Sage City Symphony - Rehearsal Notes & Files

Rehearsal Notes & Files

Hooray! After a hiatus of more than a year due to the pandemic, Sage City Symphony has scheduled rehearsals in anticipation of our 2021-2022 season.

There is a passionate desire among players and listeners alike for us to proceed, as long as all appropriate safety measures are in place. To that end, all current and evolving guidelines issued by the CDC, the State of Vermont, and Bennington College will be followed. Until further notice, face masks (including bell covers for wind instruments) and social distancing will be required at rehearsals and concerts (“pod” seating will be permitted), with proof of vaccination requested at the door; in addition, the customary mid-rehearsal break will not include shared refreshments (you are welcome to bring your own). If at any time circumstances change and the risk level of infection is deemed too great, we will postpone—with a commitment to resume as soon thereafter as safely possible.

Stay tuned (hee-hee) for changes / updates ...

COVID Notes for Wind and Brass Players

There are several studies about COVID transmission via wind instruments that indicate that some instruments pose higher risks (e.g., trumpets) than others. Risk-reduction measures include (1) rearranging players so the more risky instruments are closer to the outside edges of the group (and if possible, near exhaust systems), while less dangerous instruments (e.g., percussion) go into the middle; (2) wearing face masks designed especially for wind and brass players; and (3) using bell covers.

Even if everyone is vaccinated, the Delta variant may warrant additional caution, with masks on non-winds, and the repositioning of winds per these recommendations. Below is the link to the general-public article, and if you're interested in one of the referenced technical articles, it is attached.

nontechnical article: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-music-wind-instruments-spread-transmission

technical article: Journal of Aerosol Science 151 (2021) 105669

Research is ongoing; see https://www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study/.

Bell Covers and Instrument Masks

Bell covers help contain the spread of aerosols during instrument play. Recent studies show bell covers with a multi-layering material and filtration should be used. MERV 13 filters can be cut to fit and easily inserted in the back opening of the bell cover to provide enhanced protection as recommended by the University of Colorado aerosol study. MERV 13 material is readily available at most home improvement stores.

Here are some examples of bell covers:

https://sepapparel.com/bell-cover.html

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bell+covers+for+instruments&i=mi&crid=3CM8HTTR2VHMT&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_10

And here are some examples of instrument masks for wind players:

https://sepapparel.com/instrument-mask.html

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=instrument+mask+for+wind+players&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

2021-2022 Concert and Rehearsal Schedule

FALL CONCERT
Sunday, November 14, 2021, 4 PM
Greenwall Auditorium, VAPA Building, Bennington College, Bennington, VT

Program:

Symphony No. 6 in F Major, “Pastoral Symphony, or Recollections of Country Life,” by Ludwig van Beethoven
Serenade in C minor for Wind Octet, “Nachtmusik,” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
TBA for strings, by Alison Nowak

Rehearsals:

Unless noted otherwise, rehearsals are held on Sunday evenings from 5:45 to 8:30 PM in Greenwall Auditorium in the VAPA Building at Bennington College in North Bennington, VT.

PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE!
There may be changes to rehearsal times once Bennington College sets its schedule for drama and music productions, but this won’t happen until December.

***PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING REHEARSAL TIME CHANGES***