When do you think you'll play with other people again?

samopn · by **samopn** » 2020-05-25 7:20 a.m.

I mean, playing whilst actual physically sitting next to someone.

I can't see it before next spring unless a vaccine is developed.

There's a bass player in one of my bands who is 90, and he doesn't think he'll ever play again.

What rubbish times....

Bach5G · 2020-05-25 9:13 a.m.

My thoughts these days:

Who’d rent us rehearsal space? For years we rehearsed at a seniors centre. I’m sure that’s over.

Sit next to one another, indoors, huffing and puffing, spraying saliva? Not likely.

I don’t see getting together with other musicians until there’s an effective vaccine or treatment developed. Maybe never again.

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2020-05-25 9:34 a.m.

Vaccine or treatment will be ready by the end of the year. It will take some time to distribute. We'll be playing certainly by this time next year. Maybe small groups can play on an outdoor patio. Quartet can get spaced out properly.

Two guys in my quartet are high risk, and I would hate to be the one that passed something on to them. I've been pretty careful, but it just takes once.

samopn · by **samopn** » 2020-05-25 9:54 a.m.

[quote="hyperbolica"]Vaccine or treatment will be ready by the end of the year.[/quote]

Not guaranteed... remember the common cold is a type of coronavirus and we haven't worked out a vaccine or treatment for that and we've been looking for the best part of century.....

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2020-05-25 10:05 a.m.

[quote="samopn"]Not guaranteed... remember the common cold is a type of coronavirus and we haven't worked out a vaccine or treatment for that and we've been looking for the best part of century.....[/quote]

Obviously no guarantees, but if you read the reports, there are multiple groups with positive interim results. I think there is room for an optimistic outlook.

samopn · by **samopn** » 2020-05-25 10:29 a.m.

I agree, always room for optimism.... otherwise I use my trombones as nice shiny plant pots :D

samopn · by **samopn** » 2020-05-25 10:34 a.m.

[quote="hyperbolica"]Quartet can get spaced out properly.[/quote]

... do you mean in the physical sense or the "60's" sense :amazed: ? I'm all in favour of the 2nd option (in fact, some of the players I know are already there)

bigbandbone · by **bigbandbone** » 2020-05-25 10:46 a.m.

I'm 68 with underlying conditions. I was all set to buy another bass trombone this summer so one could be left ar our FL condo and no more checking through as baggage.

I'm holding off on that purchase. Not sure if or when live wind music, rehearsals or performances, will come back.

slipperyjoe · by **slipperyjoe** » 2020-05-25 11:56 a.m.

I'd give it at least a year once a society finally abandons wishful thinking and implements mass testing, contact tracing and issuance of N95/R95 respirators (with training) to all households and workplaces.

Vaccines within a year, reliance on cloth masks (https://tinyurl.com/y759lve9) and likely 6' minimum distancing are examples of wishful thinking.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2020-05-25 12:40 p.m.

[quote="slipperyjoe"]I'd give it at least a year once a society finally abandons wishful thinking and implements mass testing, contact tracing and issuance of N95/R95 respirators (with training) to all households and workplaces.

Vaccines within a year, reliance on cloth masks (https://tinyurl.com/y759lve9) and likely 6' minimum distancing are examples of wishful thinking.[/quote]

I don't think N95 respirators are in the cards for everyone. They don't work properly with facial hair. Paper masks can keep me from infecting other people but won't protect me from some drunk Trumpian breathing heavily in my face.

I'm a prime candidate for terminal COVID, being over 70, overweight, diabetic, and hypertensive. Spending most of my time cooped up in the house.

We are planning for an orchestra season 2020-2021, but our Governor has yet to allow sports stadia or performing arts venues to open. None of my summer bands have shown any activity. In fact, Hollis NH has canceled the usual ceremony in the Town Square that I would normally play today.

I'm about 50% confident that we'll be playing live gigs before the end of the year.

Burgerbob · by **Burgerbob** » 2020-05-25 12:42 p.m.

2021.

norbie2018 · by **norbie2018** » 2020-05-25 12:58 p.m.

Optimistically speaking a vaccine won't be available until the 3rd quarter of 2021, at least according to Dr, Peter Hotez an epidemiologist who appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience. Granted, he is one scientist and other scientists have differing opinions, but I'd take the conservative approach. Expecting a vaccine that has been vetted and safe for human use by the end of the year is a pipe dream. If a vaccine or treatment is found it will take some time for people to feel comfortable being close to one another even after it has been widely distributed/available.

slipperyjoe · 2020-05-25 1:13 p.m.

[quote="BGuttman"]I don't think N95 respirators are in the cards for everyone. They don't work properly with facial hair.[/quote]

Correct.

This (issued 2017) made me chuckle:

<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/Fa ... 17-508.pdf">https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/FacialHairWmask11282017-508.pdf</LINK_TEXT>

and I shaved my beard. I'm now sporting a modified 'Zappa' which allows me to take care of necessary outdoor chores, while also taking steps to avoid my seriously COVID-delusional and intrusive immediate neighbors. I had a full beard for 35 years, so daily shaving is weird, but absolutely worth it. Better cleanish shaven than dead.

slipperyjoe · by **slipperyjoe** » 2020-05-25 1:17 p.m.

[quote="norbie2018"]Optimistically speaking a vaccine won't be available until the 3rd quarter of 2021, at least according to Dr, Peter Hotez an epidemiologist who appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience. Granted, he is one scientist and other scientists have differing opinions, but I'd take the conservative approach. Expecting a vaccine that has been vetted and safe for human use by the end of the year is a pipe dream. If a vaccine or treatment is found it will take some time for people to feel comfortable being close to one another even after it has been widely distributed/available.[/quote]

A pipe dream and an unrealistic campaign promise in the U.S.

Posaunus · by **Posaunus** » 2020-05-25 1:24 p.m.

I can see playing soon in a small group (e.g., quartets, quintets) outside (patio, driveway, etc.) spaced 6-8 feet apart. Very little danger of exchanging virus in such situations. Not worried about "spewing" particles from my trombone bell. Remember that by far the greatest risk is extended person-to-person contact; VERY low probability of virus transmission from "contaminated" surfaces.

Playing in an ensemble indoors is another story. Count me out on that one. I don't anticipate doing that for 8-12 months – or possibly more. Fingers crossed for rapid development and broad distribution of an effective vaccine. Unfortunately, that's not a sure thing, so I'm trying to be patient and cautious. Spouse and I are in high-risk category (age), so unwilling to take chances. We wear masks whenever we are at all close to others, do not use masks on our daily walks for exercise and mental health because we maintain our distance.

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2020-05-25 2:29 p.m.

[quote="samopn"]<QUOTE author="hyperbolica" post_id="114221" time="1590413683" user_id="104">
Quartet can get spaced out properly.[/quote]

... do you mean in the physical sense or the "60's" sense :amazed: ? I'm all in favour of the 2nd option (in fact, some of the players I know are already there)
</QUOTE>

Yeah, some of us are already kind of permanently spaced out.

dxhall · by **dxhall** » 2020-05-25 8:33 p.m.

When I think of playing my horn in a group, I think of this fatal choir practice:

<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.livescience.com/covid-19-su ... nging.html">https://www.livescience.com/covid-19-superspreader-singing.html</LINK_TEXT>

I think we’re a long way away. End of 2020 is a pipe dream.

FOSSIL · by **FOSSIL** » 2020-05-26 4:05 a.m.

Possibly never. No chance of the opera working before the end of September, but realistically next year may be the earliest chance and even then, without audiences filling the theatre, the finances don't add up... who knows, the opera may be finished and I won't be freelancing at my stage of life. The last thing I played was 'Nixon in China'... a funny and very tough thing to end up on.

Gotta hope things turn out better.....

Chris

SimmonsTrombone · by **SimmonsTrombone** » 2020-05-26 6:06 a.m.

My church small wind ensemble began rehearsals yesterday - outside in a member’s driveway. We were spaced apart. I’m not very concerned with this situation as I think the sunlight, temperature and constant breeze lower infection possibility greatly. Inside is another story. I wear the mask I wear for mixing chemicals with P95 filters and organic vapor filters.

On the bright side, the latest CDC report shows a much lower actual death rate than WHO had predicted, and researchers in the UK say they are not finding enough infected people to properly test a vaccine.

Conn100HGuy · 2020-05-26 8:59 a.m.

Five of us (2 trumpets, 2 horns and me on trombone) performed at our church last Sunday. With our county in Pennsylvania in the "yellow" phase of reopening as of 5/22, groups of 25 or fewer can get together. For that reason my big band will start rehearsing this coming Thursday. It's anybody's guess when we can perform again.

bigbandbone · by **bigbandbone** » 2020-05-26 9:33 a.m.

[quote="Burgerbob"]2021.[/quote]

<EMOJI seq="1f601" tseq="1f601">😁</EMOJI>Could you be a little more specific!

bigbandbone · by **bigbandbone** » 2020-05-26 9:43 a.m.

[quote="FOSSIL"]Possibly never. No chance of the opera working before the end of September, but realistically next year may be the earliest chance and even then, without audiences filling the theatre, the finances don't add up... who knows, the opera may be finished and I won't be freelancing at my stage of life. The last thing I played was 'Nixon in China'... a funny and very tough thing to end up on.

Gotta hope things turn out better.....

Chris[/quote]
I know how it feels to think about "the last gig you played before COVID19" and remember it as a real stinker! I got a call to cover the bass book in a big band I had never heard of or played with before. Absolutely the worst big band I've ever played with! But the check didn't bounce.

I hope that's not my last gig ever!

samopn · by **samopn** » 2020-05-26 10:08 a.m.

Yes, I feel the same about "the last gig"

I used to play for a very long time in a local wind band and I left last year because I was sick to death of playing the same thing year after year after year (and sick of some of the internal politics, but that's a different matter!). They asked me to fill in with them for a gig the week before the lockdown and my heart sank when I saw the programme - same old thing.

And that's what I will remember, playing a boring gig with boring music that I could do with my eyes shut.

Funnily enough, this spring my diary was more full than it'd been for years so if the virus had held out for another month I'd have had a fantastic memory of "my last season"

... but let's be optimistic.

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-05-26 11:43 a.m.

I hope I haven’t played my last gig. I just bought a new DE set up. (Very nice by the way!)

Cotboneman · by **Cotboneman** » 2020-06-03 6:37 p.m.

I have serious concerns that many groups will be able to return to normal this year. I live in Arizona, which yesterday (June 2nd) reported over 1,000 Covid-19 hospitalizations, and that number is going to be going up. During the stay home order period there were strong indications that the pandemic had peaked here, but since the governor eased restrictions it has gone the opposite direction.

I play into two community groups, with members whose ages average well over 65, thought the orchestra has some younger players as well. These folks (including me) are highly vulnerable, so I do not know what management will do. I have to make some decisions either way whether or not I can participate in any of these groups. or gig this fall. That truly hurts my heart, but what else can be done? As wind players, we can't wear masks, and being socially distant (6 feet or more) is very impractical in the rehearsal spaces available, for many reasons. I know that I am not alone in feeling like 2020 might be a wash out musically for large ensembles.

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-06-03 6:45 p.m.

BC’s provincial health officer reported only 4 new cases and there were 207 active cases as of yesterday. 2,229 people have recovered.

I am thinking that maybe one of my groups might start up again in Sept if this progress were to continue.

Ted · by **Ted** » 2020-06-04 1:38 a.m.

The Dutch Music Association is writing a protocol using some German and Austrian research as a basis. They'll probably say it's safe to have a rehearsal with brass musicians, when they're 2 meters apart. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra already started. They also say that for choirs it's an different situation, they have a higher risk of spreading Covid-19. For a band with one/two singers it's advised to stay at least 8meter away while singing.

FWIW

u_8parktoollover · by **u_8parktoollover** » 2020-06-04 5:00 a.m.

I already am

KRRath · by **KRRath** » 2020-06-04 11:47 a.m.

Our brass quintet played at a VFW ceremony on Memorial Day. We were spaced apart six feet or more on the lawn on a hilltop overlooking the cemetery, which is in a valley that creates a natural amplification chamber (this creates a beautifully surreal effect when our trumpet player plays Taps). The ceremony was shorter than usual and everyone was observing social distancing. It's a small town so there aren't large crowds. Most of the audience listened from their vehicles.

Our quintet rehearses in a member's two-stall garage. We can be apart, yet still run through our gig books.

It looks like all four of the area summer community bands will be cancelling their seasons.

Mikebmiller · by **Mikebmiller** » 2020-06-05 10:40 p.m.

My last gig was backing up an Elvis show at the Flat Rock Playhouse in N.C. the first week of March. It turns out we were the last show there for all of 2020. I am scheduled to play Sister Act in September, but the theater director has told me he doesn’t think it will happen. All my groups are on heold for now. Although the number of cases here is pretty low, it is holding steady and not going down. I am not counting on any real gigs for a long time.

imsevimse · by **imsevimse** » 2020-06-06 12:53 a.m.

I had my last gig with a brass quartet the 21st of May in a church, or outside the church mostly. We also played two hymns inside the church from the organ gallery.

Yesterday two friends who are professional players asked me to play trios this weekend. We have done this for ages. We usually meet three to five players and play the repertoire we got, but I declined the offer. Except from the gig in the church I have been isolated since 17th March. I do not want to go by community train these days. I practice a lot at home with play-along.

A big band who rehearse on the net has asked me to join but as my internet connection is too slow I can not participate. I have ADSL by phone and you need fibre or else the lag is destroying the experience.

I think the possibilities to meet and play music on the net will increase. There will be better apps to support what we want to do. This is the positive about all this, but unfortunately it demands faster connection than the one I have.

/Tom

FOSSIL · by **FOSSIL** » 2020-06-06 3:14 a.m.

We were told yesterday that there will be no mainscale opera until 2021. My company is looking at small projects and virtual performance later in the year.

Chris

Tromboned · by **Tromboned** » 2020-06-16 9:12 a.m.

So I just had a socially distant compliant rehearsal last night with a community band. We practiced outdoors with everyone six feet apart. Rehearsals were typically two hours so they split the band in half with woodwinds the first hour and brass & percussion the second. We had about 25 people during the brass hour with the director. Masks were worn to and from our marked spots as well as between songs. Everyone had their own music copies that they either printed or scanned on iPads. Everyone also brought their own chairs & stands. It wasn't quite a normal rehearsal but it was nice to play with other people again.

LeTromboniste · by **LeTromboniste** » 2020-06-16 10:25 a.m.

First rehearsals with colleagues since mid-March was yesterday and today. Feels really good to get started again, even if it's on a very small scale.

MStarke · by **MStarke** » 2020-06-16 11:11 a.m.

The coming weekend I will have my first little gig.

It's a funeral in the family, so not really a happy event.

Still I am looking forward to playing some trumpet/trombone duos with my brother.

He did two simple arrangements (My Way and You Raise Me Up) and we also play a little from the Joe Alessi/Michael Sachs duet books.

As it takes place outside it won't be so much of an issue regarding distancing.

marccromme · by **marccromme** » 2020-06-16 11:39 a.m.

We started practicing with a full brass band indoors in a small church room spread out over the floor last week, and continue so now. Quite different acoustic experience with 2 m to the next trombone or tuba, but great fun.

Conn100HGuy · by **Conn100HGuy** » 2020-06-17 11:09 a.m.

Our big band had booked a birthday party for last April before the virus hit the fan. Now that South Central PA has entered the "green" phase of reopening, we're going to be able to play after all! The setting will be outdoors (in a large party-type tent). Our birthday boy requested a big band and asked us to include 5 charts that he knows from his HS jazz band, including the ever-popular Sing, Sing, Sing. We've also asked him to join the band to play a few tunes with us. Pretty cool, huh?

slipperyjoe · by **slipperyjoe** » 2020-06-23 11:18 a.m.

“When you do testing to that extent, you’re going to find more people,” Trump said during the rally. “You’re going to find more cases. So I said to my people, ‘Slow the testing down, please.’”

(Trump denied today that he was kidding, "I don't kid.")

American exceptionalism was not supposed to mean this:

<TWITTER id="1274000542361059332"><LINK_TEXT text="https://twitter.com/DrTomFrieden/status ... 32/photo/1">https://twitter.com/DrTomFrieden/status/1274000542361059332/photo/1</LINK_TEXT></TWITTER>

(cases per million people)

Identifying airborne transmission as the dominant route for the spread of COVID-19:

<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020 ... 2009637117">https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/06/10/2009637117</LINK_TEXT>

(full .pdf is available; a very readable journal article; scary stuff)

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-06-23 1:26 p.m.

Fauci testified today that there is no direction to slow down testing.

Which begs the question: what colour is the sky in Trump’s world?

imsevimse · by **imsevimse** » 2020-06-23 2:06 p.m.

I think I will play with "other people" tomorrow again for the first time since 21/5. We will meet in a garden and play jazz in a distance of 2 meters from each other. The weather will be very hot so it is not rain that could mess this up but sun. What about if it is too hot to be outside? They predict 32°C in the shadow, which means it could be unpleasant in the sun.

I hope we do this. It will be fun to meet and play jazz again.

/Tom

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2020-06-23 2:22 p.m.

One of my bands will have a reduced concert season starting in mid July. Sadly I cannot join them because I have developed cataracts and will be in the surgery cycle.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2020-06-23 2:24 p.m.

[quote="imsevimse"]I think I will play with "other people" tomorrow again for the first time since 21/5. We will meet in a garden and play jazz in a distance of 2 meters from each other.[/quote]

How many musicians are in the group?

Cotboneman · by **Cotboneman** » 2020-06-23 4:46 p.m.

I've played duet and trio "driveway" trombone practices and concerts this spring and throughout the pandemic, but it's been in open air and we space ourselves out. That's gone okay, but I don't see being in a confined space with an 80 piece ensemble in two and a half hour rehearsals for a long time. In the hot spot that Arizona has become. it is way too dangerous.

Cotboneman · by **Cotboneman** » 2020-06-23 4:47 p.m.

[quote="BGuttman"]One of my bands will have a reduced concert season starting in mid July. Sadly I cannot join them because I have developed cataracts and will be in the surgery cycle.[/quote]

Please be well!

imsevimse · by **imsevimse** » 2020-06-23 5:30 p.m.

[quote="StevenC"]<QUOTE author="imsevimse" post_id="117419" time="1592935567" user_id="3173">
I think I will play with "other people" tomorrow again for the first time since 21/5. We will meet in a garden and play jazz in a distance of 2 meters from each other.[/quote]

How many musicians are in the group?
</QUOTE>

We are six of us. Trumpet, sax, trombone, piano, bass and drums

/Tom

slipperyjoe · by **slipperyjoe** » 2020-06-23 5:45 p.m.

One thing United States public health officials and WHO are (purposely? purposefully?) neglecting to mention adequately, but is documented in published research, is that transmission of aerosolized viral particles is likely the predominant route of COVID infection. This means that the 6' / 2 meter social distancing standard is worthless. One aerosol expert suggested thinking about how far away one can smell barbecue or cigarette smoke outdoors. That's how far aerosols can travel. Outdoors.

Read the article (and references therein) that I referenced above.

Your gig may be your funeral. And possibly someone else's.

Posaunus · by **Posaunus** » 2020-06-23 8:03 p.m.

[quote="slipperyjoe"]One thing United States public health officials and WHO are (purposely? purposefully?) neglecting to mention adequately, but is documented in published research, is that transmission of aerosolized viral particles is likely the predominant route of COVID infection. This means that the 6' / 2 meter social distancing standard is worthless. One aerosol expert suggested thinking about how far away one can smell barbecue or cigarette smoke outdoors. That's how far aerosols can travel. Outdoors.[/quote]

Of course cloth face coverings / masks / shields do not stop transmission of microscopic particles as small as barbecue odor, cigarette smoke –– or corona virus (all of which are much smaller than the "pores" in the cloth or gaps in the shield). The reason that these strategies work (and they seem to be pretty effective) is that transmission of sufficient virus to make you sick is load-dependent. As I understand it, you must get enough virus, over a period of time (probably not a very long time, however) to get sick from it. The tiny amount of aerosolized virus wafting gently in the air doesn't hit that critical quantity. But having an infected person breathe directly toward you (or worse yet cough or sneeze) from a close distance can be – literally – fatal.

I think Dr Fauci's advice is still valid (he follows it himself). Stay away from others if possible. When around others, wear a face mask and keep your distance (at least 6 feet / 2 meters). If someone is coughing, sneezing, or otherwise suffering – get the hell away from them. Fast!

Please all – be careful!

slipperyjoe · by **slipperyjoe** » 2020-06-23 10:42 p.m.

The 6' / 2 meter distance (in the U.S., it varies among countries) was based on COVID virus-laden exhalation droplets falling and presumably landing on a surface (e.g., the ground) within that distance and before reaching another person's respiratory system. It isn't realistic for many droplet scenarios including sneezing, coughing and likely just talking. It is nowhere near adequate for exposure via aerosols. From a cursory examination of recent research, it's clearly bullshit. You can be certain that your favorite public health officials know that it's bullshit.

Masks are presumed to reduce exposure by limiting atomization, and hence aerosol production, from individuals during exhalation. Aerosols (and droplets) escape through any gap between a mask and skin, but production may be reduced somewhat - apparently enough to be observed in data sets. Masks may not protect individuals during a particular scenario, but they may provide some protection for a population overall (which seems paradoxical, but that's what the data say).

Any gathering of people (e.g., gigs, rehearsals) is an aerosol producing event. People would have to be far more than 6' away to avoid aerosolized virus 'wafting gently in the air.' Assuming otherwise is wishful thinking. As we've seen in the U.S., wishful thinking continues to be deadly.

Basbasun · by **Basbasun** » 2020-06-24 3:35 a.m.

I played in a church yesterday. Trio, cornett tenorsax tuba (me on tuba playing walking) . Funeral of a very dear friend.

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-07-12 2:21 p.m.

I got an email this morning indicating that we are welcome to return to our rehearsal space in September. This is good news but also very surprising, as we rehearse in an out building the grounds of seniors center. I pointed out that my trombone is approximately 104 inches long. Therefore, the airflow has to travel nearly 8 1/2 feet before it leaves the bell. That seems to be appropriate social distancing

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2020-07-12 8:04 p.m.

A wind ensemble south of here has begun rehearsing. They have limited their number to fifty, and still take up an entire field with their distancing. It seems kind of silly. I do miss playing with a group.

Bach5G · 2020-09-21 8:16 p.m.

Sept 21 - first rehearsal since early March coming up tomorrow.

A few changes since. Requirements: a mask, a bell cover, hand sanitizer, social distancing, hour-long rehearsal. No hanging around bs-ing.

I found by pure happenstance a perfectly sized bag that will work perfectly as a bell cover. A soap dish from my gym bag, filled with paper towel, spritzed with hand sanitizer for condensates.

The positive is that my chops are in pretty good shape after months of consistent practice.

harrisonreed · by **harrisonreed** » 2020-09-21 9:44 p.m.

[quote="StevenC"]A wind ensemble south of here has begun rehearsing. They have limited their number to fifty, and still take up an entire field with their distancing. It seems kind of silly. I do miss playing with a group.[/quote]

That is sort of dumb. The room is half the equation.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2020-09-21 10:22 p.m.

Got to play with one Jazz Band last Friday. Played outside in a park, socially distanced, and bell covers. Felt good to play, but it was cold and windy. In fact, one of the older guys in the band got blown over.

Looking forward to rehearsing again this week.

Not a paying gig, but at least I'm playing with others.

imsevimse · by **imsevimse** » 2020-09-22 4:42 p.m.

[quote="BGuttman"]Got to play with one Jazz Band last Friday. Played outside in a park, socially distanced, and bell covers. Felt good to play, but it was cold and windy. In fact, one of the older guys in the band got blown over.

Looking forward to rehearsing again this week.

Not a paying gig, but at least I'm playing with others.[/quote]
Good to hear rehearsals are back! :good:

I've been asked if I want to rehearse with all bands that I played in before Corona and also the choire has started now, but I have rejected all. I think I will start somewhere next year in January or February when vaccinations have started. I have turned down two payed gigs too. It's not worth the risk and I have another job and there are plenty of starving musicians who need those gigs. I sure hope I am welcome back next year in all those bands. I played in four bands; tenor in two and bass in two bands, and I also sang In a choire. I was occupied every evening before Corona, right now I'm doing nothing, except keeping shape at home.

/Tom

baileyman · by **baileyman** » 2020-09-22 7:24 p.m.

"before Corona" could be the new "BC". So 2018 could be 1 BC. I guess we are in 2 AC, anno corona?

Meanwhile, listening to stories about aerosol transmission, our favorite activity seems like perfect cluster material. A Swedish epidemiologist described the spread as "from cluster to cluster". My horn is working better than ever (in spite of the not narrow enough rim hr), and nothing to do with it. And I think I will yet wait even if opportunity presents.

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-09-22 7:38 p.m.

These are the BC Covid provincial guidelines for band practices:

Band and musical instruments

Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID or who has symptoms of COVID-19 should not participate in band activities in-person

Public health recommends that people who are more likely to experience complications of COVID-19 – including older adults – should avoid playing instruments with others in person, especially in large groups.

Adults and children who are not ill should play instruments in groups that are no larger than 50 and follow appropriate COVID-19 precautions (e.g., physical distancing, recording the contact information of participants, and regular hand washing) and Orders of the Provincial Health Officer.

Playing instruments outdoors is best, or in a large indoor space with good ventilation.

Avoid sharing equipment. If sharing instruments is unavoidable (such as for a piano), items should be cleaned and disinfected between users.

Consider the placement of instruments based on their risk of release of droplets (for example, flutes could be placed where exhalation would not be directed at other musicians).

Brass instrument condensate should under no circumstances be released on the floor (as is often the case with spit valves) – this condensate should be captured in a container or on an absorbent cloth. Remember to practice hand hygiene each time after handling condensate and touching spit valves.

For more information on choirs and bands please see Guidance for Choirs and Bands + FAQ and an evidence review by the NCCEH, COVID-19 Risks and Precautions for Choirs.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2020-09-22 9:11 p.m.

Bach5G: Sounds good except for one problem. People who are contagious can be asymptomatic so it's possible that people will join a group since they don't feel sick and still spread the virus.

The poor ventilation problem is a major issue. Prolonged contact with aerosols can be as bad as short exposure to droplets. And the aerosols travel much further than 2 meters.

I'm hoping the vaccine can be found and some level of immunity created.

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-09-23 12:40 a.m.

Well, stronger measures may be on the way, given increases in Covid rates this fall. I’m comfortable with these precautions and compliance in the group is 100%. But if stronger measures are needed, so be it.

The drive home was pleasant. The CBC radio show Ideas ran an hour on historian Richard Evans, an expert on epidemics, particularly a cholera epidemic in Hamburg at the turn of the century.

Richard Evans: <LINK_TEXT text="https://www.gresham.ac.uk/series/the-gr ... resent-day">https://www.gresham.ac.uk/series/the-great-plagues-epidemics-in-history-from-the-middle-ages-to-the-present-day</LINK_TEXT>

bassbone721 · by **bassbone721** » 2020-09-23 8:49 a.m.

We've been lucky at school and we have in person ensembles and lesson though the ensembles are limited to 15 people.

Elow · by **Elow** » 2020-09-23 9:36 a.m.

I guess i’ve been even luckier. My school has rehearsal in class every other day with about 40 kids. We have a big enough room to follow florida guidelines. Out side we have about 200 kids, a little less. Probably not the best thing, but that’s ron desantis decision. I don’t like ron desantis

Driswood · by **Driswood** » 2020-09-25 8:35 a.m.

Big band - One of my big bands has rehearsal next week. The other four? Before the end of the year.

Concert band - I play in three concert bands. Who knows? No time soon.

JCBone · by **JCBone** » 2020-09-26 1:44 p.m.

Unclear. Supposedly in 2 weeks but I doubt it will happen.

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-10-01 8:25 p.m.

It looked like we were about to return to rehearsal in a new space. However, after initially agreeing to have us, the facility changed its mind.

I have asked the band organization to provide me with a copy of its Covid plan. It hasn’t done so; indeed, it hasn’t even replied to my two requests. I suspect it does not have one.

I cannot imagine any facility agreeing to provide rehearsal space to us without our having a Covid plan in place. The plan has to assure observance of the public health guidelines and provide for bell covers, social distancing, appropriate mask wearing, contact tracing, and hand sanitizers, etc. It seems like a lot of work to go through, but I’ve rehearsed with a band that has taken the steps and, as a result, is up and running.

Mamaposaune · by **Mamaposaune** » 2020-10-06 10:09 p.m.

At this point, I think next summer at the earliest, if I'm lucky (although our brass quintet has done a few outdoor rehearsals, just for fun, sitting about 10 feet apart.)

The members of the groups I rehearse and perform with (used to, that is) are mostly aged 50 and over. The conductor of one is in his mid-70's, and the vast majority of our gigs were in retirement communities.

Trying to stay optimistic, but will just have to wait and see.

JCBone · by **JCBone** » 2020-10-07 10:38 a.m.

Were supposed to come out of lockdown this week but I doubt that will happen. If I had to guess, then I'd say not for atleast a month at the earliest.

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2020-10-07 10:43 a.m.

My quartet started playing last week. We meet in a park under a picnic shelter, and just play for a couple of hours. Some people wander through the park, and so far we haven't offended anyone greatly. It does feel good to play with others again. You don't realize how social music is until that aspect of it is taken away from you. That first cancelled rehearsal back in March really felt like "the day the music died". So glad to be back at least in this small capacity.

Posaunus · by **Posaunus** » 2020-10-07 2:12 p.m.

[quote="hyperbolica"]It does feel good to play with others again. You don't realize how social music is until that aspect of it is taken away from you.

That first cancelled rehearsal back in March really felt like "the day the music died". So glad to be back at least in this small capacity.[/quote]

:good:

For about two months, I have also been playing weekly – outdoors and spaced apart – with a brass quintet. Not great music, but still wonderful to do. The disappointment again hit me hard today when our session was canceled due to illness, with no idea of when we'll reassemble. I'm tired of practicing alone! Music should be made with – and appreciated by – others.

WGWTR180 · by **WGWTR180** » 2020-10-07 3:55 p.m.

For me Broadway will reopen next year. When?? I'm guessing May/June or possibly not until September. All of the other freelance work that I do is also on hold. Some because venues and groups will not do performances with reduced audience sizes. I've played 1 gig since March 5. Usually I play 400-500 services per year.

Savio · by **Savio** » 2020-10-07 4:49 p.m.

I sympathize with all of you, this pandemic is unpredictable. I am lucky because some parts of Norway are almost free of the virus. And right now I'm playing "The Man of la Mancha" for 3 weeks. Norway had a strict lockdown in March, and it paid off, but now it seems to be out of control again in the big cities. Norway does not have many people, and in some places the population is scattered without corona. What surprises me is that there is a trend here where young people no longer care much. The students have parties as before and do not follow the rules. And it causes the virus to spread more and more here. Many musicians here suffer, especially freelancers. I hope we follow all the rules and we have a more predictable future.

Leif

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When do you think you'll play with other people again?