Spartans Keep the Music Alive in Quarantine

Written by: Emma McNamara 

Online learning is not how students and teachers pictured the end of  the school year. While everyone was seemingly comfortable with technology in the classroom, there was little time to prep for technology becoming the classroom. Music classes are certainly no exception. Some of Sparta High’s music teachers were able to share their experiences teaching during the pandemic thus far. 

Current events have brought forth new challenges for everyone involved. Music teacher Dr. Gianuzzi said, "We didn't have much time to adjust...it was more like the starting gun at a track meet. I started with what I knew, Google Classroom. In the time between I became a student via YouTube videos, chat groups, online professional communities, etc. I've taken advantage of several free programs such as SmartMusic to figure out ways to make it easier for students to keep learning while we're in this craziness.” 


Students and teachers alike have had to learn more about technology and use their newfound knowledge to adjust, trying to continue the normal school lessons. Mrs. Lopez, who runs both in-school and after-school choirs relays, "When it comes time to provide feedback and help, there is only so much I can convey with a 'comment' or email. I miss being able to sing with my students and hear their immediate improvement. As amazing as this technology is, seeing and singing with someone else at the same time is not possible.” 

Mr. Lopez has had a similar experience, describing his hardest class: “Band has been the biggest challenge because we can’t play together. There’s no online forum that allows groups of people to play together at the same time without delays.” There is no doubt that a music class thrives on the unity of a group, something seemingly unachievable over the internet at this time. 

The closest people can get to togetherness during this time is digitally. “We’re trying to do the virtual band thing where people submit individual recordings of themselves and I’m going to then mix it all together using software. Although that’s not nearly the same thing as being in rehearsal and having concerts, it’s been a fun challenge. The kids get to learn what it’s like to do a recording, which is very difficult and challenging in many ways. For me I get to learn new software. I’m learning how to use professional grade software and mixing and editing equipment- Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro X,” Mr. Lopez explains. SHS choirs are also in the works of creating a similar project. Various music classes have also had students perform on their front porch to make their music heard through the community.

While prevalent challenges arise for the three teachers, all have kept their heads high and are finding the positive in a hard situation. “On one hand, I am able to assign more individual work and I have time to listen to every one of my students each week. I am getting to know each and every one of my students in a very detailed way. I am noticing improvement in confidence as they are getting more used to recording themselves. These are some good things!” says Mrs. Lopez. 

Since online schooling began, Lopez’s choir students have been joining on Google Meets and warming up with their teacher, continuing to learn about singing and asking questions about assignments. This format has even worked to create a virtual “coffee house'' where students could perform for other students, and faculty was able to join in for a listen as well. Google Meet brightened the day for many Spartans and Mrs. Lopez has spoken of hosting another one soon.


Classes such as Music Theory have an easier time with the more typical academic classroom environment. "I found a way to use a writing tablet, scan assignments, share the video screen, and teach the lesson live. It's a lot of work but I'm finding more and more cool websites, videos, and resources I can share," reflects Mrs. Lopez. 

Mr. Lopez agrees that the adjustment for this type of class has been simpler. “Kids are getting assignments a couple of times a week depending on the class. My non-performance classes like Music Theory and Music Appreciation, it’s a little easier because I can assign reading or videos for them to watch and there’s responses...We lose the class discussion part but I’m still able to share the information,” he relates. In these cases, there isn’t an issue over lack of equipment, which has been a troublesome problem in other classes.

Mr. Lopez’s piano classes encountered issues that cannot simply be solved. “The performance-based classes I teach have been the most challenging. One of the classes I teach is Basic Electric Piano and I’ve got students in both classes that don’t own a piano...these kids were doing so well and now their progress has been halted because they can’t practice.” 

Although the situation is frustrating and upsetting, this new way of life makes people reflect on how in-school education is truly valuable. Many kids miss the opportunities they had every day at SHS, including the use of materials that not every student has available at home. Mr Lopez continues, “For the students who do have pianos, we’ve been able to continue and do good work. They submit videos to me during the week and I critique and comment on them. At the end of the week we have a class recital, where we all log onto a Google Meet, and that’s been awesome because we can still perform for each other.”

The wonderful thing about music is the way it connects people. While everyone is physically apart, music has helped many keep the feeling of connection through playing for and listening to others. “There is something so special and frankly...scientifically miraculous when a group of students make music,” Dr. Giannuzzi shares. “When we breathe together and sing, our heartbeats align. When we're in the middle of a large ensemble and able to hear and feel the vibrations of sound, our bodies react with hormones and make us feel happier and more content. We miss the community of music makers– our friends who understand us in a way that others don't. Online, I can teach lessons but I can't play along with the students, I can say play along with a track but that is a lonely way to make music. The community creates music together.”


It’s no secret that the physical school closure has been a loss for everyone. What Dr. G misses is “... sitting with students one-on-one and showing them how to make things 'work.' Again, that's the relationship piece of teaching. We not only deliver curriculum materials...we build relationships with students. I can't see if a student is having a hard day. I miss the daily "Good Morning, Doc G", "Thank you", "Have a Great day" conversations we have from class to class. I try to encourage students and these relationships encourage me as well. That's what I miss most.” 

Mr. Lopez agrees, “I definitely miss my students. I miss my colleagues. I miss playing. Sometimes rehearsals were a challenge, but I would give anything to be back there and have that challenge and just make music together, because in my opinion there is nothing more special.” 

All anyone can do is to keep learning, keep trying, and do the best they can at staying connected. Mrs. Lopez reminds us that “While it is frustrating not being able to simulate Choir, this is an opportunity to more completely understand what it means to walk into a music room for rehearsal.  Creating music together is a special human experience that is difficult to explain, but I think this experience is teaching that to my students for me.“ These teachers and classes are truly special, and until we can connect in the school building again, let’s keep working, and keep the music playing.

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