Washington high school uses ‘band pods’ to keep musicians safe from COVID-19

WENATCHEE, Wash. — The show must go on. And in Washington state, a high school band has found a way to practice and remain socially distant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

>> Read more trending news

Earlier this week, the Wenatchee High School band held practice in “music pods,” KATU reported. Members of the Golden Apple Marching Band were set up in individual pop-up tents -- apple green, of course. The solution has allowed the band to practice together since January, KHQ reported.

The pods are made up of cloth with a plastic enclosure, with just enough room for each musician to fit comfortably inside with their instruments.

“The idea came from our music and theater teachers,” Wenatchee High School Principal Eric Anderson told the BBC. “As we knew we were bringing students back in a hybrid format, there’s obviously a concern around singing with a mask off. And we wanted to make sure that our students had both the ability to sing and play an instrument in groups so they could practice together.

“It was extremely important for us to figure out a way to make that happen, and so, their creative approach is where we kind of landed on this.”

The pods were tested to ensure that small particles did not escape during use, KHQ reported. The area health district approved the use of the pods in December, the television station reported. Students remain in the pods for less than 30 minutes during their 35-minute music periods.