If APS cleared sports to return to in person practice, why are band, orchestra, and choir students not allowed to play or sing? We have masks that would allow for us to play our instruments while still protecting the people around us. NMPED is not thinking of us, like we don’t matter. Yes, athletes activities are a large part of their identity, and it is what they do as part of who they are, but the exact same applies for fine arts students.

Band students should be allowed to play, orchestra students should be allowed to play, and choir students should be allowed to sing. Yes, social distancing should be enforced, and masks should be worn, but as long as we follow these guidelines, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be allowed to play.

Band is a central part of many students’ lives. It defines a large part of who they are, and it gives them a place to thrive and feel accepted. The same is true for all fine arts programs. Let us play. Let us thrive. Let us be ourselves