from the desk of the executive director Return to Music: Mitigation and


Lowering Risk Are Key Laurie N. Fellenz, Executive Director


For the September issue of Wisconsin School Musician, the space normally reserved for mes- sages from the ex- ecutive director will focus on the most important guidance to lower aerosol risk


associated with COVID-19 Delta vari- ant. Administrators and music educa- tors statewide are encouraged to make decisions that significantly lower the risk of transmission in your classrooms and performance spaces. By working together, we will see a statewide return to in-person music making. Each area of our state has different circumstances and considerations, but no matter your situation, the same mitigation methods, working together, will lower risk: mask- ing, bell covers, distance, good hygiene, time, and air exchange rates.


This information was current as of August 30, 2021. As new information is learned and shared, the document at this link will be continually updated.


Wishing you all a wonderful year within your music classrooms and communities.


~Laurie


Go to the online, digital version of WSM for easy access to links.


Wisconsin School Music Association


Wisconsin Music Educators Association


Fall 2021 – Return to Music and Mitigation Recommendations


Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) and Wisconsin Music Educa- tors Association (WMEA) endorse the use of documents released by the National Federation of State High School Asso- ciation (NFHS) and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for all Fall 2021 return to music planning and mitigation recommendations for member schools. School leaders need to consult local, county and tribal health departments regarding COVID-19 guidance and trans- mission rates for appropriate mitigation adoption and adjust accordingly.


NFHS and NAfME have collaborated on the Return to Music project, a three-part series of new resources to help music edu- cators, stakeholders and decision-makers ensure that music education is available to all students and provided with signifi- cantly reduced risk. The Return to Music project resources are intended to assist music educators rebuild, rejuvenate and reimagine more inclusive music programs during the 2021–22 school year.


WSMA and WMEA are strongly advis- ing the use of mitigation methods this fall when music making, and encourage review of their application in all academic music classrooms and extra-curricular mu- sic activities. When the following methods are used together, research has demon- strated we can lower the risk of aerosol spread in a music-making environment: masks, bell covers, distance, HVAC/air exchange rates, good hygiene and time spent rehearsing.


8


In the following two sections, there is ad- ditional information for General Music grades preK–6 and Instrumental/General Music/Vocal Music in Grades 5–12 de- pending on grade levels served.


General Music – Grade PreK–6 (Students under 12) Elementary general music programs will often span grades PreK–6. The majority of children engaged in these programs are under age 12. Therefore, most students in general music programs are currently unable to receive available COVID-19 vaccines. When planning for instruction or performances, it is important to follow the current International Performing Arts Aerosol Research Guidelines.


There are several recommendations that are particularly important to general music situations:


Masks


Masking with appropriate material re- mains the best way of reducing potential infected aerosol particles from circulating in an indoor space. Masks are currently recommended at all times and are to be worn while singing and speaking.


Physical Distance


Distance should be maintained at three feet and should match the rest of the school’s distancing policy, adjusting farther or closer depending on local conditions.


September 2021


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