By Kaitlyn Goldberg- News Editor 

The Jonathan Law Choir is becoming one step closer to being back to normal again for the first time in almost two years.  

A handful of COVID restrictions that were put in place are now loosened such as masks now being optional for students and staff.  That means that for the choir, they are beginning to get back to their normal ways.  

“In the music ensembles, we are able to perform without masks, however we need to continue to maintain six feet spacing while singing,” Choir Director Ms. Jones said.  “I would say, overall it feels very close to “back to normal” this year in comparison to what we experienced the past two years, and  I am happy that we get to sing, perform and have opportunities to perform outside of school.” 

Choir members are also happy to be able to have more of a normal choir year.  

“Now that the mask mandate is lifted, it makes it so much easier for rehearsals and it makes everyone seem more connected as a choir family,”  sophomore Kiley Sherman said. 

There are still some questions on if there will be any competitions coming up, but the choir is still slowly starting to participate in some more events. 

“The district has not made decisions to move forward with field trips or competitions just yet; however, we do have eight students participating in the CMEA All-State festival at the end of this month in Hartford,” Jones said. 

The choir members are looking forward to being able to hopefully go on some trips and competitions as well. 

“As the pandemic is declining, competitions and trips are very possible, and I believe that the spring concert is going to be a huge success,” sophomore Kaden Kohler said. “Everyone in the choir is putting in 110% and we all sound wonderful.”

While it is easier for the choir now with an abundance of COVID restrictions being lifted, the choir is still practicing and getting ready for the spring concert and the all state festival.

“Right now I am super stoked about our MIOSM festival day we have coming up,”  Jones said. “Our students will be hosting Foran choir here at Law and we will be working together to make beautiful music with their peers and we will also be having a workshop with Dr. Jaime Spillane who is the Director of Choral Activities at UConn”

The choir is also really excited to be performing all together under more normal circumstances and using music to bring people together. 

“I am most excited for our competitions and performing all together,” Sherman said.