The Penn-Trafford band ensembles have been using livestreams and limited seating to perform since the beginning of the pandemic, but this spring concert was a bit different — perhaps even a bit “typical.”

     While still following Covid-19 guidelines, the performing students were able to bring family and friends to achieve an audience that was max capacity. Set by the district, the max capacity of the auditorium is 228 people, and the total reached 227. 

     “We did our best to make sure that everyone on stage was spaced out to follow guidelines and that the audience was appropriately spaced as well,” said band director David Cornelius

     After not hearing live applause for months, Cornelius said that “it was nice to hear the audience’s appreciation. The audience plays a really important role in a live performance and they did an amazing job.” 

     Cornelius explained that with recorded performances done prior in the year, after each song, there would be silence. 

     “You could sense the amount that each student cared. It mattered. It meant something to them,” Cornelius said in regards to having a live audience and this opportunity.

     For most ensembles, this was the first or second time performing in a public setting. For the concert band, this was the first time and for the concert percussion group, this was their second time. Putting together music while students have been hybrid, online, or in person was something that was different, said Cornelius, but he added that the students’ dedication made it possible.

 

 

Senior Ben Dimatteo has been in the band for eight total years and plays the saxophone. He was the drum major this year for the marching band and said that the concert this year was “different in the sense that I was consciously grateful to have an audience.”

     Cornelius agreed that the concert was a welcome return to almost normal. 

     “It was almost a typical concert. It was almost like ‘oh this is what we used to do,” Cornelius continued. “I’m happiest for the seniors who haven’t had their typical senior experience. Hopefully this was a nice start to the next five weeks as they build into graduation.”

     For most seniors like Dimatteo, they were just grateful to have a concert and end their P-T band career surrounded by friends.

Editor in Chief, Hannah Hizer