|
ACB Community Forum : COVID-19 and Bands |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Subject : Re:When to start rehearsing again?..
05/24/2020 11:44:46 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject : Re:When to start rehearsing again?..
05/26/2020 09:25:38 PM
|
|
|
| Col Thomas Rotondi Jr |
|
Posts: 15
Location: |
|
|
|
|
|
I would like to support the viewing of a recommended webinar link from Sue Holleran in her previous post of 17 May. This is the link to the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) webinar on 5 May 2020, “A Conversation: What Do Science and Data Say About the Near Term Future of Singing” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFl3GsVzj6Q&feature=emb_logo.
Although this panel is speaking in terms of vocalists, the panel discusses many things that can be transferred over to wind bands and audiences. I will tell you that this is a long webinar - 2 1/2 hours; but, it has some great information and much food for thought.
I particularly liked:
Briefing from Dr. Lucinda Halstead, President-Elect for the Performing Arts Medicine Assocation (PAMA). Timestamp: 43.54
Question by Catherine Dehoney, President and CEO of Chorus America: “Can you imagine a safe way to have a rehearsal right now?” The answer from Dr. Halstead: “No, unless…” Timestamp: 1:21:38
Then the Wrap Up of Segment 1. Timestamp: 1:27:38
Also, EVERYONE PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS - A passionate concluding statement from Dr. Tim Sharp, Executive Director, the American Choral Directors Association. He and his wife contracted and recovered from COVID-19. Timestamp: 2:21:07
I encourage everyone to take some time to at least view these sections.
I was also able to get the briefing slides from Dr. Halstead’s briefing and I have attached them.
|
|
Last Edited On: 05/27/2020 09:04:23 AM By Col Thomas Rotondi Jr |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject : Re:Re:When to start rehearsing again?..
05/27/2020 07:24:03 PM
|
|
|
| Sarah McElfresh |
|
Posts: 19
Location: Newport News, VA |
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks Lorelei for sharing this link. ACB is among the performing arts organizations in this coalition. I look forward to the results of the study and what that tells us about if, when, and how we can rehearse again. The resources they have shared in the google drive link are definitely worth looking at. The instrument cleaning guide is useful for any musician, even though it should just be a reminder for most of us. I know I don't clean my horn as much as I should.
Sarah McElfresh
Peninsula Concert Band
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject : Re:When to start rehearsing again?..
07/11/2020 02:34:23 PM
|
|
|
| Kathleen Rensing |
|
Posts: 2
Location: |
|
|
|
|
|
Susan, any further thoughts now that we are way on down this Covid road since you last wrote? Our band had to cancel several concerts, and is looking to perform outside August 2 and 9.
Our school where we rehearse will not let us be in there, and we were going to rehearse outside right outside their band room door, but we can't now. Instead, we have told we can relocate to a park rec building which is very big, and since our group is not as large, due to players desiring to lay out due to Covid-19, I think we can social distance in there, but can we? I am very uneasy as I am 69 (but act and look 59) but have one well-controlled co-morbidity. I realize you are not a doc, but what might your group be experiencing? I am in Indiana, and we are at stage 4.5, with about 325 new cases a day and only 50 deaths. This is July. If you have any advice, or you have received or heard anything,could you post, or could you may email me? Same for anyone reading this. [email protected]
Thank you. Be safe! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject : Re:When to start rehearsing again?..
07/11/2020 02:59:51 PM
|
|
|
| Kathleen Rensing |
|
|
Posts: 2
Location: |
|
|
|
|
|
Dear Basil,
I was wondering your band's current status, and what has happened since things have started re-opening. I am in Indiana, and at least four of our concerts have been cancelled with two still scheduled in August outside. We do not have our regular rehearsal band room at a high school due to construction and Covid restrictions, so we relocated temporarily to a park indoor rec room. The social distancing seems too inadequate for my liking , but I have been told that is is really quite a large room. Many of our members are advanced in age. We plan to begin a series of three rehearsals and a concert soon. outdoors. Indoor rehearsals are still not my desire. I play flute, so sit in front and fear all the air that is blowing towards us!
I would appreciate hearing what has been going on in Charleston. We all want to get back to our MUSIC. I know we have that in common! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject : Re:Re:When to start rehearsing again?..
07/11/2020 04:55:11 PM
|
|
|
| Susan Sands |
|
Posts: 6
Location: |
|
|
|
|
|
Kathleen, thank you for sharing your situation in Indiana! In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we have had some ups but mostly downs. Our band had to cancel our band festival in March and then several of our summer performances were rescheduled for late July and August, only to be canceled when cases more recently increased dramatically in western PA. So no summer concerts for us. After more than 33 years of consecutive concerts at a local temple, our fall concert was canceled last evening because they do not even know if they will be doing more than a soft opening in the fall. Band Zoom socials have been a way for us to stay connected. Presently, we have nothing on the schedule but we have hope for the future and promises that our venues will have us back again.
I am glad to hear that you still have two performances on your schedule for August. IF we had been able to play music at all this summer, the plan would have been to use small subsets of the band with just 24 of the 82 musicians or small ensembles. ONLY outside, a parking lot for rehearsal, and with at least 6 feet of distance between each person. I would always wear a mask and so would the percussionists. Everyone else would wear a mask when not playing. I reduced the rehearsal time and eliminated the break for less time together and less interaction. It seems like the best practice would involve distance between players, shorter period of time together, and a well ventilated space - preferably outside. You would need to know as much as possible about the indoor rec room to make an informed decision.
This Airborne Transmission Estimator document might be helpful:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z-dW42MrvgXgIoXxUaoTz7MYFVK_DCb9/view?usp=sharing
Indeed, I am not a doctor or a research specialist; I am a concerned community band director who wants to return to the music while also protecting the people in the band. I have been carefully following the latest developments like so many of us. Preliminary results from the International Coalition on COVID-19 Aerosol Study that ACB joined will be released on Monday, July 13th. This will include the results from the aerosol studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder for woodwinds and brass instruments. These are just preliminary findings and only from the first of two other independent studies.
Next Friday, July 17th at 4pm, everyone will have the opportunity to join the ACB CONNECTS! Zoom to hear first hand from Lt. Col. Tod Addison (Commander/Conductor/Research Director) and CWO Jonathan Crane (West Point Music Center Researcher) about the impacts of COVID-19 on rehearsal and performance.
Hope all continues to go well for you and your band in Indiana with everyone staying safe and healthy. For now, keeping expectations within reason, staying informed, and looking forward to the time when we return to our bands is all we can do.
Susan Sands
President, Association of Concert Bands
Director, East Winds Symphonic Band |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject : Re:When to start rehearsing again?..
08/13/2020 08:46:24 PM
|
|
|
| Susan Sands |
|
|
Posts: 6
Location: |
|
|
|
|
|
ACB is pleased to bring to your attention the following online opportunities hosted by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which we hope you will find helpful.
Follow the links for additional information and to register for the free session.
Bioaerosol Emissions in the Performing Arts-Reducing Emissions and Exposures: A Multi-Part Series
https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/leadership/informed-decision-making/#Bioaerosol
“This series will follow several current and ongoing scientific studies. As we begin, the sessions are anticipated to be offered during a six-month period beginning in August of 2020 and will align with the availability of salient findings from the studies. Individuals conducting the studies with expertise in bioaerosol emissions and related fields will lead the sessions.”
The panel for this webinar will include Dr. John Volckens, lead CSU researcher in the study: “Reducing Bioaerosol Emissions and Exposures in the Performing Arts: A Scientific Roadmap for a Safe Return from COVID-19.” Dr. Volckens will be a guest at for the next ACB Connects! on Sunday, August 30th. Also on the panel will be: Dr. Shelly Miller from Colorado University, Boulder and Dr. Donald Milton from the University of Maryland.
Mitigating Inherent Risk: Formulating Strategies and Action Plans to Address the Effects of the Coronavirus
https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/leadership/informed-decision-making/#risk
“Attendees will consider the anticipated fallout from known and projected events related to the novel coronavirus. They will explore options that may be beneficial to consider in the short and long term. Participants will explore ways in which administrators can prepare for tomorrow, build portfolios of viable options that are informed by reliable information and local conditions, and become more deeply aware of how to actively watch for, consider, and manage the ongoing challenge of risk mitigation and management. Time for questions will be provided.”
Presenters:
Kevin Case, Case Arts Law LLC
Peter Chin-Hong, University of California, San Francisco
Adam Schwalje, University of Iowa
Strategic Thinking – An Intellectual Endeavor: Developing an Abiding Approach
https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/leadership/informed-decision-making/#strategic
“This session will serve to assist attendees to expand the tools in their strategic thinking toolkit and aims to leave administrators with a set of ideas, concepts, and action steps needed to implement a well-conceived plan.
Time for questions will be provided.”
Presenter:
Scott E. Page, University of Michigan
For further information, please feel free to contact [email protected] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject : Re:When to start rehearsing again?..
10/21/2020 02:47:51 PM
|
|
|
| Dunedin Concert Band |
|
Posts: 15
Location: |
|
|
|
|
|
Our hosting venue, a city-run community center, permitted outdoor rehearsals beginning September but their reduced hours meant we couldn't have our concert on a Sunday afternoon in their park. So we found another local venue more willing. We're very pleased to have more audience than performers (despite only having 3 of the 7 planned rehearsals due to rain).
We're not sure what's next, although here in Florida outdoor holiday concerts are not unknown/ unreasonable...
Photo: http://mydms.co/201018a-01 |
|
|
|
|
| |
