Covid Band Expectations

Why do we need masks and bell covering?

This spring, an unprecedented international coalition led by performing arts organizations joined forces to commission a study on the effects of COVID-19 on the return to the music classroom and rehearsal hall. Specifically, the study examined aerosol rates produced by wind instrumentalists, vocalists, and even actors, and how quickly those aerosol rates accumulate in a space. The study indicated that aerosols do resonate from instruments. Due to these initial findings it has been suggested all instruments utilize a bell covering. This includes flutes.

Masks

All students should be wearing a normal or modified mask. When you students play, aerosol escapes from the corners of the mouth. These can be contained by wearing a mask while playing. Any mask can be modified to play. Simply cut a slit or a hole to accommodate the type of mouthpiece you are using. If you want to make a really cool one follow this link:

McKeithan-Jensen-Playable-Mask.pdf

Bell Covers

Materials

Cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch.
Template/Pattern - found here
Cording, yarn, ribbon (Option 2)

Option 1 Instructions: Fabric Held in Place with Rubber Band

Fold the fabric in half, and then half again. Place the template/pattern on top, matching the straight edges with the folded edges of the fabric. Cut out two circles.
Pin the two circles together (fabric fronts facing each other) and sew 1/4" seam all the way around, leaving a 2-4 inch opening (Recommend using a larger opening for the larger covers.) This is so you can turn the two circles of fabric right side out.
Turn the cover inside out through the opening.
Iron the circle flat and hand-stitch to close the opening.

Example: Fabric Held in Place with Rubber Band

Option 2 Instructions: Fabric Covering with Drawstring

Fold the fabric in half, and then half again. Place the template/pattern on top, matching the straight edges with the folded edges of the fabric. Cut out two circles.
Pin the two circles together (fabric fronts facing each other) and sew 1/4" seam all the way around, leaving a 2-4 inch opening (Recommend using a larger opening for the larger covers.) This is so you can turn the two circles of fabric right side out.
Turn the cover inside out through the opening.
Iron the circle flat and hand-stitch to close the opening.
To form the casing for the cord/ribbon, sew a line of stitching 1/4" from the edge of the circle. Then sew another line of stitching 1 1/4" from the edge.
Carefully cut a small opening between the two lines of stitching, making sure to cut through the top layer of fabric only. Stitch around the opening of the hole using double thread doing a tight blanket stitch to help prevent fraying and/or tearing of the hole.
Using one length of cording or ribbon, pass it through the opening and feed it through the casing all the way around the circle and back out of the same opening. Use a large safety pin or bobby pin to assist you in threading it through the casing.
Knot the ends of the cording or ribbon to prevent fraying and so it won’t slip back through the opening in the casing.

Option 3: Shower Caps, Salad Bowl Covers, Etc.

Option 4: Search online for instrument bell covers, and Haggerty's is supposed to be getting some into stock.

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