Music educators prepare for different school year

As the school year quickly approaches, teachers are preparing their classrooms as well as their computers for a school year unlike any other.

The state is releasing guidance that mandate masks and social distancing of 12 feet.

News channel 2's brent kearney shows us how teachers are preparing for a much different enviorment than they're used to.

Holland patent music teacher brian picente is the president of the oneida county music educators association.

He tells me he's been in contact with districts across the county regarding the state's new music education standards .

None .

None "all of this guidance that we are receiving for our students is being formulated into different plans.

And from one district to another."

Nats sax: "the state requires 12 feet of social distancing and to give you an idea of what that looks like that would be from this chair to that one over there."

And with 50 kids expected to be in picente's band for the upcoming year, he says proper space could be an issue for schools with more students.

"obviously this room will not be feasible so we will be using the auditorium."

As many districts are now going fully remote for part of the school year, districts like rome tell me lessons will be held with teachers virtually.

Those that opt for the hybrid model, some students will be in rehearsal others will be playing along at home virtually.

"so you wont be sitting right next to someone in your section or you'll be the only person in your section on that day.

You may be the only trumpet player you my be the only saxophone player."

Picente see's it as an opportunity.

"this will be an opportunity to work more individually with students and build their individual skills.

Regardless of how it looks picente says music education will benefit student more now than ever before.

"it will be so beneficial to our students especially coming back to school.

Having that sense of normalcy and routine an oppurtunity for them to connect with each other on a different level.

Coming up at 6, details on masks and a new music mask study picente plans on using in his classroom this fall.

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