The Fine Arts building has seen many changes during the last year due to COVID-19 changes such as smaller ensembles, livestreamed performances and limited audiences.
Before COVID-19, Bruce Kelley, dean of the College of Fine Arts, said the building was lively and had frequent performances.
Although the departments have tried to continue with performances, Kelley said audiences were the biggest challenge.
“The biggest change was that we had to limit or eliminate audiences, which was a fundamental change in how art happened,” Kelley said.
Classes had to be changed to accommodate less students while still following social distancing guidelines. Kelley said teachers got creative with how classes and practices were held by being in different rooms or being online.
The USD Chamber Singers performed at the Spring Choral Showcase on Sunday, Feb. 28. In previous years, the three USD choirs would perform together, but due to COVID-19 performances had to be adjusted.
The Chamber Singers is the premiere vocal ensemble at USD with a repertoire of primarily a cappella style performances.
Dr. David Holdhusen, conductor of USD Chamber Singers, said the typical 40-member choir is currently comprised of 32 undergraduate and graduate students due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It is my hope that if everything goes back to normal for the fall, we will be back at 40,” Holdhusen said.
The Spring Choral Showcase consisted of a total of 10 pieces varying between being performed as a large group and small groups of 8-10, as well as separate men’s and women’s groups for the treble pieces.