Band Masks: From the Perspective of Two Students

Evie:

For me, I really think of the band masks as a reflection of how weird this entire year is. Do not get me STARTED on how bizarre they are. They’re these strange, gray pieces of fabric with a flap for your instrument that barely fit over anyone’s face. They’re supposed to make it so we can play indoors during the winter, but since we have to be ten feet apart and deal with the random temperature fluctuations of the auditorium, it isn’t necessarily better than playing outside. Using the masks creates a weird delay before we play while everyone tries to figure out how exactly they work. They aren’t super difficult to breathe in, but I always feel a sense of relief when we put our normal masks back on after rehearsal. The flutes definitely have it the worst out of all of us, since their masks are virtually a diaper that you wear on your face while your hands hold the instrument in a bag. I’m just thankful I don’t have to wear those ones. As a first hand survivor of the flute masks, Sophia can tell you a little bit more. 

Sophia: 

Why, thank you, Evie! I will tell you: these flute masks make me feel like a duck. The fabric sticks off of your face so there’s enough room for the flute head; however, it protrudes from one’s face like a duck beak. Luckily, they are not hard to breathe in, but they are very difficult to put on. Here is an example of what they look like!

As you can see, the mask is a literal bag strapped on one’s face, and it even has a matching piece for the flute! 

To hear other people’s perspectives, a few students from the NHS band were interviewed. Overall, people seem to be okay with the masks; however, everyone agrees that playing outside was better. 

Authors Note: (Each new bullet under the questions is a different person’s response)

Question 1: Do you believe the band masks actually work and protect you from possible COVID-19 particles?

• No, the bell covers seem super thin and a lot of the air goes out of the holes in woodwind instruments.lute masks seem safe, though.

• I think they are mostly protective, but when switching between masks there is an increased risk of exposure.

• I know the performing arts teachers are working really hard to create a safe situation, and so if spacing out with masks is what they have us do, I am sure it is the safest feasible option that keeps us playing.

• I do believe that the band masks work, and serve to better protect the students in band. However, I think they are much less effective than playing outside.

Question 2: Do you have other ideas that could keep band students safer instead of the masks?

• Playing outside would be safer, but obviously that is not possible during the winter.

• I do not have any other ideas besides not playing, but that would not be something many people want.

• In the fall we would play outside, but the weather does not allow for that anymore, and besides, the acoustics and focus in general is better in the auditorium where we play now.

• No, although I think that further dividing the students or separating them into two groups would keep them more safe.

Question 3: Do you think that it is harder to play with the masks on, and does it affect your playing?

• It personally does not affect my playing as I play percussion, but I can see how it may affect others.

• The whole playing process is more difficult in general with the maneuvering of the masks and everything, but not necessarily the actual playing.

• Playing is definitely harder. (I play the flute). We have to have bags over the full instrument in addition to a mask. Because of this, inside the bag gets very sweaty and a lot more air support is needed to maintain a nice tone.

• The masks, especially the masks for some specific instruments, make it extremely difficult to play.