The WHHS Band App Fundraiser is cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak and people not having their instruments.

Gov. Mike DeWine has cancelled schools until May 1. Originally, school closures were only supposed to last until April 6. WHHS was closed the Friday before the official state-wide school closure began, so, many band students who had left their instruments at school were unable to retrieve them.  

The Band App fundraiser was going to be a marching band show arranged and directed by SENIOR Jaylee Sowders. The purpose was to “bring the band together during the off-season and do a simple act of gratitude towards our program by raising money for future investments in our marching band,” Sowders said.

The theme for the show’s music was “We Are Band.” Sowders arranged the music and this theme was created by the Band App, which is an application used mostly by marching band directors, members and parents to communicate. 

 “Unfortunately, we had to stop because we did not have enough participants with instruments because of COVID-19. A lot of them were left at school but we tried very hard to come up with virtual alternatives,” Sowders said.

Participants in the Band App Fundraiser are also disappointed that it has been cancelled. 

“I was excited to be able to experience marching band again before the actual marching season, so I thought this would be a great opportunity for me. I can’t be too upset because the cancellation was inevitable due to the school closing. Also without proper rehearsals, it wasn’t going to turn out that great,” euphonium player, Ahlynn Freeman, ‘23, said.

Trumpet player, Trent Stephenson, ‘23, was also disheartened by the cancellation. “I was excited to do marching band again for a bit, but once school got cancelled I can’t say I really wanted to do it much anymore,” Stephenson said.

Even though events are getting cancelled due to COVID-19, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t going to be rescheduled eventually. Regardless, it is important to make sure you are practicing social distancing during this time. If everyone does their part we can slow the spread of COVID-19.