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It is a strange and trying time for all of us in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We certainly understand times are tough for you, as it is for us. We have been proud to bring School Band & Orchestra for free for more than two decades and we will continue to provide you with free subscriptions during the pandemic. However, we would like your consideration in these difficult times to help support our efforts here at School Band & Orchestra to keep our information flowing and to provide you with a continuous stream of current and vital information when you need it the most.
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Seeing a need to keep ensemble music going during the pandemic, GPG Music developed Our Virtual Ensemble (OVE), a music curriculum and platform for Performing Arts Educators to continue teaching and inspiring their students through adjusted learning environments.
The team pivoted from selling sheet music to their scholastic customers to offering virtual ensembles. They learned video editing software and developed an online classroom and curriculum based on their experience and industry standards.
“The real motivation for Our Virtual Ensemble is for young musicians to be reengaged with their peers when so many have been pushed to digital learning. A segment of kids only come to school because of their love of music and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of an ensemble. We wanted to save music in schools,” says Steve Martin, OVE co-founder. “Pricing is reasonable. The technology is user-friendly. We edit the performance videos and provide full-service support.”
OVE was designed by music educators, so teachers and administrators don’t have to reinvent performance and production, practice and self-evaluation or technology standards and outcomes for virtual learning. Music instructors receive the tools to virtually learn, practice, and record pieces or routines as an ensemble, and provide feedback to individual members. Then the OVE team edits the package together to share with audiences. Music licensing is offered to Concert Band, Concert Percussion, Marching Band, Drumline, Color guard/Dance, and Orchestra available from GPG Music or instructors can use their own.
