March 22, 2021 — Grandview Middle School fifth-grade band students recently finished their first-ever performance. The virtual event was recorded on the last week of hybrid learning, just before students came back to school together in person.

In a typical year, this group would have already had a summer band camp concert at GMS, a winter concert at the Performing Arts Center, and the All-District Concert with all of the GMS and Mound Westonka High School bands in the MWHS gym.

Since there is still uncertainty about what a May concert might look like, band director Gretchen Chilson wanted families to get a chance to hear the “incredible work” their kids are doing during these unprecedented times.

“Learning a brand-new instrument is always hard work, but when you add in bell covers, masks, and only half as much in-person school . . . the progress these brand new players have made is amazing!” said Chilson.