2020 Annual General Meeting
online
Wed 25th November at 7.30pm
(The finances have now been signed off, so this date is confirmed)
This will be an online meeting via Zoom
All orchestra members are encouraged to "attend" and to contribute to discussion and suggestions as to how the orchestra should proceed during this pandemic.
Online Socials TBA
When planned, access details will be emailed to all members (2020 list)
When will PSO rehearsals restart?
It is not possible to hold amateur music group rehearsals without specific guidance from the Scottish Government. Advice during the summer, when numbers were relatively low, was that non-professional larger groups could play together only outdoors. This was curtailed even further in Autumn.
None of PSO's autumn rehearsals will take place.
Why is it taking so long for amateur music groups to restart?
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Even as pubs, restaurants, schools, bowling, bingo, gyms & swimming pools re-opened during the summer, amateur music groups were left in the cold.
Sadly, we lack the lobbying power of commercial enterprises. In addition, there is uncertainty about the risk of transmission of Covid-19 by aerosolised droplets that may be emitted during some music activities, such as singing and playing wind or brass instruments. There are ongoing research on this subject (see the 2 attached documents). |
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What might be the "new normal", if & when rehearsals restart?
Although we await government guidance on this, the PSO committee has considered that there MAY be changes, such as:
1. Potential limitation on numbers allowed at each rehearsal.
2. Some regular members may feel unable to play this season due to greater vulnerability to CV19.
3. Use of masks for stringed instrument players - and the possibility that wind and brass may be unable to return until masks are no longer mandatory.
4. Seating requirements to allow social distancing.
5. BYO music stand, and no sharing of desks.
6. Electronic distribution of music for downloading.
7. Control of exits and entrances to allow for distancing.
8. Increased cleaning of the rehearsal room.
9. PAYG instead of annual subscription.
With a more ad-hoc type of rehearsal, we will probably be limited to less complex music than normal, and Allan and Lorna are considering what pieces might be suitable, enjoyable and available online.
Will PSO hold any concerts this season?
At the moment, this looks highly unlikely.
There is too much uncertainty with regard to restarting rehearsals, how many members can play at any one time, potential limitations on brass and wind playing, and the risk that there may be a local lockdown at any time.
However, if rehearsals are allowed the New Year, and if indoor amateur performances are permitted by then, it may be possible to put on a small entertainment for friends and family at a venue where social distancing is possible.
So, a bleak winter without music?
Don't despair.
The committee is committed to PSO resuming as soon as guidance is available and practical. In the meantime, it has been working on some ideas for musical diversion.
Until we can meet again for music-making, we may be able to meet online on our usual (Wednesday) orchestra evenings for music-related virtual socialising. Suggestions have included presentations on "Music that has Inspired Me", or perhaps some teaching or coaching (one suggestion has included "How to Play in Tune"!)
The committee is committed to PSO resuming as soon as guidance is available and practical. In the meantime, it has been working on some ideas for musical diversion.
Until we can meet again for music-making, we may be able to meet online on our usual (Wednesday) orchestra evenings for music-related virtual socialising. Suggestions have included presentations on "Music that has Inspired Me", or perhaps some teaching or coaching (one suggestion has included "How to Play in Tune"!)
What about finances?
After a favourable 2019-20 season, there is a bit of a cushion with which to weather the storm.
If and when rehearsals restart, they will probably be on a Pay-as-you-Go basis, to cover the basic costs of the rehearsal room and the conductor and leader's fees.
If and when rehearsals restart, they will probably be on a Pay-as-you-Go basis, to cover the basic costs of the rehearsal room and the conductor and leader's fees.