Just like many of our beloved traditions at the University of Maine, this year’s homecoming has been moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the student body will surely miss the excitement that comes with an in-person homecoming, there is a wide consensus among students that a virtual homecoming is worth enjoying.
Some fourth-year students including Bailey Goss a fourth-year early childhood education student, feel disappointed that they are missing out on their final homecoming.
“As a senior this year I very much miss not being able to tailgate with my sisters and friends and actually watch the boys take the field and play with all their hearts,” Goss said. “I love the idea that everyone is trying to make this normal with COVID but it isn’t the same, and I’ve tried to see some of the virtual events and really appreciate what the school and other community members are doing to make those happen. I do love that we got these amazing pictures of the homecoming court and love that we are still doing that and I voted for my two and I’m very excited to see who wins this year.”
This homecoming season there are many virtual events for UMaine students to tune into. One of these events was a live stream of the UMaine marching band rehearsal on Friday, Oct. 16. Although the livestream experienced some technical difficulties at the beginning of the performance, nearly three minutes of the scheduled band rehearsal can still be found online at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_GjMacEZik&feature=youtu.be. The video is sure to lift your spirits and remind you of how exciting it is to be a part of the UMaine community.
Many students’ favorite part of the performance was getting to see the UMaine Dance Team strutting their stuff once again.
“Seeing the dance team dancing in front of the band just like last year lifted my spirits. Even though the coronavirus has made UMaine look different, UMaine students are as spirited as ever,” fourth-year student Leila Rollins said. “Although it’s disappointing to have a non-traditional senior year homecoming, I am lucky to have enjoyed the past three years so much and excited to see what the virtual 2020 homecoming weekend has to offer. One thing that is for sure is the UMaine dance team is just as fun to watch at home in my pajamas as they are during the game. Go Blue!”
To conclude the livestream, the band played the Stein Song. Online viewers were encouraged to “stand up, [and] sing along at home in [their] living rooms.” During the performance of this song, the camera panned closely to the performers. Viewers can see first hand how each band member is not only masked, but their instruments are bagged in any area that could cause the spread of the virus. It is refreshing to see that our band members are staying safe while also participating in an activity they love. Even in these uncertain times, it is wonderful that our community can gather together and experience homecoming in a new way.
