Tiger musicians take step during camp, preparing to compete during year

By Elizabeth Herbert

Slatonite Intern

Members of the Slaton High School band are already preparing for their upcoming marching season.

Mario Aguirre, the high school’s director of bands and fine arts, said although band members plan on participating in marching season, rehearsals are conducted differently than they have been in the past.

“COVID has definitely changed our rehearsal strategies,” he said. “We are checking temperatures as students walk into rehearsals.”

The University Interscholastic League mandates band members wear face masks unless playing an instrument, and Aguirre said students must remain 10 feet apart.

“We are lucky to have four directors and a color guard clinician on staff,” Aguirre said. “This allows us to split our sections in five different ways in order to teach even smaller groups.”

Section members rehearse in various locations throughout campus such as the auditorium, cafeteria and outside parking lot to encourage distancing. Members enter the school through different sets of doors depending on their section, then attend rehearsal at their predetermined location.

For more information please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.