Grade school students in Wilmington, Mass. will “NOT permitted to play/blow into their instruments” due to the omicron variant. Instead, students will “…move their fingers through exercises and songs” while “…being fully masked.”
According to an email from the district posted by parent group Bring Kids Back MA, “Students who play woodwind or brass instruments (Flute/Clarinet/Alto Saxophone/Trumpet/Trombone will NOT be permitted to play/blow their instruments in lessons in school.”
Under the district’s new approach, “…students will assemble their instruments (without the mouthpiece) and move their fingers through exercises and songs, as well as participate in music and rhythm reading lessons while being fully masked for the entire lesson.” Despite the complete lack of constructive work for the students, the district still expects the children to “…attend band lessons during this time.” Nothing was mentioned with regard to concerts or performances.
The email added that “Percussion (drums) students will continue to have their lessons as usual since those instruments do not involve blowing aerosols into the classroom.”
Hellbound and Down 