PSO COVID Routemap
2021 Autumn Season first rehearsal
Wed 25th August 2021
North Inch Community Campus
The committee is making preparations for this date; however it will depend both on there being no changes to national guidelines, and on Perth & Kinross remaining at Level 0-1
AGM: Tuesday 21st September 2021
This will be a Zoom Meeting, and all orchestra members are encouraged to "attend".
PSO players are invited to express an interest in joining the committee.
Oct holiday: NO rehearsal Wed 13th Oct.
Provisional Concert Date: Sat 13th Nov '21
What are the Unknowns?
The latest Scottish Government Routemap states:-
"[At Levels 0-1]....indoor organised adult performing arts activities [are] permitted."
There are currently (May 2021) no specified restrictions on Wind and Brass in adult orchestras, other than that they must "take precautions to minimise aerosol spray".
Players' chairs must be >2m apart (corner to corner). This may limit numbers.
Where and When?
The Rehearsal room has been booked at North Inch Community Campus, as per usual.
The timings may be slightly altered to allow the campus staff to clean the room.
At the moment, given current limitations to socialising, the committee favours a 90 minute total rehearsal with no break. Therefore, the rehearsal schedule could well be 7.30-9pm.
The timings may be slightly altered to allow the campus staff to clean the room.
At the moment, given current limitations to socialising, the committee favours a 90 minute total rehearsal with no break. Therefore, the rehearsal schedule could well be 7.30-9pm.
What might be the "new normal", if & when rehearsals restart?
There are 3 months to go, and a vaccination rollout to complete, however the following are possibilities:-
1. Potential limitation on numbers allowed at each rehearsal.
2. Reduced numbers if some members feel that they would rather defer.
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. No sharing of printed music. Perhaps electronic distribution of music.
7. Control of exits and entrances to allow for distancing.
8. Increased cleaning of the rehearsal room.
When the subject was discussed a few months ago, the committee did not favour mandatory Lateral Flow testing or Vaccination Certificates; this will of course be subject to government guidelines.
Will PSO hold any concerts this season?
The concert hall is provisionally booked for Saturday 13th November.
Fingers Crossed!
What music is being planned?
Over the past year, the committee has been working on ideas for music that can be adaptable if guidance and COVID risks fluctuate. Many eventualities have been discussed, including the possibilities that PSO might have to meet in reduced numbers, eg half the orchestra on alternate weeks; that wind & brass might not be permitted to play; that ad hoc rehearsals may necessitate easier "sight-readable" music; or that the concert hall will remain closed.
The outlook at the moment is optimistic that PSO can meet in entirety as per "new normal". This may change, so plans are being formed that would allow it to respond flexibly to a changing situation.