The Maine Pops Concert Band will return to Scarborough High School for regular rehearsals, beginning Wednesday, March 16. The return marks the first time the band will rehearse in its familiar home in over two years.
The band plans to continue rehearsals at Scarborough through the spring, leading up to its 2022 Spring Concert, slated for May 22 at St. Luke’s Cathedral in Portland, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The band room will not be available for rehearsal sessions on March 30 (Maine Scholastic Concert Band Festival), April 20 (Spring Break), and June 1 (Middle School Concert). An alternate rehearsal site will be announced for those dates.
In making the announcement to band members through its weekly internal newsletter, the Maine Pops reminds musicians that there are still COVID-19 protocols in place, even with the easing of restrictions at most of the area schools. Band members are required to mask in the school hallways leading from the entrance to the band room. Once in the band room, masked may be removed, although the band is encouraging the use of masks until seated.
Scarborough has removed the band risers that members were familiar with when it last rehearsed there on March 11, 2020, opting now for a single-level rehearsal space. Members are encouraged to arrive early to set up sections, with proper spacing between musicians. The band will also need folks to return the band room to its normal arrangement once rehearsal ends. Chairs will be available, but musicians are asked to bring their instruments, music, a music stand, bell covers, and a stand light (if needed).
As always, the health and safety of our band members is important. Members are continue to keep their COVID-19 vaccinations current, and they are encouraged to excuse themselves from rehearsals if ill.