Notes
SINGER'S MASKS
Joy-Anne is currently taking orders for this mask!
Read More!
HOW and WHY to still have choir
- a discussion of possible configurations of choir (especially children's choir) for the foreseeable future
Upddated July 28, 2021
Read MoreWHY CHOIR
A brief examination of the many benefits of choral singing.
Read MoreCOVID 19 UPDATE
- Here is the latest news from the land of research and advocacy as of July 28, 2021:
We continue exploring ways to sing together safely. The news from scientific research is hopeful at this point. Some of it needs replication and peer review etc., but much has been confirmed. I take heart at the following four bits of news:
- Aerosols seem to be greatly reduced by the wearing of a mask, especially when all present do so. This applies equally to singing! See this video from a US performing arts coalition formed especially to study this issue for singers, theatre actors and wind instrument players entitled "Performing Arts Aerosol Study Preliminary Results 2", especially at 15:58: Watch Here.
- Wearing a mask WITHOUT GAPS vastly reduces the aerosol movement in both directions (in and out through the mask) (same video at 30:15, where they talk about a well fit surgical mask but mention it is only 64% efficiency…). SEE ALSO this site for home made masks that examines the science behind fabrics and fit: makermask.org
- If wearing a mask with the proper fit and materials, the protective value of a homemade mask can actually begin to approach an N95. see the following video, especially discussion of a chart of materials tested from 2:36-15:06. It's important to note that NO MASK is an N95 unless and until certified and fit tested!!! Watch Here
- In addition to mask wearing, using a space for a limited amount of time and then allowing for air exchange is also an option for allowing safer singing. See the video from the performing arts coalition listed in number 1, and this article posted on Choral Canada’s website: ncceh.ca
This is a situation in which we should be able to take advantage of in the churches where we rehearse! We’ll go out onto the lawn when possible. We’ll be in large rooms, and leave our windows (that are high up, so will pull air up and away) open. We may be able to use more than one space or room, so that we can sing for a while, then let that room's air recirculate while we use another room. (Note that I can do that fairly easily in the United Church, but it may be highly booked - it’s a “wait and see” deal!)