With the school year ending soon, the band is finding an opportunity to recognize its members by hosting a banquet Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the band parking lot, where like many things this school year, there will be some differences from years past. 

“Banquet this year will take place live and in-person, but socially distanced and outside on the marching band practice lot,” associate director of band Tyler Elvidge said. “The event is free, and participants should bring their own food. Students and their families could reserve tables through a form and indicate anyone that they wanted to sit with. Tables will be socially distanced and everyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask.”

The baquet allows sophomore Elizabeth Allphin a chance to be more outgoing to other members.

“I wanted to volunteer by hosting with my friend because she makes it easier for me to be outgoing,” Allphin said. “I wanted to help because I know the banquet doesn’t get many volunteers and I wanted to help in any way I could. I will be hosting the banquet which basically means I’ll be introducing the banquet and doing transitions and stuff.”

For sophomore Isabelle Raade the banquet is an opportunity to remind people to have fun.

“I’m really looking forward to hosting the banquet,” Raade said. “My co-host and I have been working really hard on our script so that it’s fun for everyone and that it’s a night to remember. Even though covid has made this year hard, we want to show people that we can still have fun in hard times.The plans for the banquet are to have fun and be ourselves and to celebrate the seniors and all of our hard work. Also to look back on memories from the past 4 years.

In addition to it being a year-end celebration, awards and other recognitions are also on the agenda.

“The past three years’ worth of Liberty Band banquets have all been different now,” associate director of bands Tyler Elvidge said. “In 2019 the banquet was held at the Omni hotel next to the Ford Star center. Last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic we held the banquet virtually over Zoom. This year’s banquet will be held on the marching band practice lot. Dinner will not be catered this year. Awards and recognition, student hosts, and video slideshows will all still take place.”