SEPTEMBER 17, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A13 Feel -Good presented by STORY Saluting the people that make us proud of our community Another issue has been COVID restric- tions. Students are social distancing in the band room and must have a bell cover over their instruments, which can alter the sound of the instruments. “We can't get the dynamic that we would without the bell covers and on cer- tain woodwind instruments, there's notes that become really diffi cult to play, but the safety factor makes it worth it,” Hering said. Hering noted that she will continue to follow the COVID guidelines and adjust the students' sound accordingly. Through all the challenges so far, Hering’s biggest priority is making a comfortable and safe environment for her students. “In my classes, it's very important that it's a safe place for the kids. They have to be somewhat emotionally vulnerable to be able to play music in front of each other," Hering said. "We need to build that rela- tionship between the kids and then also between myself and the kids so that they can feel safe to play, learn and to grow as musicians in the class." SUBSCRIBE Keizer news in your mailbox only $35 a year* Call 503 . 390.1051 keizertimes.com/store *Rate for inside Marion County