Based on CDC guidance, as well as IDPH and ISBE mandates, all students in Illinois are currently required to wear face coverings while inside a school building. This includes students in band classes. Beginning Monday, August 16, until announced otherwise, students who play woodwind and brass instruments should have a secondary face-covering, with a slit, that will allow them to keep the majority of their nose and mouth covered while playing their instrument in class. Students have two options for masks during band and jazz band classes:
1) the student may bring a personal mask from home that they have modified to include a slit.
2) the student may use a school-provided non-medical disposable civilian mask (like these) that will be modified with scissors to include a slit.
Flutists, whenever possible, should adapt a mask to include a slit for playing. Alternatively, they may pull their traditional mask down while playing, and then replace the mask immediately when not playing.
Percussionists, pianists, guitarists and string players should wear a standard mask, without a slit, during music class.
Last year, mitigation guidance mandated shortened rehearsal blocks (not to exceed 30 minutes), the use of bell-covers on wind instruments, and 6' distancing. Those mitigations are no longer in effect. Students will sit in traditional arcs, at a distance of 3'. Rehearsals will continue through the full class period. Face shields are not required for any student this year.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Smith or Mr. Teague.
