Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 26.5mm, f/3.2, 1/150 sec, ISO640 “Happy Senior” Cedar Park, 2021
Our youngest son is a high school senior this year, which means this is the last time I’ll be taking a “First Day of School” photo. 😢 You know, the DO grow up fast!
He’s heading back to campus with most of his friends, and he’s been told by us to always wear a mask indoors (except while eating) and to of course practice social distancing outdoors. He’s been vaccinated so we’re not too worried about him getting sick, but we want him to be safe for himself, friends, family, and the community in general.
I’m happy to be able to do some activities and not being on lockdown, but I wish everyone would mask up in public (and in schools). It’s really not that hard.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/3.2, 1/35 sec, ISO3200 “On Snare” Cedar Park, 2020
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. 😆
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO640 “Marching Band” Cedar Park, 2020
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.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/350 sec, ISO200 “Rehearsal on the Pad” Cedar Park, 2020
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.
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I use a Fujifilm X-series camera for most of the photos on this site and my Instagram. Why not pick one up for yourself?
