COVID-19 Strikes Band Concerts and Rehearsals

The Woodlands Concert Band had a busy spring planned. Rehearsals were going well for a joint concert with the Carrollton Wind Ensemble, to be held in Carrollton on Sunday March 22. But in the week leading up to the concert, the COVID-19 coronavirus began to impact the United States. Schools were cancelled for weeks, and the Center for Disease Control recommended that group gatherings be limited to 50 or less. This recommendation became even more strict over the following weeks.

The WCB Board announced the cancellation of the Carrollton concert. In the next few weeks, as the situation became more clear, the remainder of the season was cancelled as well. This included a planned concert at Christ Church United Methodist on April 5.

The Patriotic concerts scheduled for June 25 and 28 were also cancelled, as was the entire Fourth of July parade.

Band members managed to keep busy, even without band rehearsals. See below for a gallery of band members sharing their quarantine activities.

On April 8, conductor Paul Worosello wrote:

"I know the disappointment we have all experienced due to the cancellations of our most recent concert in Dallas and Christ Church. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. As a result, I am excited to announce that we will have Brian Balmages as a guest composer/conductor of the Woodlands Concert Band on October 3-4, 2020. ... Y'all Take Care and Stay Healthy"

Chris: I spent the last two weeks helping my daughter move from Lubbock to Austin. But I'm ready to break out my tambourine and celebrate when the band gets back together!

Rich: I have spent the last two weeks trying to figure out how to teach band from my office. Here is a picture of my horn amongst my soundtrack collection. Finding that listening to music and loving my family is the best medicine.

Keith: I'm living in an apartment for 4-6 weeks while our house gets a complete makeover.

Mike asks: What’s the difference between a euphonium player and a dead skunk on side of the road? Answer: Usually the skunk has a gig, but not today!