Middle school band director composes COVID-inspired song

PITTSVILLE, Md. – A middle school band teacher, and a composer, Ken Dasher took his extended time at home during the pandemic as a space to create. “When it first happened and everybody was locked down, one of the things that kind of struck me was that we were having this shared experience of being alone,” says Dasher.

Dasher shined a light on one of the most unforeseen times. “Together Apart,” is an instrumental and melodic song that shows the frustration and pain, and how it’s turned into hope. “There was a lot of fear, there was a lot of uncertainty about the future so I wrote a piece of music to kind of express that.” Dasher adds, “It really is always about using music as a vehicle to help them become better people.”

Dasher tells 47 ABC, that he worked with the Parkside band director, Mr. Spencer Koppenol to put together an audio recording of his composition, but he did one better. Parkside High School band performed the song. “To actually have my piece performed by somebody else’s ensemble was incredibly rewarding and it was an emotional experience for me because of all the emotions that were tied up in the writing of the piece,” says Dasher.

We’re told Dasher is no stranger to composing music, but this reminded him why he loves to do it and it has become a lesson for his young musicians. “One thing that came out of it right away with my students here is like they’re telling me, you have to write a piece for us now!” explains Dasher. He adds, “I think it meant a lot to them just to see another aspect of being a musician, they’re not necessarily trying yet but just expanding their ideas of what they can be, what they can accomplish with music.”

Mr. Dasher also says he’d love to write more music, and hopefully a few pieces for his band. He says he’s grateful to Mr. Koppenol and the students of Parkside High School band for making his dream a reality.