Norwalk schools to resume in-person music classes next month

Since the fall, music instruction in Norwalk schools has only happened online with no ability for students to hear themselves playing together until virtual seasonal concerts are edited.

News 12 Staff

•

Feb 26, 2021, 1:05 AM

•

Updated 1,318 days ago

Share:

Norwalk Public Schools say students can resume in-person music classes and rehearsals on March 1.

Since the fall, music instruction in Norwalk schools has only happened online with no ability for students to hear themselves playing together until virtual seasonal concerts are edited.

Now, small groups will be able to rehearse in person with slit masks, 10 feet of distancing and breaks every half-hour. Choir and theater groups will start to ramp up again, too.

Students with string and percussion instruments have continued to practice indoors with strict mask and social distance requirements.

School officials say performing together is a crucial part of these students' artistic and academic development.

There are no plans yet for spring performances, but educators say an outdoor concert isn't out of the question.

The Lewis E. Dunlap Wing at Norwalk High School has been eerily quiet since music activities were put on hold. Teachers say they're excited to get back at it.

Band director Chris Rivera says students typically join band and choir so they can perform together.

"Not having that group feel and that family atmosphere, I think, is what the students have really been missing the most over the past year," he said.