Fine Arts

Overview

Our decisions regarding precautions in the band classroom have been derived from the Clemson University, Colorado, study on COVID-19 aerosol dispersion regarding playing wind instruments that was released on July 13th, 2020. Recommendations and information from this study are referenced in this article. We are also following recommendations from the CDC on safe operating practices in school, located here.

By following these procedures we are trying to mitigate risk as much as possible, but it should not be implied or considered that there is a guarantee of non-exposure as these studies are still underway.

Classroom Guidelines

  • All music students will wear face coverings as outlined below:

    • Flute players will wear a shield while playing. They will wear normal cloth masks while not playing.

    • Wind players (including brass and woodwind) will wear specially-designed cloth masks for wind instrument players while playing.

    • All other musicians will wear a normal cloth mask at all times.

  • All bells of instruments will have bell covers to catch larger aerosol particles. (Provided)

  • All brass instruments will have a Ziploc bag with a washcloth in their case with which to use in class to empty water valves. Each week it will be required that these washcloths be taken home and laundered.

  • Chairs will be set apart within CDC guidelines and marked with tape on the floor for placement.

  • Chairs, stands and percussion equipment will be sanitized between classes.

  • Hand sanitizer stations are located within the band room. Students will sanitize their hands via hand washing or hand sanitizer each class period.

  • Classes will be held outdoors whenever possible.

Performances

All performances for the fall semester will be either live streamed or completely virtually sourced and combined/edited for distribution to parents if students are not fully on campus by the performance dates.

Special Events

Instrument testing for new band students:

  • Students will be tested individually in class on instruments by request, or after school by appointment.

  • The teacher testing will use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including mask, shield, and gloves that will be changed between students.

  • All items will be sanitized using Sterisol spray and allowed to dry between students.

  • Students will wash hands before and after the instrument testing.

  • Students will wear a mask when not testing.

  • Embouchure demonstrations will be conducted via video.

Instrument lending:

  • If at all possible, instruments loaned to students will not be shared with any other student.

  • Large instruments like tuba or percussion that must be shared will require each student to have their own playing equipment (like mouthpiece or mallets/sticks) to use, and be sanitized between classes.

Auditions:

  • Audition regulations for Region or State competitions will be decided by the governing bodies of those organizations. Preparations are currently being put into place for virtually held auditions that are compatible with state regulations.

Fine Arts Department Contact Information