Midland high school finding unique ways to adapt to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the school year, the show will go on.

Georgian Bay District Secondary School teachers and students have found interesting ways to adapt to the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the majority of extracurricular activities have been cancelled, GBDSS will still have a school band and will still produce a school play.

“Last spring, our school musical was cancelled due to COVID-19. This year, we knew we needed to do something that was pandemic proof,” said Betony Main, a teacher in the arts department.

In March, students will be putting on a production of “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” a popular play that has been adapted for livestreaming.

“It will be done entirely via livestream, with each character in their own window,” said Main. “It won’t be on a stage with actors interacting in real space.”

Each actor will be set up separately in the school with a computer and webcam. The program StreamYard will allow for complete control of the show, including which windows appear and where they appear on screen.

“We have 35 actors. It is going to be tricky, but we are excited for the challenge,” said Main.

Auditions have wrapped up and students have started rehearsals. For now, they are just learning their lines and roles. The technical aspect will be tackled later.

“I’m glad we adapted to the current situation,” said Grade 12 student Chloe Winborne. “I am so excited that we still get to do a play this year.”

When students arrived back at school in September, many were unsure how the year would unfold. It wasn’t going to be normal, and extracurriculars weren’t a given.

“I thought we might somehow pull off a spring play, but knew we weren’t going to have other smaller productions,” said Grade 12 student Sarah Larmand. “I’m really happy we have a play we can all be a part of for our last year of high school.”

Students were also thrilled to discover that GBDSS would still have a band this school year. 

Due to the pandemic, students aren’t allowed to play any wind instruments. So, the school has invested in additional percussion instruments like chimes, marimbas, xylophones, bongos and kettledrums, and created a percussion ensemble.

Grade 12 student Daniel Farr, who normally plays the clarinet, is learning a number of new instruments.

“I am starting fresh on everything,” he said, noting he is now playing the keyboard and snare drum.  “I am glad there is a band. We are all excited and having a lot of fun.”

Jayneigh Hesler is learning how to play the bass drum, glockenspiel and tambourine.

“I didn’t think there was going to be a band,” said the Grade 11 student. “It’s nice to have that outlet, especially when there is not a lot else going on.”

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Reporter Andrew Mendler reached out to GBDSS to see how COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were impacting extracurricular activities.