Glenbrook North band plays for first time since March

Playing before a live audience for the first time in over six months, the Glenbrook North High School band performed outdoors for residents at Covenant Living of Northbrook Tuesday.

The socially-distanced band comprising 60 members played for seniors whose chairs were spaced apart from one another in the courtyard of the residential community. At the conclusion of the half-hour performance, the band marched across campus to play for residents in assisted living and skilled nursing.

"It is the first time we have performed for a live audience since March, so we are very excited to be here, and we have a pretty good crowd, too," said Dan Briggs, co-director of the band.

The band has been practicing since June in the school's parking lot, Briggs said, starting with groups of nine, then expanding to a larger, but still socially-distanced, group.

Wind instruments presented a special challenge: They were fitted with special coverings, decorated in school colors and with the Spartans logo, in an effort to eliminate the projection of aerosols. members wore masks fitted with openings to accommodate the instrument's mouthpieces.

Audience members wore masks as well.

"We've been practicing a while. It takes a long time to make sure we get everything right in terms of safety," Briggs said.

Part of the wait also involved making sure the village of Northbrook was comfortable with a public performance, he said.

Covenant Living is near Glenbrook North, which is part of why it was chosen for the band's return performance. Judging from the applause, the performance was well-received and appreciated by the audience.

"The nature of the arts is to give back to the community," Briggs said. "We haven't been able to do that in a long time."