Band performances at Highland High School will be different than in years past and will be under the direction of a new instructor. University of Iowa graduate Andrew McDonald is preparing as if it were a normal year, scheduling band rehearsals, playing halftime shows, but one aspect will be missing. The middle and high school bands will not be participating in any competitions this fall due to complications with social distancing on buses and the decision from the Iowa High School Band Association to cancel the 2020 state marching band competition. McDonald, coming into his first year of teaching, explains his excitement for being part of a band once again, “I’m just excited to get involved and get back to playing and having band in my life again. I haven’t gotten to stand in front of a band and conduct since March of this past year and that was subbing for someone I student-taught with. I’m just looking forward to getting back into it and getting to make music. That’s why I chose to get into this job field and that’s what I’m looking forward to the most.” Band members will be socially distanced during halftime shows and McDonald says the school building provides enough space to hold rehearsals and socially distance at the same time. The Highland Marching Band will take the field next Friday when Highland takes on Wilton for their first home football game of the season.