Groups of 50 thirty feet apart, two different types of masks, and no band for the second quarter of the first semester are among the many things the Monticello High School band is having to do to make their time together work.

Director Allison Allender says the kids have been resilient and are just happy to be back together again playing and interacting. She calls it a year like no other.

Despite all the restrictions, Allender plans to have her kids still pull off a full marching show, when or if, there is a high school football season this year. The disappointment of this year is the fact there will be no competitive season for them.

The way Monticello has adjusted their daily schedule for students, Allender indicates she will not have band students for the second quarter of the first semester. With that in mind and keeping social distancing, they are utilizing as many opportunities to be outside as possible.

There were times during the summer Allender was not sure if there was going to be a band season, but now that they can be together, she is grateful for the time they can spend with the kids and views each day as a gift.