Resources for Choral Professionals During the Pandemic

Summarizing the latest CDC recommendations and results from the choral/singing-specific research ACDA has helped sponsor:

Due to the Delta variant currently circulating widely in the United States, the CDC recommends all people – vaccinated and unvaccinated – wear a mask in public indoor spaces if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission (95% of all counties in the U.S. as of Aug. 23) in order to ensure maximum protection for yourself and to prevent potential spread to others. The protocols of masking, increased ventilation, and distancing work. Based on this updated guidance and the current research on singing and aerosols, ACDA encourages choral conductors to follow these protocols if singing inside. The three-minute video “COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for Choir,” which shares results from the  Performing Arts Aerosol Research Study, provides a clear and concise explanation of those protocols.

ACDA, BHS, Chorus America, and NATS have been collaborating since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide our members in the singing profession with the best and most current guidance from the CDC, as well as the latest research on singing and COVID-19. While each of our organizations has kept its own membership updated, this email is designed to share the latest resources from each organization with all of our combined membership.

We continue to urge individuals and groups to appropriately assess the personal and organizational risk factors of operating in various settings so that we can all do our part in returning to our stages and rehearsals in a safe manner, while continuing to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our lives and our art.

Joint Statement on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations and Best Health Practices

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC issued updated masking guidance as of July 27, 2021, in response to new evidence on the Delta variant currently circulating in the United States. They recommend that all people, including the fully vaccinated, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission (96% of counties in the U.S. as of August 23). Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease, or not fully vaccinated. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC continues to recommend that people without vaccines mask, distance, and take other precautions, as well as avoiding specific situations.

• CDC Summary of Recent Changes to Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
• Complete CDC masking guidance

American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)

• COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for Choir. A three-minute video sharing results from research by the University of Colorado and University of Maryland, which ACDA helped sponsor.
• Resources for Choral Professionals During the Pandemic. A curated page of resources, guidance, complimentary choral music, and planning tools.
• COVID-19 ACDA Response Committee Report (June 15, 2020). Guidance and a statement of support for choral singing and study during the pandemic, with protocols for MS/JH upper elementary schools, senior high schools, collegiate choirs, community choirs (youth and adult), and music in worship.

Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS)

• COVID-19 Resources for Barbershoppers. The latest resources, guidance, and planning for ensembles.
• BHS’s Pandemic Reopening Roundtable Discussion. Learn how 4 BHS choruses are managing safely reopening in their community.
• BHS’s Barbershop Live at Home Event. Singing virtually is FUN: Vocal Warm-ups, Tech Tips, Archive Video, Tags, and more! Perfect for all singing levels!

Chorus America

• What’s Next: Preparing for a Healthy, Safe Reopening. A panel of doctors with experience advising performing arts organizations and choruses shared the latest updates in COVID developments and vaccination efforts at Chorus America’s June 2021 conference.
• Prepare for Fall: Public Health Updates and Member Forums. Starting in late August, Chorus America will host a series of events to help choruses stay on top of COVID-19 developments and planning for the fall. Events include public conversations with doctors advising performing arts organizations, and Member Forums on September 14 and 16.
• Reopening Decisions: How Choral Leaders Are Bringing Singers Back Together. This article from the Summer Voice shares a framework for making difficult decisions about masks, distancing, vaccinations, waivers, and other safety protocols the course of the season.
• COVID-19 Resource Page. Find the latest guidance and resources, as well as examples of waivers and other documents from member choruses.

National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)

Reentry After COVID-19: Concerns for Singers. A June 23, 2021, webinar, which was a sequel to the 2020 NATS webinar After COVID: Concerns for Singers.

• Reentry Following COVID-19: Concerns for Singers. A Journal of Singing pre-publication article (by D. Meyer, J. Nix, L. Helding et al.) that is a follow-up to the webinar.
• #FightTheFatigue Campaign. NATS continues to communicate the importance of positive messaging and fighting the fatigue with messages you can share on social media to support one another and encourage the singing community during this time.

The National Association of Teachers of Singing Voice Science Advisory Committee, the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Performing Arts Medicine Association, the Pan American Vocology Association, Opera America, and National Collegiate Choral Organization strongly recommend that all singing teachers, choral conductors, collaborative pianists, and singers eligible to receive an FDA authorized vaccine¹, follow CDC guidance², and become fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

We collectively support public health education efforts at the local, state, and national level that offer accurate information about vaccine efficacy and safety and that encourage all persons to become vaccinated.³

We recommend that unvaccinated teachers, conductors, collaborative pianists, and singers continue to follow COVID-19 prevention and mitigation practices that have been effective in reducing the spread of the disease in indoor public areas.⁴ These include but are not limited to the use of masks, physical distancing, increased ventilation, reduced contact time, regular cleaning of common surfaces, and vigorous hand washing.⁵

1. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine;
https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/moderna-covid-19-vaccine;
https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/janssen-covid-19-vaccine
2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/fully-vaccinated-people.html
3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2F8-
things.html;
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness.html;
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html;
https://www.nats.org/cgi/page.cgi/article.html/Featured_Stories/NATS_COVID_Resources_Page; https://acda.org/resources-forchoral-professionals-during-a-pandemic/ ;
https://nafme.org/covid-19/ ;
https://www.asha.org/About/Coronavirus-Updates/ ;
https://www.whitehouse.gov/COVIDCollegeChallenge/ .
4. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/participate-in-activities.html
5. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19/information/transmission-protective-measures;
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public ; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html ; https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/preventing-the-spread-of-thecoronavirus .

The CDC issued updated masking guidance as of Jul. 27, 2021 given new evidence on the Delta variant currently circulating in the United States. They recommend that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease, or not fully vaccinated. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC continues to recommend that people without vaccines mask and distance and take other precautions, as well as avoiding specific situations. Click here for the full, revised CDC masking guidance.

Purpose: The study examined 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.

The first release of preliminary results was focused on woodwinds and brass (Jul. 13, 2020)

Researchers’ frequently asked questions page.

A 35-minute video conversation on mitigations for fall 2021 with Dr. James Weaver (NFHS), Dr. Mark Spede (CBDNA/Clemson), and Bob Morrison (Arts Ed New Jersey). This includes a variety of activities (Speech, Debate, Theatre, Music, etc) from the elementary to collegiate levels. Of note: there are updates on recommendations for distancing (decreased to 3 ft.) and the amount of time for rehearsals/performances (increased to 50 min.) – approx. 23:26.

by T. Stockman, S. Shu, A. Kumar et al. (research paper – Aug. 27, 2021). Includes an interesting video clip showing leakage plumes when a singer is masked versus unmasked.

As the U. S. continues the process of moving to post-pandemic conditions, questions about music activity abound, including for the fall and beginning of the 2021-22 school year. Though the U. S. is reaching a higher level of vaccinated adults, the rates for those aged 12-17 remains low. This document summarizes current guidelines from the aerosol study.

A survey was conducted beginning April 28, 2021, to assess the level of spread events that occurred in school-based music programs. 3,000 surveys were returned and analyzed in June 2021. Watch a four-minute video summarizing the results.

Learn about the COVID-19 mitigation strategies for choir developed from the research done at the University of Colorado and the University of Maryland in the Aerosol Study.

Abstract: Outbreaks from choir performances, such as the Skagit Valley Choir, showed that singing brings potential risk of COVID-19 infection. There is less known about the risks of airborne infection from other musical performance, such as playing wind instruments or performing theatre. In addition, it is important to understand methods that can be used to reduce infection risk. In this study, we used a variety of methods, including flow visualization, aerosol and CO₂ measurements, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to understand the different components that can lead to transmission risk from musical performance and risk mitigation. This study was possible because of a partnership across academic departments and institutions and collaboration with the National Federation of State High School Associations and the College Band Directors National Association. The interdisciplinary team enabled us to understand the various aspects of aerosol transmission risk from musical performance, and quickly implement strategies in music classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that plumes from musical performance were highly directional, unsteady, and vary considerably in time and space. Aerosol number concentration measured at the bell of the clarinet were comparable to singing. Face and bell masks attenuated plume velocities and lengths and decreased aerosol concentrations measured in front of the masks. CFD modeling showed differences between indoor and outdoor environments and that lowest risk of airborne COVID-19 infection occurred at less than 30 minutes of exposure indoors and less than 60 minutes outdoors.

The CDC announced reduced physical distancing on March 19, 2021. This one-pager summarizes the recommendations for performing arts activities.

This latest release includes a one-page summary, aerosol production and mitigation effects, efficacy of masks, CFD modeling of small ensemble singers, and more.
Conversation video with lead researchers & chairs – especially recommended
Video on viral transmission by Dr. Miller & Dr. Vance

ACDA notes that in general, previous recommendations are reinforced with the most recent results. Especially notable:

• Singers produce aerosol at similar rates as woodwinds and brass. The amount of aerosol dispersed by singers varies depending on consonants, vowels, intensity and pitch. In addition, singers wearing a well-fitted, three-layer, surgical-style mask have a reduced release of aerosol.
• The researchers also addressed face shields and plexiglass partitions in the latest data. Among the findings were that face shields are only effective at close range to stop large droplets and do not prevent aerosol from being inhaled or released unless a mask is also worn. In addition, plexiglass partitions or barriers between musicians are not recommended due to HVAC system design limitations in rooms. The experts indicated a concern for aerosol build-up when plexiglass barriers are used.

ACDA, NATS, PAMA, Chorus America, and the Barbershop Harmony Society presented a joint Q&A-style webinar with study researcher Dr. Jelena Srebric (reviewing the preliminary findings for singers), otolaryngologist Dr. Lucinda Halstead (with a review of mask options), and soprano Olivia Lerwick (describing her participation in the research study) on Monday, August 10.
Recording of the webinar
Resources
Webinar Powerpoint 
Personal Risk Tolerance Assessment
What does the data say in my locale?
GA Tech Event Risk Assessment Tool 
What about my studio/building?
The University of Colorado Boulder risk assessment tool
Harvard-UC Boulder Portable Air Cleaner Calculator for Schools.v1.1
ASHRAE Resources 

Moderator: James Weaver. This webinar was organized by the researchers of the aerosol study, and featured the co-chairs, Dr. James Weaver, NFHS Director of Performing Arts and Sports, and Dr. Mark Spede, CBDNA President, Director of Bands, Clemson University, as well as lead researchers and others.
Recording of webinar
Response from ACDA, BHS, Chorus America, and NATS on the preliminary results
Aerosol Study FAQs

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.

This third session in the series was led by Professor John Volckens of Colorado State University. Professor Volckens provided an update on the progress of his ongoing study focused specifically on bioaerosol emissions in the performing arts, including current factual information that this study has brought to clear light, and how an understanding of this information may, should, and will affect our work in the fine and performing arts fields. Additionally, Professor Volckens provided an update on ongoing work to understand the efficacy of masks and face-coverings, which are now thought to be a primary means to control the spread of the virus from individuals in close contact.

ACDA notes from this session, prepared by Hilary Apfelstadt, ACDA Interim Executive Director.

Organized by Colorado State University, NATS, and the Energy Institute at CSU. Recording of webinar.

This release included information about the effectiveness of a variety of masks.

• Masks reduce vocal emissions by 90% or more.
• However, every singer’s mask tested to that date performed poorly, according to the study’s standards.
• Variability from one person to the next is important.

BHS is keeping this interim guidance document updated based on CDC guidance and new research.

To assist choral leaders in search of a responsible and transparent pathway to return safely to singing, critical aspects and considerations have been compiled from current guidelines and initiatives related to the COVID-19 situation and organized to support a decision-making process.

On Jun. 15, ACDA released guidance and a statement of support for choral singing and study during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included are protocols for MS/JH upper elementary schools, senior high schools, collegiate choirs, community: youth and adult choirs, and music in worship. An important appendix contains guidance and ideas for establishing instructional models. The 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.
Recording of webinar that summarized and discussed the report’s contents
List of Response Committee members

The recommendations in this ChoralNet post are collected from conductors who have blazed the trails with their choirs through the early days of the pandemic.

This document was developed to be a resource to New Hampshire music educators as they planned for continuing high-quality instruction in music education while prioritizing student and staff safety during the 2020-21 school year.

A one-page, step-by-step guide to planning for your choir when everything seems uncertain.

An interactive dashboard that estimates COVID-19 incidence at gatherings in the U.S. has added a new feature: the ability to calculate county-level risk of attending an event with someone actively infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19).

***Now at Last We Sing Again! (comp. by Tom Lough). The Noteable Mask team has shared a free download offering for use in celebrating the return to singing.

Many Hills Songbook. For their 20th anniversary, the Manhattan Choral Ensemble invited contemporary composers connected to New York City to contribute to a choral songbook – which you can download for free. The composers allowed the ensemble to share their work with you through a Creative Commons license for free non-commercial use.

Oxford University Press is offering some free online versions of songs and vocal activities in the form of extracts from two series, Oxford Solo Songs: Sacred (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Voiceworks (Junior Voiceworks: 33 Songs for Children, Voicelinks: Songs and Activities across the Curriculum, and Folk Voiceworks: 30 Traditional Songs). They also have a Spotify playlist.

NATS (Lynn Helding and Allen Henderson) hosted this webinar with panelists Tom Carroll, John Nix, Wendy LeBorgne, Jeremy Faust, and David Meyer on important reentry topics and new COVID-19 related concerns as preparations for in person collaboration are underway. Watch the recording.

ACDA, NATS, PAMA, Chorus America, and the Barbershop Harmony Society co-hosted. Moderator: Janice Bane, copyright & licensing manager at Barbershop Harmony Society. Watch the recording.

ACDA, NATS, PAMA, Chorus America, and the Barbershop Harmony Society co-hosted. Moderator: Brian Newhouse, Minnesota Public Radio. Watch the recording.

ACDA, NATS, PAMA, Chorus America, and the Barbershop Harmony Society co-hosted. ACDA did not make a statement coming out of this webinar. The goal of this webinar was to listen to leading scientists on the facts of the virus, allowing us to formulate potential next steps amidst much uncertainty.
Resources & Handouts from the webinar
Unedited recording of the webinar

Copyright 101 for Coductors: The What’s, Why’s, and How-To’s (by Rebecca Lord & Nate Wise)
Choirs with Limited Budgets: Top Ten Solutions for Copyright Compliance on a Dime (by Rebecca Lord & Nate Wise)
Copyright Guidance for Distance Learning (by NFHS & NAfME)
TEACH Act summary and FAQs on copyrights in distance learning.

GIA Publications, Inc., Statement on Permissions During the Pandemic
Hal Leonard Statement on Permissions During the Pandemic
J. W. Pepper Statement on Sharing Sheet Music Digital
Lorenz Corporation Statement on Permissions and Licensing

Please contact other publishers directly for their policies during the crisis.

Aug. 18: How are you creating community in your choirs?
Aug. 11: Another free webinar, and more!
Aug. 4: Exhale & rejuvenate with your August newsletter
Jul. 28: Thank you for sharing your thoughts
Jul. 21: Here are updated mitigation guidelines
Jul. 14: Attend one of the upcoming summer events
Jul. 7: Relax & dive deep with your July newsletter
Jun. 30: Our statement on vaccines & a member survey
Jun. 16: Help us say “Thanks!” to chapter leaders
Jun. 9: Join us in looking forward!
Jun. 2: Refresh with your June newsletter
May 26: Update on effective masking from CSU
May 19: Here is the current guidance on singing together
May 12: Here are the silver lining a conductor’s students shared with her
May 5: Be reading for the downbeat with your May newsletter!
Apr. 28: 7 silver linings from a community choir director’s past year
Apr. 21: Francisco Núñez describes this moment as an opportunity to reinvent ourselves
Apr. 14: Be inspired by Alice Parker’s conference keynote address!
Apr. 7: Music in Worship webinar, updated guidance on returning to choral rehearsals & more
Mar. 31: Anton Armstrong: “We are so often called upon to provide comfort, compassion & healing through our music”
Mar. 24: Overheard: “My heart, soul & mind have not only been fed, but challenged & uplifted”
Mar. 17: If you need some inspiration and connections, we’ve got it!
Mar. 10: Edith Copley has a message on conference interest sessions
Mar. 3: Highlights of conference music in worship service
Feb. 24: Another Silver Lining post for you
Feb. 17: Warm your spirits browsing upcoming events!
Feb. 10: Take a look inside at the array of virtual events open to you
Feb. 3: Two new purposes added to ACDA constitution
Jan. 27: Last day to register for national conference at the lowest price
Jan. 20: Just 7 more days to get the best conference price
Jan. 13: Have you found a silver lining during this time?
Jan. 6: Here’s a video message from Andre Thomas about the conference
Dec. 23: Happy Holidays from ACDA
Dec. 16: Connect & replenish yourself at the national conference
Dec. 9: Pay it forward by making a gift to ACDA’s Fund for Tomorrow
Dec. 2: Conference previews, Robert Shaw Award and Julius Herford Prize winners
Nov. 25: We’re thankful for you & appreciate everything you’re doing this year!
Nov. 18: More preliminary results from the Performing Arts Aerosol Study released
Nov. 11: Register now for the 2021 virtual national conference!
Nov. 4: Conference registration is now open
Oct. 29: Registration for the 2021 ACDA virtual conference opens Nov. 4
Oct. 21: 9 ACDA members make semifinalist for Music Educator Grammy!
Oct. 14: Have you completed the diversity & inclusion survey yet?
Oct. 7: Sign up to be an ACDA Choral Advocate
Oct. 1: A Choral Journal: “Sounds of Blackness: A Focus Issue on Racial Harmony”
Sep. 23: Here are some words from Tim Sharp
Sep. 16: Colorado State University & NATS webinar tomorrow on mask design
Sep. 2: An interim executive director is named
Aug. 26: ACDA’s Executive Committee statement on Tim Sharp’s retirement
Aug. 19: ACDA’s 2021 national conference goes virtual!
Aug. 12: Research results & our response to preliminary findings
Jul. 29: Join us in saluting our choral educators!
Jul. 22: There are 6 state virtual events starting over the next week!
Jul. 15: Refresh with an honor choir performance of “Be the Change”
Jul. 8: Consider participating in one of this summer’s state virtual conferences!
Jun. 24: Did you know some states’ virtual offerings are open to you?
Jun. 17: Join a Monday webinar on the COVID-19 Response Committee report
Jun. 10: An ACDA COVID-response document coming next week with support & guidance
May 27: Our second webinar was energizing and showcased creativity
May 20: Webinar 2 will focus on what we CAN do!
May 13: The time for advocacy is now!
May 6: The shifting focus to what we CAN do
Apr. 29: Music created in the moment is what connects us!
Apr. 22: We’re in this together!
Apr. 15: Here’s your Wednesday shot of inspiration
April 8: Thank you for continuing the musical experiences that are so nourishing!
April 1: We’re inspired by you – no joke!
March 25: How are you coping and altering your choral work life?
March 18: Here are some tools and inspiration to keep you moving ahead!
March 13: Here are online resources & ideas to access now