Conservatory interim policy for Spring 2022

Updates to Conservatory Protocols for Spring 2022 from James Day (February 11, 2022)

Dear Members of the Conservatory Community,

I am writing with an important update regarding masking policies for Conservatory activities.

Effective this Saturday, February 12, beginning with Sophia Low’s junior recital at 2:30PM, a single fully vaccinated and boosted soloist or conductor may remove their mask while performing or conducting in large rehearsal and performance spaces such as the Recital Hall, Majestic Theater Stage, Majestic Rehearsal Hall, and Christ Chapel if all the following criteria can be met:

  • All other individuals in the rehearsal or performance space remain masked, including collaborating musicians and audience members;
  • The soloist or conductor maintains at least 6 feet distance from all other collaborators, ensemble members, and audience members while unmasked;
  • Only one individual is unmasked in the space at a time.

In addition, effective February 12 at 2:30PM, fully vaccinated and boosted wind players will no longer be required to use bell covers in any setting.

The reason for the specific start time is that we feel it is important to complete auditions for prospective students taking place on February 11 and 12 before enacting this policy.

I hope this is welcome news as we prepare for several student recitals and ensemble concerts in the coming weeks.

Please note that all other Conservatory policies outlined below remain in effect:

  • Masking: Consistent with the College’s current policy, all individuals—regardless of their vaccination status—must wear a mask while inside campus buildings, including while singing or playing their instrument. This policy applies to all activities, including lessons, rehearsals, performances, and when practicing alone in College facilities.
    • Wind players should wear a modified mask (with slit for mouth piece) while playing, but must return to using a standard mask when not playing. Flutists may use specialized masks in which the head joint is inserted into the mask while playing.
    • The only exceptions to this policy, in addition to those listed in the College policy, are:
      1. When a student is practicing alone in their assigned residence hall room, apartment, or off-campus housing unit as long as practicing is permitted in these residential spaces, or when an employee is alone in their personal office or workspace.
      2. A single fully vaccinated and boosted soloist or conductor performing or conducting in large performance or rehearsal spaces as outlined above.
  • Distancing: In addition to masking, all vocalists and wind players must maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others while playing or singing in studio lesson spaces and classrooms, and 3 feet when playing or singing in large rehearsal spaces such as the Recital Hall, Majestic Theater Stage, Majestic Rehearsal Hall, and Christ Chapel.
  • Airtime: Activities, such as rehearsals and performances, involving more than 12 persons singing and/or playing wind instruments, should be followed by a vacancy to allow for at least one full exchange of fresh air in the activity space (a minimum of 1 hour for most large ensemble spaces, such as the Majestic main stage and Paul Recital Hall).
      1. In activities and settings not involving singing or the playing of wind instruments indoors, no additional airtime or distancing is required and only the College’s masking mandate applies.

These policies apply to all individuals participating in a music related activity on campus, including Gettysburg College students, faculty, and staff, as well as contractors, vendors, visitors, and guests. These policies also apply to official College activities off campus, such as a performance by a College ensemble in the community, so long as the activity itself is permitted under College policy.

Current College policies can be found here:

https://www.gettysburg.edu/opening/

Thank you all for your continued cooperation. As always, we will continue to evaluate these policies as circumstances evolve and new information becomes available.

With best wishes,

Dr. Day