I recently put together a fun composite video of a COVID-19 quarantine tune for friend and Guggenheim-award-winning percussionist John Hollenbeck. The members of the Claudia Quintet each recorded “Nice Tune” from the safety of their homes with Chris Speed on clarinet, Matt Moran on vibraphone, Red Wierenga on accordion, John Hollenbeck on drums, and Drew Gress on bass.
It’s been inspiring to see efforts around the world to share music recorded by individuals in isolation during social distancing. Berklee College of Music students performed the touching “What the World Needs Now” showing the importance of joining together during this global pandemic. The original cast of Hamilton’s stirring Zoom rendition of the show’s opening tune has been a big hit.
Harvard University’s Pause For Art showcases alumni, faculty, and students working on their artistic practices and passions at home. They hope that these videos will inspire creativity and create a “moment of beauty, comfort and connection.”