plant

  • No rehearsals in PCAC
  • Equipment will be signed out for the season and stored in student housing where possible.
  • Those requiring shared instrument storage in the PCAC will follow these guidelines:
    • Per university policy, masks must be worn at all times inside the building.
    • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching lock, locker, key, or door.
    • Only one person will be allowed into storage closet at a time. Those waiting must maintain social distancing, which may include waiting outside the annex.
    • Again wash hands after securing equipment.
    • Schedule will be utilized to minimize crowding.

Equipment

  • No instruments will be shared.
  • Percussionists must use their own assigned/provided/purchased set of sticks/mallets
  • No sheet music will be shared.
  • Students will be encouraged to disinfect their equipment (following guidelines provided by various music organizations) before and after each use.
  • Students will set up, transport, and break down their own equipment.
  • Students will need to purchase accessories such as lyres on their own, rather than through the band.

Rehearsals

  • Initial meeting with logistics will be conducted over Zoom.
  • Music rehearsals (up to 3 fall semester) will be held in Lundholm Gym or Wildcat Stadium when available.

Performances

  • Sections 123 and 124 in the Whittemore Center, accommodating up to 50 students with social distancing, have been assigned to the band.
  • One full section in Lundholm Gym, accommodating up to 22 students with social distancing, have been assigned to the band.
  • Students will no longer be able to volunteer for extra games as before. Limited to those assigned to each game.
  • No performances at games while students are not on campus (November 20th–January 23rd)

PPE

  • All present will wear masks at all times (pull down to drink water if needed).
  • Winds will use musician masks with openings for mouthpieces/headjoints. These will be provided by the university. They may also provide their own with approval of the director.
  • Winds will utilize bell covers with MERV-13 fabric over bells to reduce aerosol spread.

Remote Considerations

Like marching band, the nature of pep band is such that it is difficult to continue the same curriculum in a remote format, so a different approach will be taken if we have to go remote during the semester or if there are no sporting events/pep rallies for performances. Online topics/activities could include:

  • Continued musical development through guided breathing exercises and warmups
  • Study of UNH traditions and band and athletics history
  • Zoom with band alumni
  • Possible virtual performance