COVID Policy for Adult Orchestra

January 10, 2022

January 10, 2022

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
 
We are actively working with our partners in collaboration with local and state health authorities on a health and safety plan in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. While we are all excited to get back to in-person rehearsals and performances, safety is at the top of our priority list. We fully understand our protocols may differ based on the venue we are using, and any collaborative groups we are working with, and we will keep you informed if things change.
 
If there are pre-existing rules in place at any of our workspaces, those rules will be prioritized.
We also must be clear that these rules and procedures could change. As you can see with your own schools, workplaces, and news sources, things are changing and evolving daily. We will change our plans according to CURRENT guidelines and recommendations. 
We will communicate our plans and any changes to you. If you have any questions, please contact us. 
 
OUR PROCEDURES
 
Vaccinations:
We are requiring our musicians to be fully vaccinated. You must show proof of vaccination to be included on our concert cycle.
 
As of March 1, 2022, we are also requiring a booster shot, if applicable. If you are not eligible for your booster in time for the March cycle, please let our personnel manager know, and we will count on you to be boosted by the April concert.
 
We feel this extra precaution is our best chance to keep everyone safe. Some of our musicians are in higher risk groups, and many of our musicians work in schools and with children. Also, please note that the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is requiring ALL staff, volunteers, union members, and even Broadway touring companies to be fully vaccinated.
 
If you are unable to get vaccinated for medical or religious reasons, we ask that you fill out a request for accommodation. This form will be returned to our personnel manager, Carrie Willer, and will be kept confidential. You must return this from by November 1 for members and one month prior to future concerts for substitute musicians.
 
If you do request accommodation in lieu of vaccination, you will need to provide results of a negative COVID-19 test dated within one week of the first rehearsal. This information can be shared with our personnel manager and will be kept confidential. Test results must show name/date/negative result.
 
If you are an auditioned member of the orchestra and choose not to get vaccinated, you will be released from your season contract, and we hope to welcome you back again next season. Your standing in the orchestra as a member will not be affected by this decision.
 
Masks:
Masks are REQUIRED during all rehearsals and performances. This includes all musicians (including winds and brass), FVSO staff, and volunteers. Winds/brass can wear masks to enter and leave stage and remove them only to play.
 
Socially Distanced Seating / Bell covers:
This is one item that may change based on venue and performance. Our current plan is to have strings share stands. Our winds and brass seating will be socially distanced, as space in both rehearsal and performance venues permits.
 
Winds and brass, with the exception of flutes and horns, must have bell covers during rehearsal and performance.
 
Self-Check Before Coming to Rehearsals/Performances:
While we are doing all we can to keep our group safe, this begins with YOU. We need to rely on you to monitor your own health and make decisions that will help keep your section and your orchestra safe. Please monitor any symptoms you may be experiencing and be cautious. If you are feeling sick, please stay at home and rest. Check for fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache or dizziness, shortness of breath, body aches, congestion, or runny nose. Please consult with your doctor if these are persistent. If you suspect you may have COVID, free tests are available at Walgreens and can be taken at the drive through. (Please note that due to increased cases in our area, the results could take up to a week.)
 
In the event of Quarantine or a Positive Covid Diagnosis:
Please contact Carrie@foxvalleysymphony.com to let her know of your positive diagnosis.

Your doctor will likely give you dates in which you may have been contagious and dates when you will likely be able to return to group activities. Please share this with Carrie.

When we receive notice of a positive case, and if rehearsals have already begun, we will send a group email to everyone in the orchestra letting them know that one of our musicians has tested positive.

If you receive this notice, please monitor your own symptoms, and contact your doctor if you have any concerns. Please let us know right away if you are experiencing symptoms or receive a positive test and do not come to rehearsal that week.

Quarantine Information: 

CDC currently recommends a quarantine period of 14 days. However, based on local circumstances and resources, the following options to shorten quarantine are acceptable alternatives.

Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring. (With this strategy, residual post-quarantine transmission risk is estimated to be about 1%.)

If you would rather try testing again, and when diagnostic testing resources are sufficient and available, then quarantine can end after Day 7 if a diagnostic specimen tests negative and if no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring. The specimen may be collected and tested within 48 hours before the time of planned quarantine discontinuation (e.g., in anticipation of testing delays), but quarantine cannot be discontinued earlier than after Day 7.

PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN TO DETERMINE YOUR BEST COURSE OF ACTION WITH QUARANTINE, TESTING, AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON RETURNING TO GROUP ACTIVITIES. 

Performances:
Currently, we are planning in-person performances with audiences. Our rehearsal space will vary per cycle. We will update you on venues when they are secured and contracted.
 
All Fox Cities Performing Arts Center staff, volunteers, and union members must be fully vaccinated and masked in order to be present backstage or front of house at any public events in the 2021-2022 season.
 
PENDING FURTHER REVISION
 
As our local and state health departments change their recommendations, we will share any changes with you as they come up. It is predicted to be a difficult season, so we fully expect to make changes as things progress.