Choir using dividers, changing schedule to keep members safe

The Oklahoma Christian University choir is back for the 2020 fall semester, but not without changes and restrictions.

A group of dividers are set up in the conservatory outside of Baugh Auditorium and changes have been made to the practice schedule. 

Mikayla McKinzie, a junior choir and band student, said that even though the changes are hard and different, they are “100% worth it.” Junior choir student Taylore Ryan agreed. 

“People are excited to be back,“ Ryan said. “It’s different but definitely worth it.”

McKinzie said  the partitions did not affect the sound and performance of the choir 

“It doesn’t affect it as much as you think; the screens are just there to stop the air from getting on anyone else,” McKinzie said.

The partitions are not the only change made to the choir. Masks must be worn at all times when outside of a partition, students must maintain six feet of distance between each other and screens must be wiped down before and after practice. 

The full choir only practices all together once a week on Fridays in Baugh Auditorium. The men practice in the conservatory on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the women practice on Mondays and Thursdays. 

“It is a bit hard, but there are some pros,” Ryan said. “We each get to focus more on our personal parts, so when we all get together it comes together nicely.” 

Ryan also said she prefers practice in the conservatory because it is very open and the sound in Baugh is “very dead.” 

Performances will also be altered, and nothing is scheduled for the spring semester. The annual homecoming musical is currently scheduled and will likely be live streamed. 

The choir, like all clubs and organizations on campus, has endured drastic changes to operate in 2020. Despite these changes, McKinzie said it is worth it. 

“We all really missed choir, so to continue to do what we love is really special,” McKinzie said.