Noteworthy News, September 10, 2021

(Apparently, there were some technical problems with the earlier attempt to send this week's newsletter and not everyone received it. So at the risk of duplication, let's try this again!)

Important upcoming dates:Monday, September 20, Presentation on Safe Singing, 7 pm, via ZoomMonday, September 27, First In-person Rehearsal, 7 pm, First Presbyterian Church (map)
From Wendy: Portland Symphonic Choir has been hired once again by the Oregon Music Festival to sing in concert with Andrea Bocelli Thursday November 4, 7:30 pm at the Moda Center. We have received the repertoire list and are now awaiting the choral parts so we can begin working on the music at our first rehearsal, Monday September 27. The music looks similar to what was sung in the past with a few new additions including O Fortuna from Carmina Burana. As in all things these days, this information is subject to change but we are hopeful that this concert will happen as planned. Stay tuned!
From Alissa: Now that our first rehearsals of the season are in view, it is more important than ever to get our voices going! I hope you have found the voice lesson series helpful -- if you have not investigated the “Let’s Get Ready To Sing Again” videos, they are still available on the Members page of our website. Click on the tab then scroll down the website page. Pro tip: use "pschoir" to access the Members page. “Creative practice” can be just as beneficial as focused singing. Even if you don’t have time to commit 30 minutes to dedicated practice, 10 minutes of doing scales while washing the dishes also counts! Sing “dying cow” or “going through” while you are driving to work or do breathing exercises while you take your morning walk. Discovering creative practice opportunities in your daily routine can be fun and once you start, you’ll find yourself singing all day long! The most important thing is to get started. Feel free to contact me if you need any suggestions or advice - I’m happy to help (alissa@pschoir.org).
From Claire: Here's the second installment of our Singing Together Again series. We are taking a multifaceted approach to reducing the risks of singing together including becoming a fully-vaccinated choir and purchasing special masks (Resonance Mask) for all rehearsals and performances. Today, let's talk about aspects of risk mitigation surrounding screening and the action plan for our rehearsals. Our goal is to utilize proven strategies that prevent the spread of communicable illness through the Choir. While we are a fully vaccinated group (thank you), part of our duty of care to our section mates and the choir at large is to share our singing when we are well and not our germs when we are sick! 

The first step in our screening process is a reminder email from me before each rehearsal reviewing COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Anyone feeling ill should communicate with their section leader ASAP that they will not be attending rehearsal that night. The email will also remind Choir members that anyone asked to self-isolate by a medical professional due to close contact or who is awaiting COVID-19 test results, is expected to stay home and not attend rehearsal. By self-screening for symptoms and exposure to COVID-19, we help keep the virus from reaching our rehearsal space.

We've chosen to implement a temperature check as the second step of our screening process with a touchless thermometer based on the advice of our Health and Safety Committee as well as the current best practices suggested by the ACDA. Some people may not be aware that they have developed a fever greater than 100 degrees during the day. (In my work at the Springs Retirement Community, I screened several employees who had fevers and had not noticed). As you might imagine, this part of the screening process makes it important that folks arrive early to rehearsal and allow plenty of time for everyone to be checked in.

Next week, I will be writing about the advantages of our new space (First Presbyterian Church) and changes to our rehearsal processes.