(From Southern News Service)The COVID-19 pandemic has struck a sour note with more than just college athletics, but the Lion Pride Marching Band at Missouri Southern State University is finding ways to bring music to those who may not otherwise have access to it.
“With the football season being canceled, we needed to find a new way forward for the marching band,” says Don Linn, Missouri Southern’s director of bands. “What better way to redefine ourselves for this semester than as an outreach band?”
For the last few Friday afternoons, the band has divided into three different pep bands to perform at locations throughout the community.
“We’re been visiting elementary and middle schools, day cares and senior living facilities,” says Linn. “We want to perform for folks who aren’t able to get out, especially during the pandemic. It’s also an opportunity to say thank you to people, especially health-care workers, and bring them a little music and joy.”
The three pep bands range in size from 17 to 24 members and perform their normal game-day repertoire. They perform outdoors in order to maintain social distancing and utilize face and instrument coverings.
The bands’ schedule for Friday, Sept. 18, is below.
Band A
2:30 p.m. – Freeman West
3:15 p.m. – Freeman East
Band B
2 p.m. – North Middle School
2:40 p.m. – Columbia Elementary
Band C
2:15 p.m. – West Central Elementary
3:10 p.m. – Cardinal Towers Senior Living, Webb City
Cool idea!!
ReplyDelete