SARASOTA, Fla. -- Sarasota County music teachers need donated musical instruments for their students.
Students may not share instruments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We're not allowed to share our instruments anymore so what we're doing is trying to get instruments from the community for everyone to able to have their own to play in class, which has really been amazing. The community has already donated so many instruments," said David Wing, Director of Band at Venice High School.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the National Association for Music Education suggest students wear a well-fitted mask that covers nose and mouth. Masks may have slits at the mouth to fit mouthpieces for playing their instruments.
David Wing, the Director of Band at Venice High School, said students have been placing bell covers on their instruments. Bell covers may prevent or lessen aerosol distribution during the playing of instruments.
"They have these masks and bell covers and so that's been an adjustment for the kids to have those on while playing and they've handled it really well," said Wing.
Students are also practicing social distancing during class. Prior to the pandemic, students would sit in a semi-circle.
"We have to have the appropriate spacing between everybody and your band room is set up all different now. It's really interesting. We're in rows now with everyone facing the same direction," said Andrew Dubbert, Director of Band at Riverview High School.
The Sarasota County School District said people who have instruments they would like to donate may reach out to the school's front office before dropping off items or connect with a school's music director to coordinate a time.
Andrew Dubbert, Director of Band at Riverview High School, said schools across the state need instruments.
"This isn't just a Sarasota County thing. This is all of our counties all over the state. It's really impacting our rural schools. Their inventory is usually not as large as some of our other schools," said Dubbert.
Dubbert said people may also contact Sarasota Middle School, Venice High School or Riverview High School to drop off instruments.