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RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Local - High school band program Reid Hepworth hasn't played his saxophone with a band since last March. At home, virtual concert band classes just aren't the same, he says, adding he has less motivation to practice and students can't play altogether because of lags. Reid in his home with his sax and electric guitar. VIRUS BAND STUDENTS: As the province mulls further reopening stages, students, parents and teachers alike are calling for the resumption of indoor band classes. The absence of in-person band has had a significant and detrimental impact on students' sense of belonging and mental health, according to the Manitoba Band Parent Advocacy Group. Meantime, divisions have started to resume some indoor sports and have already purchased supplies of bell covers, etc. to do band safely. Bell covers for brass instruments arrived at Westgate Mennonite Collegiate the day before the province shut down band in October. They have yet to be used, said band teacher Ross Brownlee. Talking to parents, students, band association, province, etc. MAGGIE, 16-18" (with fresh art) Maggie Macintosh Winnipeg Free Press Feb 26, 2021