Keeping your kids safe is our absolute priority. We now know that while there is significantly more risk of the spread of COVID-19 through singing and playing instruments due to the increase in aerosol emission, we also know that with thorough and proven mitigation practices in place, we can greatly decrease the risk associated with singing.
Though we are becoming used to the mitigation techniques and have successfully implemented those outlined by The American Choral Directors Association, The National Association of Teachers of Singing, and locally, The Maine Department of Education, we are still not entirely out of the woods yet. As such, we will be assessing case numbers in our area on a weekly basis and will be making decisions regarding the level of mitigation needed each week. We are hopeful that with you and your child’s help, we can maintain a healthy and happy season of singing and community while keeping everyone and their families safe.
Here’s what to expect:
- The Artistic Director will assess case numbers is our area on a weekly basis and will make the following decisions based on that information”
- Singers may be asked to mask. (Singers will be provided KN95 masks).
- Singers may be asked to distance 3-6ft while singing.
- Singers who are eligible are encouraged to get vaccinated.
- There will be a contact/attendance sheet kept at all rehearsals.
- Rehearsals may be shortened and/or have periodic breaks to allow for air exchange.
In Addition: Please review this screening tool before rehearsal every week for your choristers.
If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms they must stay home from rehearsal.
❑ Cough
❑ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
❑ Temperature over 100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C
❑ Chills
❑ Sore throat
❑ New loss of taste or smell
Is your child experiencing any two or more of the following symptoms? If so, your child must
stay home from rehearsal.
❑ Muscle Pain/aches
❑ Headache
❑ Runny nose/congestion
❑ Nausea (do not send if vomiting or having diarrhea)
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, keep your child home from rehearsal.
- Has your child taken cough/cold medication and/or fever reducers such as Tylenol/ibuprofen today
for the above listed symptoms?
- Has your child been tested for COVID-19 in the last 2 weeks?
- Has your child student had close contact* with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
- Has your child had close contact* with someone with a suspected diagnosis of COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
- Has your child traveled by air or traveled out of state in the past 14 days? If yes, please contact BAYC before coming to rehearsal.
*What counts as close contact?
● Your child was within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes
● Someone in your home is sick with COVID-19
● Your child had direct physical contact with the sick person (touched, hugged, or kissed them)
● Your child shared eating or drinking utensils with the sick person
● The sick person sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on your child
n addition to the links above, here are further resources:
The Colorado Study – an independent study conducted specifically for vocalists and instrumentalists
Additional Colorado Study findings and techniques
Additional ACDA Resources: Singing in a Pandemic
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to BAYC if you have any questions or concerns.
bangorareayouthchoirs.com 