Purpose
My name is Greg Black. I teach choir and guitar at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, MI. This page is meant to be a resource for music teachers who are dealing with the issues generated by this COVID-19 Pandemic. I'm not a web designer, but I got tired of not knowing where to go to get answers. So, I'm posting my finds here. If you have something you would like to post here or have other suggestions to improve this resource, email me at [email protected], and I will consider putting on the page. Best wishes to everyone who is trying to get your programs off the ground this Fall.
Articles
MY SUPERINTENDENT SENT ME THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES ARE FROM
"COVID-19 School and Community Resource Library"
Resources for clinicians advising schools and community
groups on strategies to prevent and manage COVID-19
Authors
Jessica Becker, MD
Thea Brennan-Krohn, MD
Duru Cosar
Scott Dryden-Peterson, MD
T. Rajesh Gandhi, MD
Karen Jacobson, MD
Jennifer Johnson, MD
Doug Krakower, MD
Benjamin Kruskal, MD
Jacob E Lazarus, MD, PhD
Benjamin Linas, MD, MPH
Safdar Medina, MD
Amir Mohareb, MD
Ruvandhi Nathavitharana, MD, MPH
Sandra Bliss Nelson, MD
Gregory Robbins, MD, MPH
Virginia Triant, MD, MPH
Sam Wainwright, MD
Editor/Communicating Author
Andrea Ciaranello, MD, MPH
Division of Infectious Disease
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA 02114
[email protected]
SECTION 14 - Singing
There have been SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks associated with indoor choir practices. Singing likely projects viral material in higher concentrations and over larger distances, compared to speaking. It is not known if this may be different in children compared to adults. There are no empirical data on the impact of
singing with a face mask or behind a plexiglass shield.
● Hamner et al., 5/12/20, High SARS-CoV-2 Attack Rate Following Exposure at a Choir Practice ...
○ There have been well documented COVID-19 outbreaks, including one where one symptomatic individual infected 87% of those attending a 2.5 hour choir practice. This was in early March, and was indoors and without masks or distancing.
● McBroom, Deanna, 5/5/20, A Conversation: What Do Science and Data Say About the Near-Term Future of Singing
○ Excellent summary: provides multiple links to articles discussing singing and COVID-19, as well as links from athletes, sports psychologists, and physicians discussing the current knowledge regarding COVID-19.
● Mass Eye and Ear Communications, 5/21/20, Is Singing in a Choir Safe During COVID-19? A Voice Expert Explains the Risk
○ Singing is a higher risk activity as small droplets are projected much farther than during normal conversations.
● Lay summary of risks: An Unexpected Coronavirus Super-Spreader: Singers
● Stadnytskyi et al., 5/4/20, The Airborne Lifetime of Small Speech Droplets and Their Potential Importance in SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
○ Droplets produced during singing are also smaller and travel farther than those produced by coughing.
● Asadi et al., 1/27/20, Effect of Voicing and Articulation Manner on Aerosol Particle Emission During Human Speech
○ Certain sounds (consonants) lead to greater amounts of droplets in the environment.
● American Association of Choral Directors, 6/15/20, ACDA COVID-19 Response Committee Report
○ Summary of data, sample approaches to mitigate risk
○ Sponsored studies are planned:
■ Reducing Bioaerosol Emissions and Exposures in the Performing Arts: A Scientific Roadmap for a Safe Return from COVID-19. Objective: To reduce the risk of human exposure and co-infection to SARS-COV-2 aerosol during performing arts activities. Team: Researchers with the Powerhouse Energy
Campus at Colorado State University.
■ Aerosol Generation from Playing Band Instruments, Singing, and Performing, and Risk of Infectious Disease Transmission. Purpose: The study will examine aerosol rates produced by wind instrumentalists, vocalists, and even actors, and how quickly those aerosol rates accumulate in a space. Lead Researcher: Dr. L. Shelly Miller, University of Colorado. Press release.
● Center for Evidence Based Medicine: Qureshi et al., 6/22/20, What is the Evidence to Support the 2-Metre Social Distancing Rule to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission?
○ Safe distances for singing are not known. Smaller droplets produced during singing may spread up to 8 meters (~26 feet) rather than the typical 2 meter (~6 foot) guideline.
● Marshall, Alex, 6/9/20, When Will It Be Safe to Sing Together Again?
○ NYT review discusses various opinions on whether singing would be possible soon.
● Reussner, Lee, 6/22/20, Please Take the Singing With a Mask Survey
○ Masks can help decrease viral spread by containing droplets.
○ Looking to see how wearing a mask would affect singing, specifically would singing sound different, would breathing be an issue?
○ Asks the audience to take a survey to help determine if singing with a mask sounds drastically different.
● Merry et al., 6/1/20, How Can Physicians Advise Faith Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
○ Mayo physicians advising faith communities
○ Suggests singing with a small number of vocalists, none behind another
● SF Gay Mens’ Chorus: Rehearsal Guide: Choral Singing in the Time of COVID-19
○ Provides recommendations for safer singing, specifically: shorter rehearsals, monitored/limited bathroom use, at least 6 feet between singers, thermal cameras to check temperature, hand-washing station in lobby, wear masks at all times, no printed music, sanitize chairs before and after rehearsal, conductor should have plexiglass to avoid any droplets getting into eye’s mucous membrane.
● Reussner, Lee, 5/26/20, Singing (and Speaking) Safely in the COVID-19 Era-Part 3- Considerations for Singing Together Again
○ Lists various considerations, such as gathering outside, having shorter rehearsals to limit viral exposure, screening singers, singing in smaller groups, spreading out (more than 6 feet), cleaning surfaces.
● Additional data may emerge after performances during the pandemic, e.g., an indoor choir for Mike Pence event: Choir of More than 100 People Perform Without Masks at Pence Event
SECTION 15. Band (String Orchestra is included in this, but the risk is lower since there are no wind instruments)
The risk of wind instruments may be lower than with singing. Brass instruments may pose lower risks than wind instruments. Clear data are lacking.
● AMRO music, 6/13/20, Should My Child Go Back to Band Class?
○ Recommendations for common-sense approaches to cleaning instruments
"COVID-19 School and Community Resource Library"
Resources for clinicians advising schools and community
groups on strategies to prevent and manage COVID-19
Authors
Jessica Becker, MD
Thea Brennan-Krohn, MD
Duru Cosar
Scott Dryden-Peterson, MD
T. Rajesh Gandhi, MD
Karen Jacobson, MD
Jennifer Johnson, MD
Doug Krakower, MD
Benjamin Kruskal, MD
Jacob E Lazarus, MD, PhD
Benjamin Linas, MD, MPH
Safdar Medina, MD
Amir Mohareb, MD
Ruvandhi Nathavitharana, MD, MPH
Sandra Bliss Nelson, MD
Gregory Robbins, MD, MPH
Virginia Triant, MD, MPH
Sam Wainwright, MD
Editor/Communicating Author
Andrea Ciaranello, MD, MPH
Division of Infectious Disease
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA 02114
[email protected]
SECTION 14 - Singing
There have been SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks associated with indoor choir practices. Singing likely projects viral material in higher concentrations and over larger distances, compared to speaking. It is not known if this may be different in children compared to adults. There are no empirical data on the impact of
singing with a face mask or behind a plexiglass shield.
● Hamner et al., 5/12/20, High SARS-CoV-2 Attack Rate Following Exposure at a Choir Practice ...
○ There have been well documented COVID-19 outbreaks, including one where one symptomatic individual infected 87% of those attending a 2.5 hour choir practice. This was in early March, and was indoors and without masks or distancing.
● McBroom, Deanna, 5/5/20, A Conversation: What Do Science and Data Say About the Near-Term Future of Singing
○ Excellent summary: provides multiple links to articles discussing singing and COVID-19, as well as links from athletes, sports psychologists, and physicians discussing the current knowledge regarding COVID-19.
● Mass Eye and Ear Communications, 5/21/20, Is Singing in a Choir Safe During COVID-19? A Voice Expert Explains the Risk
○ Singing is a higher risk activity as small droplets are projected much farther than during normal conversations.
● Lay summary of risks: An Unexpected Coronavirus Super-Spreader: Singers
● Stadnytskyi et al., 5/4/20, The Airborne Lifetime of Small Speech Droplets and Their Potential Importance in SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
○ Droplets produced during singing are also smaller and travel farther than those produced by coughing.
● Asadi et al., 1/27/20, Effect of Voicing and Articulation Manner on Aerosol Particle Emission During Human Speech
○ Certain sounds (consonants) lead to greater amounts of droplets in the environment.
● American Association of Choral Directors, 6/15/20, ACDA COVID-19 Response Committee Report
○ Summary of data, sample approaches to mitigate risk
○ Sponsored studies are planned:
■ Reducing Bioaerosol Emissions and Exposures in the Performing Arts: A Scientific Roadmap for a Safe Return from COVID-19. Objective: To reduce the risk of human exposure and co-infection to SARS-COV-2 aerosol during performing arts activities. Team: Researchers with the Powerhouse Energy
Campus at Colorado State University.
■ Aerosol Generation from Playing Band Instruments, Singing, and Performing, and Risk of Infectious Disease Transmission. Purpose: The study will examine aerosol rates produced by wind instrumentalists, vocalists, and even actors, and how quickly those aerosol rates accumulate in a space. Lead Researcher: Dr. L. Shelly Miller, University of Colorado. Press release.
● Center for Evidence Based Medicine: Qureshi et al., 6/22/20, What is the Evidence to Support the 2-Metre Social Distancing Rule to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission?
○ Safe distances for singing are not known. Smaller droplets produced during singing may spread up to 8 meters (~26 feet) rather than the typical 2 meter (~6 foot) guideline.
● Marshall, Alex, 6/9/20, When Will It Be Safe to Sing Together Again?
○ NYT review discusses various opinions on whether singing would be possible soon.
● Reussner, Lee, 6/22/20, Please Take the Singing With a Mask Survey
○ Masks can help decrease viral spread by containing droplets.
○ Looking to see how wearing a mask would affect singing, specifically would singing sound different, would breathing be an issue?
○ Asks the audience to take a survey to help determine if singing with a mask sounds drastically different.
● Merry et al., 6/1/20, How Can Physicians Advise Faith Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
○ Mayo physicians advising faith communities
○ Suggests singing with a small number of vocalists, none behind another
● SF Gay Mens’ Chorus: Rehearsal Guide: Choral Singing in the Time of COVID-19
○ Provides recommendations for safer singing, specifically: shorter rehearsals, monitored/limited bathroom use, at least 6 feet between singers, thermal cameras to check temperature, hand-washing station in lobby, wear masks at all times, no printed music, sanitize chairs before and after rehearsal, conductor should have plexiglass to avoid any droplets getting into eye’s mucous membrane.
● Reussner, Lee, 5/26/20, Singing (and Speaking) Safely in the COVID-19 Era-Part 3- Considerations for Singing Together Again
○ Lists various considerations, such as gathering outside, having shorter rehearsals to limit viral exposure, screening singers, singing in smaller groups, spreading out (more than 6 feet), cleaning surfaces.
● Additional data may emerge after performances during the pandemic, e.g., an indoor choir for Mike Pence event: Choir of More than 100 People Perform Without Masks at Pence Event
SECTION 15. Band (String Orchestra is included in this, but the risk is lower since there are no wind instruments)
The risk of wind instruments may be lower than with singing. Brass instruments may pose lower risks than wind instruments. Clear data are lacking.
● AMRO music, 6/13/20, Should My Child Go Back to Band Class?
○ Recommendations for common-sense approaches to cleaning instruments
- ● Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, 5/18/20, Vienna Philharmonic Says No Increased Virus Risk for Orchestras
- ○ The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra commissioned a study, reported in lay press
- ○ Musicians took part in an experiment involving devices being inserted into their noses
which made a fine mist visible when they breathed. - ○ The experiment established that "we should not expect air exhaled by an artist to reach
more than 80 centimetres' distance," according to a statement from the orchestra sent
to AFP on Monday. - ○ This maximum distance of breath droplets was emitted by flute players, while for the
string section there was no observable change in how far the breath travelled between
playing or being at rest. - ○ The study concluded that there was no increased risk for musicians playing together in
an orchestra as long as they observed at least a metre's distance from each other.
- ○ The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra commissioned a study, reported in lay press
- ● West Point Academy Band, 6/3/20, Army Band COVID-19 Risk Mitigation for Large Groups
- ○ Outlines approach to in-person performance (live graduation 6/13/20). See also three annexes for more detailed information.
- ○ Increase in airspace and time. Outdoor rehearsals and performances are best because they allow for rapid air exchange. One-hour rehearsal blocks that contain 40 minutes of playing and 20 minutes of rest is recommended.
- ○ Expand distance between musicians. Although not fully understood, it is unlikely that wind instruments expand the reach of contaminated droplets beyond the individual. Any droplets coming from normal playing, must be captured while indoors and disposed of properly. Normal cleaning and sanitation procedures for instruments will ensure a healthy environment.
- ○ Use barriers between players. Plexiglass shielding normally used for acoustical purposes, can be used between musicians to further reduce the possibility of droplet transmission. High touch surfaces, such as music stands, must be disinfected following CDC protocols and every effort should be made to reduce touching surfaces which separate players. Audiences. For performances, audiences should be minimized and separated by at least six feet.
- ○ Outlines approach to in-person performance (live graduation 6/13/20). See also three annexes for more detailed information.
- ● Montesinos, 5/5/20, Wind Instruments May Not Be As Contagious As We Thought (lay review)
- ○ Cites this study in German (Bamberger Symphoniker: Wissenschaftler messen
Aerosolausstoß) and translates the findings into English as suggesting few aerosols are
disseminated forward with wind instruments. See also videos from the study. - ○ Cites this 5/19/20 review from University of Freiburg: RISK ASSESSMENT OF A
CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN THE FIELD OF MUSIC
- ○ Cites this study in German (Bamberger Symphoniker: Wissenschaftler messen
- ○ At least 74 organizations — including the band directors associations from every Power Five conference and the Florida Music Education Association — have donated to fund a pair of scientific studies starting up at the University of Colorado and the University of Maryland.
- ○ Goal: present initial findings by the end of July and more detailed information by late August, as fall semesters and football seasons begin.