By Caleb Callaway | Albeit a nearly silent collapse, one of the first industries to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic was fine arts.
Across the globe, speakers, artists, musicians, actors, and other professionals involved in the fine arts have been grappling with the crippling effects of COVID-19. From Broadway, to the Sydney Opera House, all the way to Howard Payne University, professionals within the fine arts are being forced to come up with creative solutions to overcome the challenges imposed by the virus.
At Howard Payne University, faculty and staff in the School of Music and Fine Arts (SOMFA) are refusing to let the coronavirus wreak havoc on the departments.
Dr. Fiese, dean of the SOMFA, said, “Due to the nature of each department, all four departments acted early in coming up with policies and procedures to accommodate our students. [The students] have had enough to deal with, so we wanted them to come back and know our expectations as quickly as possible. We are trying to deliver instruction in the least restrictive way possible in a restrictive environment.”
Each department in the SOMFA (music, theatre, and strategic communication) has made alterations in order for their programs to continue to operate smoothly.
Dr. Julie Welker, professor of communication and chair of the Department of Communication said that Student Speaker Bureau, HPU’s speech and debate team, will be competing virtually in all of their regular fall tournaments.
“While this will be a completely new experience for us, it is what all university speech and debate programs are doing this semester and we will adapt. Although we are not physically going to Oxford, we will still be competing in the Oxford tournament and will get to debate with people from all over the world,” she added.
The music department has also made critical changes.
Dr. Christopher Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, said, “We are spaced out in rehearsal and wear masks while we sing. We are currently investing in special singers’ masks and individual headset microphones for each singer.”
Mr. Frank Nelson, assistant professor of music and director of bands, said, “We have purchased special masks for each musician, and even ‘masks’ for their instruments. Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma have both helped keep the band hall exceptionally clean.”
In the theatre department, Dr. Nicholas Ewen, professor of theatre and chair of the department of theatre, said, “We are doing independent-style rehearsals so that students can work on their own before coming together to create the final production. We are also shaping our ideas of our relationship with the community, based on personal invitations.”
While COVID-19 has imposed restrictions on everyone, faculty and staff in the SOMFA are committed to maximizing the student experience at HPU.
Ewen said, “I tell my theatre students, get plugged in to a church or a bible study off campus. Be active in campus events. Get out of the dorm room, get off the phone and computer, and get out and meet people. When you get involved, you will see how much this community will pour their heart out to you.”
Welker added that there are many campus activities that are happening, they’re just happening in a different way.
“Students should look for departmental clubs and organizations. Find some way to get involved with other students on campus. Ask your professors if you are not sure where to look,” she said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been a convenient or easy reality for anyone. However, thanks to the commitment and determination of the faculty and staff of the SOMFA, many students are still able to enjoy a rich student experience this semester. In a time of chaos, it is the responsibility of each individual to help maintain as much normalcy as possible.
Nelson said, “While we strongly encourage students to take the necessary precautions recommended by the Health Department and the CDC, it is important that they do not isolate themselves. This isn’t a time to be by yourself; it is a time to strengthen and support each other.”