The world is currently suffering from a crisis—specifically, Covid-19. Not only has the pandemic cost hundreds of thousands of lives, but it has completely overturned our routines and life as we know it. Seniors all across the country are lamenting canceled senior trips, proms, and graduation ceremonies. Every day, healthcare workers are risking their lives, rushing between patients, and working long hours while the rest of us stay at home, living relatively uneventful lives. Because of this pandemic, those of us who can have been strongly encouraged to stay home for the greater good, and are bored, somber, and wholly touch-deprived as a result. 

As if being trapped indoors wasn’t enough, we also have to attend all of our classes via Zoom, with each class meeting once or twice per week. Interestingly, this also applies to arts classes, despite the many challenges (both technological and educational) that arise when using Zoom. After completing our first month of online classes, I’ve asked a couple students the following question: “What are your opinions on remote learning for the arts?” Here are their responses.

Zoe P. (‘22) takes orchestra, and said that the online orchestra sessions feel “weird” to her, adding that her class hasn’t yet played online. However, Zoe still believes that “overall, [orchestra has] been adapted into Zoom well.”

On the other hand, Leandre J. (‘22) thinks that using Zoom for art class is “chaotic,” especially with a class of 20 or more students. He suggests that art teachers have weekly quick check-ins instead of Zoom meetings. He also recommends that we submit our art assignments on Google Classroom, “like we do with other classes.”

Asa K. (‘22) and Samantha R. (‘22) both take dance repertory, and are pretty neutral on the subject. Asa claimed that taking the arts on Zoom can be “a little bit awkward, but relaxing in a strange way.” Samantha also takes Ceramics, and believes that remote learning doesn’t allow for a complete experience of the arts. Although she states that creating art has helped to “keep [her] mind off of everything else that has been happening lately,” she still feels isolated from the rest of her class and misses the dance studio and the potter’s wheel. Nonetheless, she is grateful to her teachers for making an effort to provide “the same experience of making art in class” and “trying to make things work.”

Despite the clashing opinions many have on remote learning, students and educators have come to the realization that the video conferencing services we once doubted are actually moderately successful. Due to the soaring popularity of such apps, it is not unlikely that we will use them again in the future. Even so, we are still looking forward to the times when we can return to our normal routines—and unexpectedly, school as well.