The Marching Tigers Fall show “Painted Desert” was filled with new challenges given the pandemic including fewer practices and a more uncertain practice schedule.

“This season was worlds different from past seasons,” said senior trumpet player Joanna Leston. “We started out a lot later than normal, and any time normally scheduled for indoor rehearsal was canceled. Band camp, which is where we learn the drill for most of our show, was shortened quite a lot in hours.”

Not only were there fewer practices overall, but practices had to be completely reimagined in accordance with social distancing. 

“Every section of the band was split up: brass, woodwinds, percussion and guard,” Leston said. “Within those sections, we always had to wear a mask at all times, except when playing, and we were always six feet apart. Even the drill was written, so we could maintain social distancing.”

Color Guard practices looked even more different according to senior Abby Vollmar. 

“Our practices have been online,” Vollmar said. “They’re usually technique and conditioning led by our coaches. It’s much harder to stay in contact with the team, but we do have options to reach out to each other.”

Regardless of the challenges, the Marching Tigers were still able to perform “Painted Desert.” The show highlighted the theme of the vibrant colors and sounds of the desert after a rainfall.  Bright orange flags flew in the air over the purple shirts of the band to songs such as “Colors of the Wind.”

“Everyone worked really hard, and we’re all proud of how it turned out, especially with the time constraints,” Leston said. 

Vollmar agrees that the show was a success despite the obstacles. 

“The show was entered into online showcases and was received pretty well, so I’d call that successful,” Volmar said.

Winter Guard is set to receive details about the upcoming winter show soon. It appears they will have to overcome many of the same obstacles they did for the last show.  They hope for another successful show that can be performed in a safe way.

“I definitely think being online was necessary to keep everyone safe,” Vollmar said. “I do hope we manage to get back to in-person practices in the future, but I know keeping everyone healthy is the top priority.”