Due to COVID-19 considerations, the Knoxville High School Band is moving to a non-competitive season this fall. Band Director Meredith Tilling says that the decision was largely driven by many competitions, including the Iowa High School Music Association’s State Marching Festival, being cancelled or significantly altered this fall.

While the band will not be attending competitions, they will still prepare this year’s planned fall shows to perform at home events. In addition, the band will continue to work on COVID-19 mitigation strategies, as recommended by the IHSMA. Those strategies include, and are not limited to: bell covers for wind instruments, physical distancing, and limiting rehearsal time.

Tilling says the band will continue to make adjustments to abide by recommended guidance, with more details to come as the school year approaches.