Instruments

  • Instrument Cleaning

    Care should be taken to follow recommended procedures that will safely and effectively clean and disinfect while avoiding damage to the proper function or the finish of the particular instrument. In response to the current crisis, a consortium of organizations have joined together to provide COVID-19 Instrument Cleaning Guidelines for music educators to assist in teaching students and parents proper procedures for cleaning instruments.

    Playing Instruments in Groups

    Students with instruments Large ensemble classes may need to adjust to a chamber ensemble approach. Orchestral strings, guitar, and percussion students should follow all guidelines with regard to masks and social distancing. Studies are currently underway to measure the release of aerosols through the air flow of wind instruments. Currently, instruments that are blown into are still considered risky and, if played, increased social distancing may be necessary. Teachers can alter in-class curriculum to focus on creative processes, critical thinking and communication, historical and cultural contexts, and innovations in the arts. Guidance and support for effective home practice can be given to students. Practice logs demonstrating accomplished objectives (tasks rather than time) can be kept, and teachers can facilitate and encourage best practices for recording and submitting performance samples for feedback from the teacher.

    When we return to school on September 8th, the Universal Practice for Music and Band classes will be to maintain mask social distancing guidelines at all times. Only the following instruments can be practiced until further notice: orchestral strings, guitar, and percussion. The efficacy, availability and cost of mitigation tools such as band masks and instrument masks will be further explored regularly and the list of additional instruments will be modified accordingly. Any change to the Universal Practices for Electives will be approved and communicated through the CAO.

Music

  • General Music Classrooms

    Maintain social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC, including during music games and movement activities. Group singing is not advised while social distancing policies are in place (see “Chorus” section above”). Clean and disinfect instruments, mallets, equipment, and surfaces as frequently as required by the health department, especially frequently-touched surfaces. While social distancing is in place, teachers can make curriculum adjustments to avoid the use of shared instruments that may be difficult to clean.

    When we return to school on September 8th, the Universal Practice for Music and Band classes will be to maintain social distancing guidelines at all times. Group in-person singing will be prohibited until approval is granted. Music teachers will alter in-class curriculum to focus on creative processes, critical thinking and communication, historical and cultural contexts, and innovations in the arts. Guidance and support for effective home practice can be given to students. Practice logs demonstrating accomplished objectives (tasks rather than time) can be kept, and teachers can facilitate and encourage best practices for recording and submitting performance samples for feedback from the teacher.  The practice of sharing instruments will be prohibited until further notice.  Any change to the Universal Practices for Electives will be approved and communicated through the CAO.