Belmont Secondary is set to host its year-end concert, which is usually the culmination of many studentsB次元官网网址� musical careers. But this time around, itB次元官网网址檒l be the first time many have taken part.
COVID has disrupted the school system for the past two years, meaning some students, like Grade 11 tenor sax student Jay Lausman, havenB次元官网网址檛 performed in a year-end concert.
B次元官网网址淎t the beginning of the year it was a lot harder to stay motivated because we werenB次元官网网址檛 sure if we were going to have a winter concert. But I think compared to then, we really have something to work for. So it feels a lot better to be in rehearsal,B次元官网网址� said Lausman.
Rehearsals were a challenge at the beginning of the year, with COVID oddities like playing with masks and instrument covers becoming part of the routine.
Stavros Chrysoulis, a Grade 12 student who plays guitar, said it took a bit longer to get into the swing of things within rehearsals, but now the group has bonded, which helps on stage and off.
B次元官网网址淎s you build up that bond, you start understanding each otherB次元官网网址檚 looks, even if someone messes up, youB次元官网网址檙e more likely to be able to feel that with them and go through the little scary part. But if that bond isnB次元官网网址檛 there, thatB次元官网网址檚 very hard to achieve that level of locking in.B次元官网网址�
Loosening COVID restrictions have allowed for more bonding opportunities, with bands from the school able to go on music trips to play in Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Abbotsford and play in festivals.
While some students may have first-time jitters, others will be taking their final bow at the concert, like Rachel Nordby, a Grade 12 student and vocal performer.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 kind of scary because itB次元官网网址檚 ending. But I feel really fortunate that we got to do it, because I had a lot friends who were in Grades 11, and 12 when COVID happened, and they never got their year-end concert. So, I feel very fortunate and lucky that we get to do it. IB次元官网网址檓 probably going to cry.B次元官网网址�
The concert is set to be held June 9.
ALSO READ: B.C.B次元官网网址檚 first electric transit bus expected to arrive in Greater Victoria this fall
bailey.moreton@goldstreamgazette.com
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