In the midst of our unprecedented time away from school, electronic devices have played a valuable role in keeping the community connected. Social media has been an influential tool in enhancing communication. Though the isolation can be tough, the Kingwood Mighty Mustang Military Marching Band has come up with creative ways to keep in touch! KM4B Historian Nicholas MacLuckie runs the group’s Instagram account, and has been working hard to keep the band entertained and informed throughout the break.

MacLuckie relays that, “the band has been able to stay connected over break with the help of the Band app, interactive Instagram stories, and Zoom meetings.” The Band app is a platform designed for school and community groups. It allows members of KM4B to post and reply to  pictures and messages on a platform accessible only by fellow band members. Throughout the break, musicians have shared memes and pictures of hidden rocks for peers to find around town. When Humble ISD announced that school would be out for an extended period of time, KM4B leadership met on Zoom to discuss what the break would look like for band members. According to MacLuckie, Mr. Morrison suggested implementing, “daily interactive stories to keep band students engaged.” The stories have been a success, with many band members replying to the stories and sharing little pieces of their breaks. Past daily stories consisted of Motivation Mondays, Club Band Tuesdays, Workout Wednesdays, Practice Thursdays and Family Fridays. Last week, a KM4B themed word search was even posted! After prom was postponed, they ran the KM4B Prom 2020 Slideshow, featuring directors as well as current and former band students’ pictures. The page hosted a livestream of a jazz band featuring director Mr. Balch, playing six feet apart of course. MacLuckie says these activities have “helped the band stay connected by creating an outlet for creativity and interaction.” Stories have provided an outlet for band members to share things like their current practice repertoire and favorite pictures from marching season.  

Follow along as the KM4B community continues to keep in touch during the school closing at @officialkm4b on Instagram.