Guidance and Support for Choral Singing Options During the COVID-19 Pandemic
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) released guidance and a statement of support for choral singing and study during the COVID-19 pandemic on June 15. The “COVID-19 Response Committee Report” was developed by a team of choral professionals from across the country, and with expertise and experience in choral education and conducting in a variety of choral settings including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, community choirs, and places of worship.
Click here to download “The COVID-19 Response Committee Report”
Webinar with ACDA President, Vice-President, and Committee Members
Monday, June 22
The webinar included ACDA President Lynne Gackle, ACDA Vice-President André Thomas, and the 13 Response Committee members. They summarized and discussed the report’s contents. Click here for the recording.
ACDA COVID-19 Response Committee. On June 4, ACDA’s Executive Committee announced the formation of a response committee to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its task was to create a document endeavoring to provide a strong, unequivocal statement of advocacy for choral music in our culture and choral musicians. Additionally, the document offers considerations and current parameters for ensembles, scenario planning with instructional and community-building models to guide our thinking, as well as resources that guide us in the direction of additional information in the near future and beyond.
The ACDA COVID-19 Response Committee is representative of membership throughout our country and is representative of all regions of ACDA. Read full description and list of committee members here.
ACDA Released Statements
On the Murder of George Floyd and the Impacts of Racism (June 3, 2020)
In Response to Recent Events in Charlottesville, Virginia (August 21, 2017)
ACDA Statement Sign-ons
Arts Education Is Essential (May 2020)
The Arts Sector and COVID-19 Relief (May 2020)
Scientific Research Sponsored
Reducing Bioaerosol Emissions and Exposures in the Performing Arts: A Scientific Roadmap for a Safe Return from COVID-19
Objective: To reduce the risk of human exposure and co-infection to SARS-COV-2 aerosol during performing arts activities.
Team: Researchers with the Powerhouse Energy Campus at Colorado State University.
Aerosol Generation from Playing Band Instruments, Singing, and Performing, and Risk of Infectious Disease Transmission
Purpose: The study will examine aerosol rates produced by wind instrumentalists, vocalists, and even actors, and how quickly those aerosol rates accumulate in a space.
Lead Researcher: Dr. L. Shelly Miller, University of Colorado. Press release.
From the research team (7/28/20): It has taken longer than expected for the expert researchers to complete testing and analyze the data from the preliminary tests of singers just completed. Your patience is appreciated as they coordinate the results and prepare for the release of data as soon as possible.
Researchers’ frequently asked questions page.
