Shayla Bailey | Photo by Patric Simon
A Portland native, Shayla Bailey is preparing to begin her fifth year at Portland State University. In 2020, she wrapped up a degree in Sonic Arts and Music Production, and is returning to add a degree in Vocal Performance.
“I’m sticking around partially because I got a good job on campus that I want to continue doing, Bailey said. “And partially because I wanted to not go away on a fully COVID year.”
Being more present around her peers is also a big plus to returning in the fall for Bailey.
As a member of the PSU Chamber Choir, rehearsing and performing remotely proved to be challenging. The chamber choir first shifted to Zoom lessons, eventually gathering for an occasional rehearsal together on campus skybridges while masked. Even when a member of the choir tested positive for COVID-19, the group was able to continue rehearsing thanks to their safety protocols that prevented any other positive cases.
“It’s affirming that we’re doing the right things and it seems to help,” she said. Although she’s looking forward to rehearsing as a full group again one day, unmasked and without the need for social distancing.
The future of performing arts is still unclear as the Delta variant continues to spread, but Bailey said she does appreciate the opportunity for more hybrid performance options that weren’t previously available.
“There’s a chance that the idea of an online concert just might stay,” she said. “When it comes to people with a disability or when it comes to students that may have family across the nation, I see opportunities for channels of sharing that weren’t really possible before now.”
She’s also hopeful that the pandemic has improved how Portland and the PSU community considers those who are suffering or in need.
“I’m optimistic that as we return to some sense of normalcy — whether that takes one year, five or more — that there’s got to be good that comes from this,” Bailey said. “We can’t go this low without realizing we need to change.