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.
This information has been updated on 8th June 2021 to reflect current guidelines.
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.
This information has been updated on 8th June 2021 to reflect current guidelines.
Are we allowed to have in-person choir practice?
In short, YES! Currently, outdoor only (no masks required).
Our risk assessment has been updated to ensure it is compatible with the newest government guidelines, and is available here.
For more info, a good summary of the incredibly convoluted Government guidelines - especially as they relate to The Dulcetones and choirs in general - can be found on the Association of British Choral Directors website.
Our risk assessment has been updated to ensure it is compatible with the newest government guidelines, and is available here.
For more info, a good summary of the incredibly convoluted Government guidelines - especially as they relate to The Dulcetones and choirs in general - can be found on the Association of British Choral Directors website.
What's all this I've been hearing about choirs being banned then?
They're most definitely not! Current guidelines allow for only 6 indoors (but full choirs outdoors, when fully risk asssessed.)
Please take a moment to visit ABCD's website here for details of the current campaign to sort it all out. Sign the petition! Write to your MP!
Please take a moment to visit ABCD's website here for details of the current campaign to sort it all out. Sign the petition! Write to your MP!
What are the main things I need to personally do? Gimme the headlines Sarah, I'm busy.
1. Make sure you have registered (via contact page if you haven't already). This is super quick and easy, and essential for Test and Trace, even though it's been a pain in the bum.
2. Follow the one-way system into the playground and your spots will be marked out to help you maintain your distance during rehearsal.
3. Make sure you sign in with one of my Dulce-babes as you arrive (even if you're late) as we need to keep an accurate register every week.
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. Report any positive tests to Sarah straight away (anonymously of course). Please refer to the most recent governemnt guidelines if you are in any way unsure.
Government guidelines - Covid-19 Stay at Home Guidance
2. Follow the one-way system into the playground and your spots will be marked out to help you maintain your distance during rehearsal.
3. Make sure you sign in with one of my Dulce-babes as you arrive (even if you're late) as we need to keep an accurate register every week.
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. Report any positive tests to Sarah straight away (anonymously of course). 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. 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 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's the plan for the Summer Sessions?
Our theme for the Summer Sessions is very much COME TOGETHER, coz, you know, obvs.
Singing, old faves, new fun tunes, and developing a cheeky Dulcetones flashmob.
Singing, old faves, new fun tunes, and developing a cheeky Dulcetones flashmob.
How will I hear what's going on if we're so spread out?
We will begin outdoors by having your twisted choir started run all over the playground with a megaphone. I have various other back up options to experiment with over the weeks if hearing is tricky - your feedback will be very gratefully received!
Luckily, the playground space itself will be a massive help, lots of walls and surfaces for sound to bounce off, as opposed to being in a big open windy park.
Luckily, the playground space itself will be a massive help, lots of walls and surfaces for sound to bounce off, as opposed to being in a big open windy park.
What about lyric sheets?
No sharing, I will give you a copy of what you need, please keep it safe and remember to bring with you next week!
Will it still be fun?
HELL YES!
Are we allowed to hug?
I politely request that we chill on that during rehearsals so that we can keep an eye on the designated spacing (lots of people moving around willy nilly would mess up the system somewhat.) However, we are outdoors and noone can or will stop you from consensual hugging under the social contact guidelines, or having an orgy on the beach afterwards. Just sayin.
Please be sensitive and mindful of those who may be feeling a bit wary, respect everyone's space, and keep moving around to a minimum.
Please be sensitive and mindful of those who may be feeling a bit wary, respect everyone's space, and keep moving around to a minimum.
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
