Last night was our first rehearsal for the opening performances for Early Music Hawaii. We started out in the courtyard of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, but had to move indoors after awhile because of a building use conflict. Don’t worry, we were wearing masks and were all safely socially distant! We also opened all the doors and did not turn on the air conditioning. Luckily the temperature was still cool and comfortable.

A couple of days ago, I shared with director Scott Fikse some recommendations that were published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, in consideration for the latest research on aerosol transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, the new recommendations centered on four areas: masks, time, distancing, and air flow. The Association of Anglican Musicians was a sponsor of this important research.

Masks
Singers and speakers should wear masks at all times.
• Wash your hands before putting on the mask.
• Masks should be multi-layer, surgical style, and either washable or disposable after each use.
• Masks should completely cover the nose and snugly fit the contours of the face – for example, medical grade masks with no gaps that fit tightly around the edges.
• One way to evaluate a mask’s effectiveness: does it leave an outline on your face when it is removed?
• Most musicians and public speakers will need two types of masks: one for general use, and onespecifically for singing/speaking.
• Speakers should use amplification and speak at a low, conversational volume.
• Remember: absolutely no talking without a properly worn and fitted mask.

Time
Duration of in-person rehearsals/classes should be reduced to 30 minutes. (One can assume that this would apply to worship as well.)
• Completely clear the room and allow for a minimum of one complete air change before the next use; three complete air changes are recommended.
• Outdoor rehearsals/classes should have a five-minute break after 30 minutes of singing/playing to allow aerosols to disperse. (One can assume this would apply to worship as well.)
• Note: a 30-minute time limit is recommended, indoors or outdoors, regardless of the size of the space.     

Distancing
Each singer/speaker should be centered in the middle of a 6 x 6 foot square. This applies both indoors and outdoors.
• Singers should be seated in straight lines, facing the same direction. No curved rows or groups facing each other.
• Designate paths and procedures for entering and exiting the room or outdoor space.• Although not mentioned in this presentation, it has been suggested that teachers/leaders createwritten seating charts and keep copies on file by date. This will assist in contact tracing if someone in the group is infected.

Air Flow
Meeting outdoors (without an overhead covering such as a canopy) is always the best option.• If used, tents/canopies must have high tops and no side panels.
• If meeting indoors, rely on professional facility managers and experts to measure air change rates and design appropriate procedures.
• Utilize online tools found on the NFHS website for calculations and risk estimation.
• Employ HEPA filtration and change filters regularly as recommended.
• Open windows whenever possible.
• Avoid using rooms with no HVAC system. Additionally, focus on good hygiene
• Frequent handwashing
• Social distancing
• Wearing masks
• Apply these hygienic practices not only in classrooms and meeting rooms, but also in storage rooms, vesting rooms, hallways, and any other regularly used spaces.
• Involve students and meeting participants in cleaning: have them bring 70% alcohol wipes into the room and wipe surfaces before and after touching. Dispose of wipes properly.Although not covered in this presentation, many churches and schools are establishing protocols for use of keyboard instruments. Since sanitizing cleaners may contain ingredients that can damage these instruments, suggestions include the following:
• Limit the number of people playing or touching the organ console, piano, or keyboard.
• Wash hands and use hand sanitizer before and after playing or touching the instrument.
• Persons playing or touching these instruments must wear masks at all times.
• Do not touch any part of your body (especially face, eyes, and hair) while at the instrument. If you happen to do so, use hand sanitizer again before continuing.
• Do not cough or sneeze on the keyboard or into your hands.

Speaking of masks, I volunteered to make masks for the Early Music Hawaii musicians for our season opening concerts. In the last month, I have discovered a 3D pattern, which has a pleat for the nose and helps to eliminate fogged up glasses, in addition to giving singers the space to be open their mouths wide. I make my masks with three layers of 100% cotton, for maximum protection.

I have now given away 271 masks, each one of them made and given with lots of love. I give them away for FREE and only ask for reimbursement of the postage. (This is turning out to be an expensive hobby!)

Here are the masks I made to the Early Music Hawaii singers:

If you would like to see a gallery of my masks, you can click here.

It’s a GOOD thing I live across the street from the post office!