Wellesley Choral Society

If you wish to ZOOM into rehearsals in the 2021-2022 season, please join us on this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81400018644?pwd=VGF2ZmFlZCtWMjZoWXNwMFlVRjB6UT09

Meeting ID: 814 0001 8644

Passcode: 576145

If you wish to sing with us in person in 2021-2022, please read the following:

COVID-19 Rehearsal Protocols

While no single measure or collection of measures can provide complete protection from Covid-19, we can mitigate the risk by working together as a community, taking prudent actions, and adhering to the preventive measures outlined below.

Based on the latest CDC guidance, the Board of the Wellesley Choral Society has determined the following protocol will be in place for in-person rehearsals:

· MASKS – Everyone will wear approved masks inside any venue where the group is rehearsing or performing. Specialized singer’s masks will be available for separate purchase and purchases may be made with payment of membership. TMF masks have been determined to be the singer’s mask with the best results for droplet containment. (KN95 masks will be available to interested singers coming during open rehearsals.)

· VACCINATIONS/NEGATIVE TESTS – Members will be required to provide proof of vaccination according to CDC guidelines (deemed to be two full weeks after last dose.) Any members unable to show proof of vaccination will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test completed within 3 days for PCR test or no more than 2 days for a rapid response test prior to rehearsal. All proofs of vaccinations or negative tests results must be shown to the WCS president.

· SYMPTOMS OR EXPOSURE – Whether Covid-related (and regardless of vaccination status) or caused by any other potentially communicable illness, if you have been exposed or experiencing any of the following symptoms, you will need to be absent from in-person rehearsal and are welcome to join the rehearsal via Zoom:

o Cough or sore throat

o New loss of taste or smell

o Fever or chills

o Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea

o Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

o Headache (not a usual one)

o Nasal congestion or runny nose

o Muscle or body aches (unexplained)

· ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY – Cleaning wipes and sanitizing gel will be available before, during, and after rehearsal. Windows in the sanctuary will be opened prior to rehearsal and remain open during rehearsal to provide maximum outside airflow. Recommended measures will be taken to maintain air circulation.

· REHEARSAL SPACE – Regular rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary. The pews will have pre-set markers for social distancing of approximately three feet, as recommended by the CDC. Please observe the markers and leave them in place.

· REHEARSAL TIME – Per CDC guidance for choruses, our rehearsal time will be one hour. We will not have a break during rehearsal in order to accomplish as much as possible in our limited time together.

· SOCIAL TIME – In the past, people have gathered prior to rehearsal and linger after rehearsals to socialize. While camaraderie is an inherent part of our group, the pandemic requires vigilance as to how we interact with each other. All socializations, therefore, will need to take place outside of the venue. Please be respectful of a request or reminder by a Board member to enjoy your conversation outside during non-rehearsal times.

We are a non-audition community chorus, open to all who love to sing! Open rehearsals begin Monday, September 13, 2021 at 7:30 at the Chapel of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills.

Thank you to all our sponsors, advertisers and donors, our singers and our audience members for a successful 2017-2018 70th anniversary season!