Saskatoon schools cut back on band class offerings

Saskatoon's public and Catholic school divisions are suspending some band classes to ensure they can comply with provincial health directives during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Saskatoon Public Schools said it has halted its elementary band programs and is reassigning those teachers. 

"This decision was made because it wasn't possible to offer a safe elementary band program within the Performing Arts Guidelines in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan," SPS spokesperson Veronica Baker said Thursday.

The assignments will be revisited in December, Baker said.

The decision does not affect high school band programs, she added.

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools said it has suspended elective band instruction for students in grades 6 to 8, though students will continue to receive arts education curriculum instruction.  

Spokesperson Derrick Kunz said the board did so "after paying close attention to ongoing research regarding band and associated COVID-19 risks, and evaluating various risk mitigation measures such as increased distancing, bell covers and virtual platforms."

High school band classes will continue, but with some tweaks. No ensemble rehearsals will take place. 

"In-class instruction will focus on foundational objectives of the band curriculum, and instrumental technique will be taught and evaluated using a virtual platform," Kunz said. 

"We'll continue to review guidelines and research and adjust our processes accordingly." 

• Band and choir classes set to reprise in some Sask. schools, despite caution against singing, rehearsals