ShenCo Rising: COVID-19 Reopening Plan

Shenandoah Conservatory monitors guidance from federal and local agencies, as well as industry-specific sources, regarding the safety of artists and visitors in our live performance venues. At this time, we cannot say for certain when audiences will be invited back to our performance venues but we are eagerly awaiting that day!

At this point, all regularly scheduled indoor fall performances will be closed to the general public, however, we will be video recording as many recitals and performances as possible for archival and streaming purposes. In November, we will re-evaluate this policy for the spring. Following the lead of so many arts organizations, much of our 2020/21 season is already being designed with digital delivery in mind. In order to support these efforts and the creative endeavors of our students and guest artists, we will be introducing Conservatory Performs for You (CP4U), the new Conservatory Performs digital streaming platform. CP4U will enable audiences to purchase digital subscription packages and single “tickets” to access recorded performances by our instrumental ensembles and dance and theatre divisions. Pending guidance from local, state and federal agencies, we are also planning a special outdoor open house for our community on October 10 (rain date October 11). ShenCo Inside/Out will feature a sampling of short music, theatre and dance performances throughout campus (safety measures such as face masks and social distancing will be enforced).

Safety Measures for Outdoor Performances

Unlike indoor venues, outdoor performances provide artists and audiences with adequate air circulation and room to safely socially distance. Special safety measures will be required for all outdoor performances at Shenandoah University, including:

• Masks required for all artists, crew, staff and audiences
• A minimum of 6 feet social distancing required for all artists, crew, staff and audiences (please note additional safety measures below for singers and wind/brass musicians)
• No direct interaction between performers and audience before, during or after performances (including backstage and post-performance meet and greets)

Singing and the playing of brass and wind instruments is considered a high risk activity. For outdoor performances involving singing or the use of brass/wind instruments, the following safety measures must be followed, in addition to the mask requirement (masks for wind/brass musicians may have a small opening for the musician’s mouth):

• A minimum of 10 feet distancing required between performers
• A minimum of 25 feet is required between performers and the first row of the audience
• Bell covers required for all wind/brass instruments

We know that most of our students want face-to-face lessons with their teacher in the teacher’s studio each week. However, we must exercise caution to keep each other safe. Lessons will be delivered in person and/or remotely depending on the instrument, space availability and whether students and faculty are on campus.

Considering low risk experiences and provided that students and faculty adhere to proper safety protocols, piano, percussion, guitar, composition and string lessons may occur in person depending on the willingness and consent of both the student and faculty member. Both teachers and students will wear masks and accommodate social distancing of at least 6 feet. Lessons will be no more than 50 minutes.

Voice lessons will be provided remotely. Moving our voice lessons online aligns with current research about singing face-to-face in smaller studio spaces. Studio classes, designed to address repertoire selection, vocal health and advanced musicianship, held online or in large spaces (or outdoor spaces) will also allow for greater in-person experiences.

For wind instruments, lessons will be provided remotely. We are working to accommodate in-person experiences for these lessons in large spaces or outdoor spaces, though this is dependent on the willingness and consent of both the student and faculty member. Studio classes held in large spaces or outdoor spaces will also allow for greater in-person experiences as well. If it is possible to accommodate in-person wind lessons, students and faculty must wear a mask for the duration of the lesson (wind students are required to wear a face mask with a small opening for their mouth and are required to use bell cover). Wind students will also be required to accommodate social distancing of at least 12 feet. Lessons will be no more than 50 minutes with a 30-minute room vacancy between each lesson to allow for adequate air exchange.

Please understand we have some music faculty in high-risk groups and we have some students in high-risk groups. In such cases, we will support remote applied instruction on Zoom or via other approved video-conferencing platforms to ensure that we are providing the right accommodation for those with such needs.

Practice rooms will be available through reservation only in order to ensure a safer environment and proper tracking (in the event contact tracing is needed). Students will be limited to specific practice spaces at specific hours. In order to allow time for sufficient air circulation and disinfecting, there will be a one hour block in between each available reservation. Only one person may use a practice room at a time. The specific hours of operation and scheduling process will be communicated to students one week prior to classes started.

The Steinway Piano Suites will be available exclusively to piano students through reservation only. Students will likely be limited to specific hours. In order to allow time for sufficient air circulation and disinfecting, there will be a one hour block in between each available reservation. Only one person may use a practice room at a time. Due to safety concerns, accompanists are not permitted to work with vocalists in these spaces. The specific hours of operation and scheduling process will be communicated to students one week prior to classes starting.

Following best practices and industry standards, student recitals for the fall semester will be closed to the public; however, all recitals will be streamed live, so that friends and family can join you virtually. During the livestream recital, only necessary faculty, staff and students will be permitted in the recital venue. Performers, adjudicating faculty and stage crew must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask. Post-concert receptions are not permitted on campus, but we encourage students to set up their own virtual watch parties for friends and family. Students who are unable to perform a recital in person may elect to complete a Personal Musicianship Project. These policies will be re-evaluated for the spring semester.

All conservatory classes will operate under the university’s new ShenFlex model. Under ShenFlex, courses are largely face-to face and can immediately pivot to online learning as necessary. All classes will have fully online options for students and faculty who are unable to participate face to face. Classroom capacities are being reduced to accommodate social distancing. Students and faculty are required to wear masks and maintain a 6-foot distance during all in-person classes.

In order to allow extra time for cleaning and disinfecting, conservatory facilities (including Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, Ruebush Hall, Armstrong Hall and Shingleton Hall dance studios) will close each night at midnight. Facilities will reopen at 7 a.m.

Based on the most recent COVID-19 research and recommendations from instrumental music and health experts, our orchestra and band experiences will be restructured for the coming academic year. Instead of being placed in one of our larger ensembles, instrumental students will register for Large Instrumental Ensemble (MUEN 315, 2 credits) and will be assigned to new, smaller, project-based ensembles. Following best practices and industry standards, ensembles will be limited in size in order to accommodate safety measures for in-person instruction. During all in-person gatherings, students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal, class, coaching session or performance. Additionally, wind musicians are required to wear a face mask with a small opening for their mouth; use a bell cover; and may be subject to increased social distancing. Students and faculty who cannot attend in person will be accommodated via live stream, Zoom or other appropriate software application (with further instruction provided by the ensemble director). Depending on the ensemble placement, students will meet with their assigned ensemble during one of the regular large instrumental ensemble rehearsal times (Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday 7 p.m.to 9 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.).

Auditions/Placements

Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements. 

Based on the most recent COVID-19 research and recommendations from instrumental and health experts, our jazz ensembles may be modified for the coming academic year in order to accommodate safety measures for in-person instruction. Following best practices and industry standards, ensembles will be limited in size in order to accommodate safety measures for in-person instruction. During all in-person gatherings, students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal, class, coaching session or performance. Additionally, wind musicians are required to wear a face mask with a small opening for their mouth; use a bell cover; and may be subject to increased social distancing. Students and faculty who cannot attend in person will be accommodated via live stream, Zoom or other appropriate software application (with further instruction provided by the ensemble director). Ensembles will meet during the regular rehearsal times.

Auditions/Placements

Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements. 

In-person chamber ensembles will be limited in size in order to accommodate social distancing. Students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal, class, coaching session or performance. Wind musicians are required to wear a face mask with a small opening for their mouth, and may have additional safety measures, such as increased social distancing and other applications which mitigate aerosol (i.e., protective instrument covering). Students and faculty who cannot attend in person will be accommodated via live stream and Zoom.

Auditions/Placements

Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements. 

In-person instrumental studio ensembles will be accommodated in larger venues as possible in order to accommodate social distancing. Students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal, class, coaching session or performance. Additionally, wind musicians are required to wear a face mask with a small opening for their mouth; use a bell cover; and may be subject to increased social distancing. Students and faculty who cannot attend in person will be accommodated via live stream and Zoom, to be coordinated by the faculty member.

Auditions/Placements

Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements. 

Based on the most recent COVID-19 research and recommendations from choral and health experts, we have decided to restructure our choral ensembles for the coming academic year. Instead of being placed in one of our larger traditional choirs, all choral students will now register for Shenandoah Voices (MUEN 312) and will be assigned to new, smaller, project-based ensembles. Following best practices and industry standards, ensembles will be limited in size in order to accommodate safety measures for in-person instruction. During all in-person gatherings, students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal or performance. Singers may be required to wear a special face mask; and may be subject to increased social distancing. Shenandoah Voices will officially meet Tuesday/Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., but some small groups may be asked to meet Monday/Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. In no case will any individual singer be required to meet more than 4 hours in any one week.

Live performances may not be possible. This is one of the most challenging aspects to predict. Of course, the possibility of live performance is preferred, and we are continually looking for ways to make them happen. We will need to see how the pandemic progresses or regresses before being able to make those determinations.

There will be a mixture of rehearsal/performance and choral musicianship training. We are finding opportunities for everyone to perform (be it live, virtual, recorded, etc.), and we are finding ways to increase your choral/ensemble musicianship skills in new, more dedicated ways. There is nothing like making music with other people. Whether it be groups of 4, 8, 12 (or more if permitted), we are creating ways for you to make music with your colleagues — and not just with other singers, but with instrumentalists, dancers and actors too!

Auditions/Placements

Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements. 

Based on the most recent COVID-19 research and recommendations from vocal and health experts, we will modify our opera programming and processes, implementing safety measures for auditions, rehearsals and performances. Following best practices and industry standards, productions and classes will be limited in size in order to accommodate safety measures for in-person instruction. During all in-person gatherings, students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal or performance. Singers may be required to wear a special face mask; and may be subject to increased social distancing.

Live opera performances may not be possible. This is one of the most challenging aspects to predict. Of course, the possibility of live performance is preferred, and we are continually looking for ways to make them happen. We will need to see how the pandemic progresses or regresses before being able to make those determinations.

There will be a mixture of rehearsal/performance and operatic training. We are finding opportunities for everyone to perform (be it live, virtual, recorded, etc.), and we are carefully following new industry trends and practices, identifying ways for our students to gain opera experiences that are both innovative and relevant. Please stay tuned for more details and programming information.

Auditions/Placements

Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements. 

Based on the most recent COVID-19 research and recommendations from vocal and health experts, we will modify our theatre programming and processes, implementing safety measures for auditions, rehearsals and performances. Following best practices and industry standards, ensembles/productions will be limited in size in order to accommodate safety measures for in-person instruction. During all in-person gatherings, students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal or performance. Singers may be required to wear a special face mask; and may be subject to increased social distancing.

Live theatre performances may not be possible. This is one of the most challenging aspects to predict. Of course, the possibility of live performance is preferred, and we are continually looking for ways to make them happen. We will need to see how the pandemic progresses or regresses before being able to make those determinations.

As always, the semester will feature a mixture of rehearsal/performance and theatrical training, and we are exploring many ways to utilize technology to enhance and expand our skills. We are finding opportunities for many to perform this semester (be it live, virtual, recorded, etc.), and we are carefully following new industry trends and practices, identifying ways to provide experiences that are both innovative and relevant. Please stay tuned for more details and programming information.

Auditions/Placements

Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.

Based on the most recent COVID-19 research and recommendations from dance and health experts, we will modify our dance programming and processes, implementing safety measures for auditions, classes, rehearsals and performances. Following best practices and industry standards, groups will be limited in size in order to accommodate safety measures for in-person instruction. During all in-person gatherings, students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal or performance.

Live dance performances may not be possible. This is one of the most challenging aspects to predict. Of course, the possibility of live performance is preferred, and we are continually looking for ways to make them happen. We will need to see how the pandemic progresses or regresses before being able to make those determinations.

As always, the semester will feature a mixture of rehearsal/performance and dance training, and we are exploring many ways to utilize technology to enhance and expand our skills. We are finding opportunities for many to perform this semester (be it live, virtual, recorded, etc.), and we are carefully following new industry trends and practices, identifying ways to provide experiences that are both innovative and relevant. Please stay tuned for more details and programming information.

Auditions/Placements

Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.

Music education students enrolled in field experience courses will be paired with in-service teachers in area schools delivering online music instruction. Students will be experiencing and learning to create music instruction as it is being designed and delivered by master teachers.

Shenandoah Conservatory’s music therapy program is creating clinical experiences for students to complete practicum and internship requirements remotely via telehealth and/or in person, per site availability and guidelines. Practicum and internship seminars will continue uninterrupted.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyone to reconsider how daily activities can be done safely and effectively. This is particularly true for our wind musicians. Requirements of social distancing, face masks and limited duration within a single space are particularly challenging for wind musicians. Shenandoah is committed to delivering the best possible experience for our musicians given the circumstances. However, that experience is going to look different in a number of ways. The path forward is challenging, to be sure, but also rewarding and relevant. It is our hope that you will gain the skills necessary to perform in a variety of situations as our “new normal” continues to evolve. In addition to remote rehearsal options, here are some things you can expect based on current recommendations by state/federal agencies and industry-researchers:

• At this time, it appears that if players wear surgical style masks with a slit for mouthpiece AND bell covers, aerosol emission is reduced. Flute players can put the headjoint between their mouth and mask and use a “flute sock” attached to the foot.
• Bell covers should be used at all times and made of a double-layer, polyester/spandex fabric. The cover stretches over the bell and does not inhibit sound production. Just like with face masks, multiple layers are more effective at blocking small particles than single layers. Two layers of fabric creates a denier rating of 140+, well in excess of the 70 denier nylon fabrics tested. Bell covers are available for purchase at McCormicks and Bandmans.
• CDC guidelines for social distancing of 6×6 feet, with 9×6 for trombone players.
• Indoor rehearsals should last for 30 to 45 minutes followed by clearing the room for 30 minutes for the HVAC system to change the air indoors with outside air and to allow aerosols and droplets to disperse or settle. All players should be seated to the front and play in the same direction (no arced seating).

Wind musicians will not be permitted to play their instrument in any classroom or venue with others while not wearing a mask.

Sources

• Performing Arts Aerosol Study: Preliminary Results for Clarinet, Flute, Horn, Soprano Singer, Trumpet (NFHS)
• Reducing Bioaerosol Emissions & Exposures in the Performing Arts (Colorado State)
• Wind Musicians’ Risk Assessment in the Time of COVID-19 (University of Iowa)

The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyone to reconsider how daily activities can be done safely and effectively. Not the least of these is singing. Requirements of social distancing, mouth covering and duration within a single space are particularly challenging for singers. Shenandoah is committed to delivering the best possible experience for our singers and musical theatre students given the circumstances. However, that experience is going to look different in a number of ways. The path forward is challenging, to be sure, but also rewarding and relevant. It is our hope that you will gain the skills necessary to perform in a variety of situations as our “new normal” continues to evolve. Here are some things you can expect based on current recommendations by state/federal agencies and industry-researchers:

• Singing/acting in individual spaces with remote coaching/interaction
• Singing/acting with masks only outside with students 12 feet apart
• Singing/acting in large spaces (Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall) with masks while students social distance at 10 to 12 feet apart for a limited amount of time (30 minutes to 45 minutes) followed by clearing the room for 30 minutes for the HVAC system to change the air indoors with outside air and to allow aerosols and droplets to disperse or settle. All singers should face house front and sing in the same direction (no arced seating).

Students will not be permitted to sing or act in a classroom with others while not wearing a mask.

Sources & More Information

• Actors’ Equity Association: COVID-19 Safety Resources
• Journal of Voice: Safer Singing During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Considerations for dancers wearing masks:

• A mask will make it harder to breathe during exercise initially and dancers should self-monitor for symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, numbness or tingling and shortness of breath.
• Monitor the intensity of your class/workout as you get used to wearing a mask during exercise. Your body will adapt over a few weeks to wearing a mask.
• If you start to feel dizzy, imbalanced or over fatigued stop your activity and rest.
• Dancers may require multiple masks to get through the day.
• If your mask becomes saturated with moisture from breathing or sweat you need to change into a dry mask. A wet mask is less efficient at filtering bacteria and viruses.
• Masks should only be worn once and then replaced with a fresh mask.
• All reusable masks should be cleaned ideally in a washer with hot water and soap and then dried in a dryer prior to next use. Ironing on the highest setting can also disinfect after washing and drying.

Sources & More Information

• COVID-19 FAQ for Dancer & Dance Companies (Dance USA)