MIAMI VALLEY — Ongoing coronavirus concerns have led two local high school marching bands, Bellbrook and Centerville, to cancel all competitions for the season.
“There is a lot of uncertainty as to what the fall may bring with respect to travel to the competitions, possible cancellations of them, and what school may look like in the fall,” read a letter sent to parents of the Bellbrook marching band.
“Additionally, the extra precaution of keeping the band and guard uniforms, instruments, and props (among other things) disinfected could become burdensome, if not impossible.”
Bellbrook Schools is transforming the marching band season to a non-competitive format where they can continue their performances at the football games as permitted by local and state guidelines.
The Centerville Jazz Band also announced to parents that they will not be participating in competitive marching band events this fall.
“There is so much that is unknown, and it would be unwise for us to think that we can continue to operate as though things are normal,” stated the letter sent to parents.
Centerville still plans to hold band camp rehearsals and they have a design team that is working to create a show that will be exciting and special for everyone involved, they said.
More details on Centerville’s new design as well as new performance opportunities for the fall will be released soon.