Dear friends,   

I am getting very excited as our first “post pandemic” in person rehearsal is fast approaching…two weeks from this Wednesday, September 8 (youth/young adults at 6 PM and full chorus at seven!)   

I just want to give you all a couple of updates:   

1 — COVID protocols – I have been advised by the Medford Community Schools office that all persons will be required to wear masks in Medford Public School  buildings this fall, regardless of vaccination status, and I will be required to configure the seating in the music room to allow for 3 feet of social distancing.  Special singers’ masks are available from jwpepper.com for$19.99:https://www.jwpepper.com/Protec-Singer%27s-Mask/11341055.item#.YSOdaiX3YlQ 

However … The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) guidance states that simply “…wearing a well fit 3-layer surgical style mask reduces aerosol emission”, so the choice is yours as to which mask you would feel more comfortable wearing.   

As/if COVID protocols change based on updated data and guidance, I will let you all know right away.   

2 — Music/binders – if you participated with us “pre-pandemic” in 2020, I would be most appreciative if you would please bring your binder and “old” music with you on the 8th.  I will have a large bin at the front of the music room for you to drop off your “old” music and I will have a new packet for you to put in your binder for this season!   

New members – I will have a binder with copies of the music for this season for you when you arrive for rehearsal on the 8th!   

Thanks so much for you understanding and your cooperation.  Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.   Enjoy the “last hurrah” of summer, and I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks!   

~Betsy