By Miranda Lin
Since the start of the pandemic, many events have been canceled or drastically reduced in size or level. The awards and induction ceremonies at NHP, as well as end-of-the-year concerts, are no exception and have been planned in a different manner.
Honor society inductions will all be held on June 14, and will be at different time intervals for people being inducted based on last name, starting at 7 p.m. Separate sections of the building will be designated for each induction, including honor societies such as Tri-M, World Languages, Business, Science, National Honor Society, Math, Social Studies, and Art. Students will be allowed two guests who will accompany them as they move throughout the building to their respective induction ceremony sites. There, they will receive certificates in groups of three or four and take pictures. By organizing one night to receive all of their certificates, all high-achieving students will be properly and safely recognized.
Junior and senior awards nights were both YouTube premieres that included pre-recorded segments of teachers presenting the awards to respective winners and video clips of musicians playing pieces, similar to the way the events were held in the spring of 2020. Junior awards night happened on Thursday, May 27, at 7 p.m., and senior awards night was held on Thursday, June 3 at 7 p.m.
The spring concert will happen virtually, with each ensemble putting together recordings of them playing select pieces. The band, orchestra, and chorus, as well as groups such as Jazz Band, String Ensemble, and Chamber Singers, will all be featured. Although this year is undoubtedly different from normal and quite disappointing, performing students remain optimistic and are making the most out of the limited experience.
“The news of a virtual concert brought about mixed emotions. I understand the safety concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic but I feel like a recorded spring concert won’t be the same...”
“Although I wish we could have had an in-person concert, I’m thankful that we can still create a virtual recording for everyone,” said junior Emma Ouyang.
“The news of a virtual concert brought about mixed emotions. I understand the safety concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic but I feel like a recorded spring concert won’t be the same. I hope that next year we will be able to have a normal concert even if it is outdoors and socially distant. However, I am glad that we have the technology to put together a virtual recording,” said junior Lauren Printz.
The spring concert was not the only musical performance that had to be changed. After the disappointment of finding out that Hofstra would not allow any student performances to happen at graduation, the senior concert was established in place of it. It will happen on June 15 in the gymnasium, and graduating members of the band, orchestra, and chorus will be performing. Despite the initial disappointment of not having a conventional concert, the Class of 2021 remains optimistic and appreciative of the opportunity that has presented itself to them.
“The pandemic has taken a massive toll on music in school as many ensembles are unable to perform pieces they’ve practiced for months. The senior concert is definitely the perfect send off for the graduating class as it allows us to express ourselves musically one last time in high school,” said senior Adithya Krishnan.
So far, NHP is doing its best to adapt to the difficult situation with newer and safer methods of celebrating students and graduating seniors.
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