Many of these studies are ongoing and are constantly being updated. Know that each update is being followed closely and our classroom procedures will adjust and adapt as needed in response to new findings. Below are a sample of the many studies and articles that have been published relating to music making and aerosol emissions. They are by no means an exhaustive list but provide a small sample of the research and understanding of the professional community on the topic.
MDHHS Guidance for Public School Music Programs
International Coalition Performing Arts Aerosol Study Preliminary Results
International Coalition Performing Arts Aerosol Study Results Round Two
"Is it safe to strike up the band in a time of coronavirus?" by Sciencemag
The health and well-being of all students is always a top priority at Lake Linden-Hubbell Schools. This year is no different in that regard. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, extra precautions are being taken to reduce risk of virus transmission in our music classes.
As of the start of the 2020 school year, official guidelines for music classes have yet to be published by the State of Michigan for the public schools. I (Ms. Schramm) have been in frequent contact with the Lake Linden-Hubbell School Administration and local Health Department as well as other music teachers and professionals across the region, state, and country to gather information and determine the safest and most appropriate response for the LLH music programs to take.
Various studies across the globe have recently been conducted and published (with many still ongoing) that test aerosol output of singing and playing instruments and the effect of various masking techniques to lower that output. Based on the data from those studies, recommendations from the CDC and local health department, as well as the guidance of the LLH School District, these are the precautions the LLH elementary music program will be taking to reduce the risk of virus transmission in our music classes:
1. Classes will take place outdoors as much as possible. When the weather does not allow for outdoor rehearsing, classes will be conducted in the elementary music room.
2. In every class, indoor or outdoor, social distancing will be practiced. Students are assigned to individual "dots", spaced on the floor of the classroom as a visual aid to assist in distancing.
3. Students will wear masks at all times in accordance with the district dress code policy for the 2020-21 school year.
4. As most of the instruments in the elementary room as shared among classes, every material used will be disinfected between students.
5. Until more studies are published regarding the safety of singing in a pandemic, full-group singing will not occur in our classes. I will be very closely monitoring all studies, state guidelines, publications, etc. so that we may begin singing as soon as it is allowed.