Orchestra Doesn’t Miss a Beat at Lawrenceville

Many school – and professional – music programs are on hold due to the pandemic, but not at Lawrenceville. “It’s tough, but student interest is very high. They are very excited to get back and so am I,” said conductor Keith Roeckle, chair of the Performing Arts Department.

In keeping with the School’s Best for All protocols and a review of new guidelines from the National Association for Music Education, the COVID-cautious musicians are rehearsing outside in their new home - a tent in front of the Kirby Arts Center. Students are wearing masks (some specially made for wind/brass instruments) and POM tracers, socially distanced, and where needed, separated by Lucite dividers.

“The outdoor rehearsals have been enjoyable for me!” said violinist Jacqueline Chen ’21.  “Since we rehearse right in front of the Bowl, I usually have a good view of the Second Formers playing ping pong and talking under the tents. Playing music outdoors has contributed to a great atmosphere around campus.”

Cellist Ethan Markel ’21, agreed, stating, “Several members of the [School] community have noted that it's a treat to have live music three days a week with the orchestra rehearsing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the Jazz Band on Wednesdays, and we're grateful that people are enjoying it.” 

To accommodate social distancing, the orchestra had been divided in half for rehearsals. This has created more section leadership positions, but also some challenges. “An important part of orchestra is not only playing our parts but also listening to the parts of the instruments around us. Sitting farther apart from other musicians has made it more challenging for me to hear others playing, so we have to rely more heavily on watching Mr. Roeckle's baton for cues,” said Chen. “But it has been helpful that Mr. Roeckle uses a headset and speaker system during rehearsals so we can all hear him clearly outdoors.”

Markel appreciates that the School has made in-person rehearsals a priority. “I think all of us are thankful to be able to rehearse together again. . . . [it] means that I have to be especially committed to listening to my peers in other sections to help with counting time and rhythm. Though these are practices that I have to do under normal circumstances, I have to be more acute and diligent about them now. But I will be better off as a result when we can rehearse indoors again.”

He's especially grateful to his conductor. “I'd like to personally thank Mr. Roeckle for arranging to have rehearsal given the unprecedented circumstances this fall. Organizing the orchestras in a way that is COVID-safe is a huge challenge, and it's fantastic that we have been able to pull it off this fall!”

The orchestra is rehearsing pieces by several composers, including Wendy Carlos, Adolphus Hailstork, and Florence Price. Details for an end-of-term performance are still being worked out. “My hope is when concert time comes, that we can get the entire group together, maybe take over half the Bowl, and do something nice,” Roeckle said.

Chen said, “Overall, I'm really proud of how we all adapted to such an unprecedented situation with positivity. Rehearsals may look different this year, but I'm glad we still have the opportunity to share music with others!”

For additional information, please contact Lisa M. Gillard Hanson, director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.