For North Star band, the show must go on

Musicians are finding innovative ways to stage concerts during this time of social distancing. That includes the Lincoln North Star High School band, which got into the act this week by performing a virtual end-of-the-year concert.

North Star Band Director Joe Albright said it was formatted like their typical end-of-the-year event, which includes an awards ceremony and is considered a rite of passage for graduating band students. He said the performance gave his students a common goal, something to look forward to, a reason to continue practicing their instruments - and a form of closure for an unprecedented school year.

“Being a parent and a teacher during a worldwide pandemic is a nightmare, but I really feel for teenagers and all that they are missing out on,” Albright said. “It is important for our Gator musicians, particularly the seniors, to put on this concert, even if it's virtual, to remember they are a part of something - a community, a family bigger than themselves. They have purpose and meaning to other people in their lives and music brings us together, even if we're physically apart.”

---