Local high school band ‘masking’ their instruments to minimize COVID-19 exposure – KTIV

LE MARS, Iowa (KTIV) - A local high school band is doing everything they can to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure during band class.

"These are basically like the masks that you would wear over your face, but they will go on the bell of the instrument instead," said Band Director Michael Prichard.

The Le Mars Community High School Band will be "masking" their instruments-- by using bell covers.

A method recommended by the National Federation of State High School Association, and the College Band Directors National Association.

"So the studies being done through the NFHS out in Colorado and Maryland show that the aerosols that could potentially carry the virus can be spread through the bells of the instrument," said Prichard.

According to the College Band Directors National Association, the goal of the aerosol study is to identify ways performers can meet in person-- with the lowest risk possible. That's how they came up with using the nylon bell covers for the instruments.

"They will go over the edge of the bells and that way they trap a lot of the aerosols that are normally harmful, and we can clean those bell covers," said Prichard. "We were able to order fabric that was the correct thickness, and it's two layers thick,".

The school band is composed of nearly 100 students.Prichard says it's important for them to let the students do what they love to do, especially after being quarantined for months.

"I know that our students are excited to be back together," said Prichard.

The bell covers are being distributed to every band student 5th grade through 12th grade.

Link:

Local high school band 'masking' their instruments to minimize COVID-19 exposure - KTIV