The anniversary of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic lockdown can be a traumatizing memory for some on-campus students and clubs at Shippensburg University. Numerous on-campus clubs were suspended from continuing activities as student life was put on hold for students, where spending a semester online became the new normal. However, the music ensembles were hit the hardest. 

Before the global shut down, the SU Jazz and Wind ensemble traveled to California during spring break to perform at Disneyland and Westlake High school. California already had cases of the virus in the area, but the groups still decided to go. 

As a member of the ensemble, I would be lying if I said I was not upset with going home to an extended spring break. I was really looking forward to spending my first year in college performing at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. However, that excitingly changes this year. 

The SU band department recently announced to members of the numerous ensembles that they were given the “OK” for an in-person concert. Spanning from mid-April to the first week of May, the SU band department plans to hold concerts ranging from standard concert bands and jazz ensemble concerts, to smaller percussion and woodwind ensembles.

Performances schedule:

Woodwind Ensemble Sunday, April 11, 3 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble and Pep Band Monday, April 12, 7 p.m.

Orchestra and String Ensemble Sunday, April 18, 3:00 p.m.

Concert Choir and Madrigals Monday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.

Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Sunday, May 2, 3 p.m.

Percussion Ensemble Tuesday May 4, 7 p.m. 

This is a major achievement after last year’s cancellations. All performances will be held at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. As of now, there is a possibility that the concerts could be opened to the public with the option of live streaming the concerts. 

While the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the world, music has brought us together. The concerts could be a way to bring the campus community together after a year-long battle with the pandemic. 

Editor’s note: A&E Editor Ryan Cleary is a percussionist in the following bands: Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble. 

Editor’s note: In the original article, the author stated the Orchestra and String Ensemble concert was at 7:30 p.m. The author changed the time to 3:00 p.m. which is the correct time. 

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