Justice High School musicians and vocalists are keeping the music alive

Justice students present a concert at a senior living facility.

By Tara Rethore

So many things have been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for appropriate health and safety protocols. With public school buildings closed and learning conducted online, ensemble music groups are especially feeling the impact. 

Playing or singing together in person and as full ensembles is not easily done and currently not allowed at school. And the 2020-21 high school marching band season has been suspended indefinitely throughout the commonwealth.

Still, musicians and vocalists at Justice High School (JHS) are finding ways to keep the music alive, beyond the online classroom and individual renditions at home. 

JHS chorus members celebrated the Class of 2020 with a beautiful version of the Star Spangled Banner, sung and recorded individually at home, then blended together electronically. 

In September, senior David Peterson organized a group of JHS musicians and vocalists to play for residents of local senior living homes. They rehearsed individually at home and together at public parks to ensure social distancing. 

And on most Sunday afternoons, you can hear JHS percussionists learning new cadences and keeping the beat near the amphitheater in Mason District Park. They gather together informally outdoors – wearing masks and staying six feet apart – for the sheer joy of making music with their friends.

Even without the usual in-person concerts, performances, and competitions, high school music programs still need financial support – beyond what FCPS budgets typically allow. 

Each band, chorus, and orchestra boosters group funds additional instruments, equipment, special music, software, technical services, and tailored instruction particularly important in our virtual learning world. These are not funded by Fairfax County but are necessary to maintain a standard of excellence – and a sense of community. 

Previously, during the Music Department’s annual Tag Day event, JHS band, chorus, and orchestra students went door-to-door to every home in the JHS community to share news about their music programs and ask for financial contributions. 

Rather than walking door-to-door this year, they’ve taken the show online. Tag Day 2020: Virtual Edition is now live – and very much in need of our community’s support. As always, Tag Day gifts are eligible for a tax deduction and support all music programs at Justice High School. Make a donation to JHS virtual Tag Day here. 

Our students love making music and sharing it with the community. They’re doing so creatively and safely, showing initiative and determination. Now more than ever, our world needs the joy and optimism music engenders. Won’t you please help our musicians and vocalists keep the music alive at Justice High School? 

Tara Rethore is the parent of a JHS musician and president of JHS Band Boosters. Direct questions about Tag Day 2020 to [email protected].