Pop-up Pods Ensure the Music Doesn't Stop in Wenatchee

Wenatchee has a history of ingenuity and creative problem-solving. The introduction of music pods this year is just another example of that spirit. The pop-up music pods are an innovative solution to allow music to continue safety in our schools despite the coronavirus pandemic. Wenatchee has award-winning music programs from our nationally-recognized Mariachi, to our acclaimed Golden Apple Marching band and our outstanding choir. Based on restrictive Washington State Department of Health Theatre and Performing Arts COVID 19 requirements, Wenatchee music teachers developed a creative mitigation method using music pods to safely allow choir and music practices to resume at Wenatchee High School.

The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community are paramount to our work. We were cautious about reopening our schools for hybrid learning and did not want to create a scenario when we would risk exposure and the spread of the virus. The music pods create an additional mitigation layer by creating a barrier to allow students to safely sing and perform without wearing a mask. 

A “pop-up pod” privacy tent was modified to help prevent the spread of droplets. The pods were tested to ensure that small particles did not escape during use. The use of music pods was approved by our local health district in December. Students are in the pods for less than 30 minutes during their 35 minute music periods.

The arts are an important aspect of our students’ overall social-emotional health and academic experience. This solution allows us to create a safe environment inside music classrooms to return the joy of music to the lives of our students and staff.

BBC World News Interview with WHS Principal and Golden Apple Marching Band

ABC World News Interview with WHS students 

David Ryder Getty Images Photographer