Your one stop shop for all things Covid / choir related
This page is for active Dulcetones (those who have signed up for in-person choir sessions) during these........... strange times.
Please make sure you are 100% familiar with the very important things we each need to do to keep each other safe, have a browse through the FAQs and if there's anything you need to know that's not covered here, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Please make sure you are 100% familiar with the very important things we each need to do to keep each other safe, have a browse through the FAQs and if there's anything you need to know that's not covered here, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Are we actually allowed to have choir practice at the moment?
In short, YES! This massively depends on whether the group has a Covid-secure venue (we do) and has carried out a full risk assessment (we have) that details how we will manage risk mitigation (maintaining one way systems, distancing, use of masks, limiting numbers, ventilation etc).
What are the main things I need to personally do? Gimme the headlines Sarah, I'm busy.
1. Make sure you're fully signed up as an ACTIVE Dulcetone (via contact page if you haven't already). This is essential for Test and Trace, plus you'll be kept updated on plans/tunes/cool stuff via this new mailing list. (The old email system will be obsolete from end of Oct 2020)
2. Don't forget your mask! (If you ordered a special singing mask, I will bring these to the first session for you to collect so please have a spare available until it's on your gorgeous face.)
3. Research suggests the biggest risk factor here is in breaking the cardinal social distancing rules. You'll find a clear one-way system into the venue and your spots will be marked out to help you maintain your distance during rehearsal. It is SUPER IMPORTANT that you maintain your distance at all times - especially on arrival and leaving - and don't decend into hugs / snogs / licks before and after rehearsal, as tempting as that will undoubtedly be!
4. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND if you (or anyone in your household) has Covid-19 symptoms, a positive test, or have been asked to isolate by Test and Trace. Please refer to the most recent governemnt guidelines if you are in any way unsure.
Government guidelines - Covid-19 Stay at Home Guidance
2. Don't forget your mask! (If you ordered a special singing mask, I will bring these to the first session for you to collect so please have a spare available until it's on your gorgeous face.)
3. Research suggests the biggest risk factor here is in breaking the cardinal social distancing rules. You'll find a clear one-way system into the venue and your spots will be marked out to help you maintain your distance during rehearsal. It is SUPER IMPORTANT that you maintain your distance at all times - especially on arrival and leaving - and don't decend into hugs / snogs / licks before and after rehearsal, as tempting as that will undoubtedly be!
4. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND if you (or anyone in your household) has Covid-19 symptoms, a positive test, or have been asked to isolate by Test and Trace. Please refer to the most recent governemnt guidelines if you are in any way unsure.
Government guidelines - Covid-19 Stay at Home Guidance
What happens if someone tests positive after they've been to choir?
We'll work with the Test and Trace service and follow their guidance to the letter. Records will be kept for a minimum of 21 days and I'll be taking a photograph of each rehearsal so we know who stood where. I know this sounds distinctly un-relaxing but hopefully by now we're all used to this from everywhere we go! I will also provide a Test and Trace QR code that you can scan if you're using the official app if you would like to, but it's not madatory to use the app as I will be keeping nerd-level records for this very purpose. No-one who should be isolating will be in attendance, and we'll all be wearing masks and keeping our distance (albeit not emotionally).
If that someone is you, please contact me straight away (we'll go straight to Test and Trace and it will be anonymous so do not fret my loves).
Full info from NHS website
If that someone is you, please contact me straight away (we'll go straight to Test and Trace and it will be anonymous so do not fret my loves).
Full info from NHS website
What if we move into Tier 2 or 3?
Brighton is currently in Tier 1 (medium risk) and choir practices can go ahead, subject to strict social distancing systems as outlined above. This has been confirmed to remain the same should we move up into Tier 2 (high risk) locally.
The picture for Tier 3 (very high risk) is a little less clear as the various restrictions are likely to vary even between Tier 3 locations. It may be possible - and hopefully we won't have to find out. We will follow the rules, I promise, and I will make sure I update you of any and all changes to the guidance and regulations in good time.
The picture for Tier 3 (very high risk) is a little less clear as the various restrictions are likely to vary even between Tier 3 locations. It may be possible - and hopefully we won't have to find out. We will follow the rules, I promise, and I will make sure I update you of any and all changes to the guidance and regulations in good time.
What if we go into full lockdown?
A very good question. Ultimately, if this were to happen, we will of course follow the rules and I'll inform you of any changes as soon as they come in. If we cannot meet in person, we would move to a (hopefully very temporary) online broadcast and in addition, if it is allowed, I will run several shorter and much smaller in-person sessions instead for those who would prefer that.
How will I hear what's going on if we're so spread out and everyone's in masks?
I'll be directing from the stage and using a madonna mic so everyone will be able to hear clearly. Those at the back will be on the raised seating so you won't feel disconnected. Singing in masks at a distance will take some getting used to and we'll be easing in very gently. The acoustics in the room are great and your sexy leopard print bespoke singers' masks will make a huge difference.
What about lyric sheets?
I will provide you with your own personal lyric folders - please make sure you bring your folders along with you as I will have limited spares available. I'll also upload the lyric sheets to dropbox so you can access in a singing emergency or print again if you lose them. I highly recommend you don't rely on reading them off your phone during rehearsal as it's a proper buzz killington.
Will it still be fun?
HELL YES!
More questions?
Links
Government guidelines - Working Safely During Coronavirus - Performing Arts
Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD) - Guidance
Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD) - Guidance
