Covid Safe Choir Life

Nothing can make a singing rehearsal completely risk-free during a global pandemic, but as choir leaders we can take steps to mitigate exposure to Covid 19, and ensure that we don’t cause breakouts and ‘super spreader’ events. Taking a measured, careful approach will make sure we can get back to doing what we love best!

Keeping our starling rehearsals as safe as possible

We have listed some of the key elements that we’ve been putting into place for our in-person sessions over the Summer and for our planned return with The Starling Voices in the Autumn.

Outdoor / Indoor

The scientific community agrees that being outdoors is safer than being indoors in regards to Covid 19. Where possible, rehearse outside.

However singing outdoors comes with its own list of challenges - extreme weather, difficult acoustics, lack of facilities and furniture, power sources, and the presence of other people can all complicate singing outdoors. As Autumn creeps in here in the UK, this option will be less viable, too…

Weigh up the risk versus benefit and choose a well-appointed outdoor venue where possible and practical! Look for outdoor venues with cover for electrical equipment in case of rain, with easy access and large areas suitable for social distancing. But if you need to sing inside…

starling arts Making the most of outdoor rehearsal opportunities

Venue checklist

When looking for Covid secure indoor venues, this is our checklist:

• Can the space be well ventilated, with plenty of functioning windows and doors to allow air to circulate?

• Are the ceilings high to aid air circulation and limit aerosol buildup?

• Is the space large enough to socially distance where necessary?

• Are there adequate toilet facilities and waiting areas to avoid people congregating in shared spaces?

• Is the venue easily and safely accessible via transport and on foot?

• What Covid measures does the venue have in place? This may include hand sanitiser stations, temperature checks, and cleaning equipment on hand, as well as one-way systems and new building layouts.

Spacing

The way you space out your singers may differ from your usual choir setup. We have been trying to enforce a 1-2 metre minimum distance rule, which means getting creative with room layouts and spacing. Rows should also be well-spaced, with 3m between rows if possible. Make sure your members sing forward and are not directing their voices towards anyone else. Leaders should be positioned 3-5 metres away from the group where possible, as they will be in the ‘firing line’ for aerosols. Use stickers or cones on the floor if your group stand to sing and are prone to drift!

Sheet Music

If you have previously used sheet music for your group, you may wish to revisit your protocol. To decrease surface-based contamination, copies should not be shared or redistributed, so if the sheet music is essential then ensure each singer is responsible for their own copy of music.

Teaching simple songs and rounds by ear negates this problem, and reduces the need for licensing and rights if these are copyright free.

Aerosols

Certain sounds and vocal exercises may generate more aerosols than others. We recommend avoiding extreme diction and violent plosives. The safest sounds are soft vowels and humming, which minimise the aerosols that are transmitted.

We also recommend airing the space between groups, and keeping sessions shorter to avoid aerosol build-up over time.

Rethink Warm-ups and Ice Breakers

As a community-driven group, ice breakers and games have always been an important element to the success of our sessions. We still want to encourage people to integrate, connect and communicate with each other, but we have switched to doing more ‘on-the-spot’ games that use arm gestures and facial expressions over large movements or travelling. Things that work well include stationary physical warm-ups and vocal exercises.

making choir warm ups fun!

Testing

We, like many other groups, are asking members to take a lateral flow test before each session. This not only enhances the safety of other members from asymptomatic carriers, it increases comfort and confidence for those attending. Lateral Flow Tests are free and easy, and can be ordered online or picked up from a number of venues including pharmacies.

To Mask or Not to Mask?

Singing masks do exist but don’t seem to have made it mainstream in the UK. While singing in a mask is not impossible, it’s not always easy and some people with breathing difficulties (like those with asthma, anxiety or pregnancy) may find it too restrictive. Whether or not you choose to sing with masks on, we advise wearing masks at all other times, including when moving around the building and getting into places. Screens, visors, and other barriers may also provide some extra cover and help any vulnerable members feel more relaxed.

Boundaries

Set the boundaries. We chose to have a no hug, no-touch rule in our groups (who are usually very physical). We know that everyone has a varying level of comfort with physical proximity and personal space at the moment, so we have made this boundary clear so as to avoid any awkward “I’m not comfortable hugging” moments. Each group will have different requirements so think about any likely sources of tension that could occur for your group and address them in advance.

Risk Assessment

Prepare a risk assessment in tandem with your venue. This helps to think through any risks and what you plan to do to reduce them. This may include preparations you will make, actions you will take during sessions, and who is responsible for what. Don’t forget the usual health and safety considerations and try and balance these with Covid risks. For example, don’t take risks moving heavy equipment on your own, or forget about basic things like keeping bags and equipment away from corridors and floors.

Common Sense

Of course, much of this comes down to common sense and courtesy to others. It’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing guidance, and each circumstance may vary so the most important thing is to keep aware, use your common sense, and put safety at the heart of any decisions you make. All of this will allow us to get back to doing what we love in the safest possible way.

What other measures are you putting in place to get back to your singing rehearsals?
Let us know in the comments!