The South Colonie Central School District today announced the adoption of recommended social distancing procedures for students participating in music classes beginning Friday, March 19. Early last fall, both the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and New York State Education Department (NYSED) recommended guidelines for students involved in music or chorus. As part of that guidance, it was recommended that students were to be spaced at a distance of twelve (12) feet in all directions when individuals are participating in activities that require voice projection such as singing or playing a wind instrument. At that time, it was the appropriate guidance issued with the research that was currently available.
On February 12, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released updated guidance for schools. Included in the public health agencies K-12 Schools COVID Mitigation Toolkit was specific, new guidance recommended for music programs, which included: masks being worn to sing, bell covers for wind instruments, and a recommended distance of 6 feet allowed for singing or playing a wind instrument.
After careful consideration, the district will adjust its social distancing procedures for music classes to move from twelve (12) feet to 6 feet distancing when practicing or performing. The new recommendations outline how South Colonie will provide meaningful educational music experiences in the district, while continuing to support the social and emotional well-being of our students.
Pursuant to these recommendations, South Colonie music classes will adhere to the following guidelines:
Impact of Move From 12 feet to 6 feet:
Kindergarten – 6th Grade General Music
- Singing(with masks) can now take place. Students are already separated by 6ft in the classroom pods.
- Music instruction would occur in the classroom (pods).
- Sharing of equipment would be limited. Any shared equipment would be sanitized after use.
5th and 6th Grade Bands
- Playing on instruments during band class can now occur for all students.
- Students will be separated by 6ft during band rehearsal.
- Staff and students playing wind instruments will use instrument bell covers at all times.
- Face masks will be removed during playing, but should be worn during extended periods of rest or class discussion.
- Absorbent pads will be used to collect condensation from brass instruments.
- Sharing of equipment will be limited. Any shared equipment will be properly sanitized after use.
- Percussion students will be encouraged to use their own sticks and mallets. When sticks and mallets are borrowed or shared, they should be sanitized after use.
7th through 12th Grade Bands
- Will continue playing during class time as previously done, except at a distance of 6ft (formerly 12ft). Students should feel less isolated at this new spacing.
- Staff and students playing wind instruments will use instrument bell covers at all times.
- Face masks will be removed during playing, but should be worn during extended periods of rest or class discussion.
- Absorbent pads will be used to collect condensation from brass instruments.
- Sharing of equipment will be limited. Any shared equipment will be properly sanitized after use.
- Percussion students will be encouraged to use their own sticks and mallets. When sticks and mallets are borrowed or shared, they should be sanitized after use.
Instrumental (Band) Lessons
- Students and staff can now perform at a spacing of 6ft (formerly 12ft). Students should feel less isolated at this spacing. Staff can give greater attention to individual detail and correction at this spacing.
5th – 8th Grade Choruses
- Singing (with masks) can now take place. Students are already separated by 6ft.
- Students will have an assigned seating location during the chorus rehearsal.
High School Chorus
- Singing (with masks) can now take place at a distance of 6ft. (Students had formerly been spaced at 12ft.) Students should feel less isolated at this new spacing.
- Students will have an assigned seating location during the chorus rehearsal.
High School Vocal Lessons
- There are no vocal lessons offered for the 2020-21 school year.
5th-12th Grade Orchestras
- The new spacing guidance has no impact on orchestra instruction, as they have already been performing at 6 feet distancing since September (the NYSED recommendations did not impose any spacing limitations for performing on string instruments).