Ensemble Plans and Protocols

University of Louisville School of Music: Ensemble Plans and Protocols

Fall 2020 (Current as of July 31, 2020)

1. We will have on site, face to face ensembles, but rehearsals and performances will be modified to comply with COVID 19 safety measures.

2. Hallway and rehearsal room entrance and exit traffic will be signposted clearly.

3. Large ensembles may be divided into smaller performing groups, depending on physical distancing requirements in various rehearsal and performance spaces. (For example, Collegiate Chorale and University Chorus may be split in halves, while others may be organized as a number of conducted chamber ensembles.)

4. At present, choral performances will occur with smaller groups or split groups and outdoors only, with ample distancing. We are still waiting on scientific findings to confirm other best practices related to choral singing and will modify rehearsals and performances accordingly.

5. In general, rehearsals and performances will be shortened to allow for 30 minutes of playing or singing, to be alternated with 30 minutes during which spaces will be vacated to allow for air filtration. When multiple rehearsal spaces are available during a given rehearsal hour, ensemble or sectional rehearsals may be relocated to those spaces while the 30 minute interval passes in main rehearsal halls such as 267, LL 65 or Comstock. This plan may be modified based on the latest research on COVID 19 safety procedures. For instance, we may find that particular instruments (e.g., string playing with mask) might be allowed longer periods of rehearsals.

6. Some rehearsals and performances may occur beneath outdoor tents. Outdoor rehearsals may be allowed to extend beyond 30 minutes.

7. Rehearsals and performances will be physically distanced in accordance with guidelines from the CDC, recommendations from our University of Louisville medical, biosafety, and physical plant experts, and guidelines developed from the University of Colorado Boulder/University of Maryland study https://www.nfhs.org/media/4029974/preliminary-testing-report-7-13-20.pdf

8. Our schedule of events for the Fall will be limited to faculty and student performances. In general, there will be no live guest artist performances or performances by guest or visiting ensembles.

9. In-person audiences will be restricted, predetermined with a small number of open seats; sign in will be required, and all seating in the performance spaces will be physically distanced. Most ensemble performances will be live streamed, and some concerts may be exclusively live streamed.

10. All performers indoors will both physically distance and wear masks when not performing.

11. In some instances ensembles may engage in special projects (instrumental and vocal) facilitated entirely through the electronic synthesis of pre-recorded, then edited parts (e.g., My Old Kentucky Home project completed last spring with student musicians from around the state). Educational values will include opportunities for student engagement in editing.

12. The School of Music will provide bell covers for all brass and woodwind students as research has shown that they greatly reduce aerosol emissions.

13. Due to safety precautions, the School of Music will not provide music stands for ensemble rehearsals or performances this semester. Students will be responsible for purchasing and bringing a portable stand to any small or large ensemble rehearsal. Any music stand, such as a light weight wire stand, will suffice. If a sturdier stand is needed, we recommend https://www.guitarcenter.com/Musicians-Gear/Tripod-Orchestral-Music-Stand.gc

14. Musicians will be regularly encouraged to provide feedback on the established safety protocols prior to rehearsals and performances.

15. We will adapt our rehearsal and performance plans according to the most recent research and scientific data and for the safety of our performers.

16. Link to recent scientific studies regarding aerosols and woodwind, brass, and vocal performance: https://www.nfhs.org/media/4029965/preliminary-recommendations-from-international-performing-arts-aerosol-study.pdf Independent data and recommendations from another study being completed by Colorado State University are scheduled to be available soon.