Hi Everyone:
I hope everyone is enjoying our, somewhat, return to normalcy this summer. Your BCAS Board has been trying to put together a plan for our safest return to rehearsals and performances. If you recall, back in early March 2020 there was a chorus in Washington State that decided they wanted to get together “one last time” before the lockdown. The results were catastrophic and choral singing was relegated to be the most deadliest pastime this side of Russian Roulette. Unfortunately, 17 months later, no government agency has looked into giving any direction on what choruses need to do to return. Gail, our Vice President, has contacted people in both the CDC and the NYS Department of Health for guidance with very little help. We started to put together a plan, but then the Delta Variant came to muddle things. Also, as you know, we polled the chorus for your thoughts and expectations. As a result, we have come up with the following plan.
Please Note: all items below are TENTATIVE. We will continue to monitor the situation daily for any changes in government directives and virus activity.
1) Rehearsal Site: The majority of school districts are, at least temporarily, restricting non-student activities. Sweet Home School will not be available to us. Marcia, Linda Lang, and others, scouted out some options. Right now we are awaiting final approval from the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo to use St. Christopher’s Church on Niagara Falls Blvd. in Tonawanda (a stone’s throw from Sweet Home).
2) Rehearsal Protocol: taking into consideration our members’ feelings, government directives and scientific/medical advice, we will allow ONLY VACCINATED individuals to return to rehearsals at first. Also, we will REQUIRE THE WEARING OF MASKS at all times. Again, we will monitor and, if the Delta Variant wanes and directives loosen, these requirements will be reconsidered. Our ultimate goal, once it is determined to be safe, is a return to full membership and no masks.
3) Attendance: we ask that anyone who is not feeling well, has a cough, cold symptoms, fever, or any other illnesses, please stay home.
4) Schedule: please pencil in the following dates for rehearsals: October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 10, 17, 23 (Tuesday), December 1 (Dress Rehearsal), December 3 (Concert-location To Be Determined). This concert, if it happens, will be for “BCAS Friends and Family” only and will offer a variety of musical selections. Rehearsal Time will be 7:00 – 8:30
5) Annual Meeting: we have not had a General Meeting of the chorus since June 2019. We are planning to have a meeting on Wednesday, September 15th from 7:00 – 8:00. The same attendance requirements as for rehearsals will be adhered to.
PLEASE NOTE: This is all tentative and may sway in either direction as the virus alters. International numbers show that the Delta Variant may begin to drop soon, especially as more people get vaccinated. But, we all know the unpredictability of this virus. Let’s hope and pray that this menace dies down soon and disappears.
If you have any questions, concerns or thoughts regarding any of the above, please feel free to email Marcia (mgiambrone2@verizon.net) or me (drkevin@balancedlivingchiro.com). Keep safe, keep healthy, and let’s hope we all get to see each other very soon.
Kevin Phalen