Tag: kids

Tonight we went to the stadium to watch Koa perform in the marching band for the band parents. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the marching band competitive season and all travel was cancelled, but they still were able to rehearse (both virtually and socially-distanced in-person) and perform at a few home-field football games. The show was redesigned to keep space between each band member, although I have to say there were a few moments were it got closer than 6 feet. But still, it was nothing like past shows, which was appreciated. All students wore masks, the wind and brass instruments had coverings, and many of the kids also wore face shields. Happily, we haven’t heard of any band kids nor band staff testing positive for COVID-19.

New this year, Koa switched instruments from marimba to snare. This meant he was actually marching in the field instead of just up in the front ensemble. I think he really enjoyed it. He was also a drumline captain! Yay, Koa!

The photo above was taken through my binoculars in case you were wondering. I don’t have a long telephoto lens, so this will have to do. 😆

You can watch the show below:

The angle of the camera makes the crowd appear packed, but actually the seats were marked off with tape so that groups would be kept apart at a safe distance, and masks were required. I was reluctant to let Koa return to marching band this year (many of the students attended 100% virtually), but after seeing a few of the rehearsals, I was more comfortable with how seriously everyone was taking it. And Koa has some pretty sweet tan-lines on his cheeks from wearing his mask! 😄

Normally we attend several of the football games to see the band perform but this year we only saw the show once. Hopefully next year the pandemic situation will be over and Koa can enjoy a normal senior year performing at more games and competitive events.

This year’s marching band season is continuing on, but of course it’s not nearly the same. For instance, there are no competitions, and the band will not be traveling to away football games. The actual show they are working on is designed to keep the kids socially-distanced, and all the kids wear masks (and many have face-shields as well).

I went to the rehearsal today to see how they were doing, and was really impressed with the mask-wearing. This was honestly a big concern for me. But I think it will be okay.

We helped Bay move into his new place in Houston today. He’ll be living off-campus, which we think will be safer than living in the residential college. His roomies are all architecture students as well, so they will be living in the same small circle. Also, there are only about 25 total sophomores in the Architecture program so it will not be difficult to social-distance. I like the precautions that Rice is taking for the Fall semester and fingers are crossed that everyone will remain safe. What a time we’re living in.

Today’s photo is of a cool pine tree outside of Bay’s new place. It looks like a Japanese painting!