Covid Policy Information

SPCS 2021 Restart Protocols

Vaccination Requirement

On Monday, August 2, 2021, the SPCS Board of Directors adopted a policy that requires all musicians participating in SPCS rehearsals and concerts be fully vaccinated.

Vaccine Certificates

SPCS will not require members to present proof of vaccination. This will be a matter of trust between all SPCS members; if we are making music together you agree to be vaccinated.

Masks and Other Rehearsal Protocols

Federal, state, and local guidelines, recommendations and regulations will be followed as pertains to masking and other indoor gathering protocols. For example, as of August 5th, all members would be expected to wear a mask while inside Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. These public health recommendations will certainly change over time, and we will be responsive to these changes.

As we return to playing together in September, we plan to allow for some physical distancing in the rehearsal room, especially as it pertains to wind players. However, given the size of the room and the fact that all players will be vaccinated, we will not need to have six feet between all musicians in all sections.

Player Illness and Covid exposure

Players should not attend SPCS rehearsals if they are ill. If you have been exposed to someone who has Covid-19, please inform your section leader or the Music Director and stay home until such time as you can return to rehearsal healthy and safe.

Next Steps

We want everyone to be as safe as possible as we return to rehearsals. We are aware one size does not fit all, and we recognize some members may need more time to feel comfortable about returning to group music making.

In the next few weeks, expect a contact from a SPCS section leader or board member asking if you have questions or need clarification regarding our restart plan. We want to be sure you are aware of the vaccine requirement and rehearsal protocols.

Uncertainty and Flexibility

We all want to get back to making music together. However, we live in uncertain times. To provide the safest environment for all orchestra members to make music together, the SPCS Board recognizes that we will have to make changes to these requirements as dictated by the prevailing public health situation in our community.

The links below may help answer some of your questions:

Covid19 Resources can be found here:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/basics.html

Wind instruments

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210629120841.htm

Wind players can find masks at:

https://www.jwpepper.com/Protec-Instrumentalist-Face-Mask/11332828.item#.YRAqc9NKhIZ

https://www.grothmusic.com/search.aspx?searchterm=masks”

Thermal plume research

https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/musical-instruments-dont-spread-aerosols-far-you-might-think

MNStateGuidelinesforMusic:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/musicguide.pdf