Heatherwood Middle School

Short Version:

One big detail that I’m sure you are all wondering about is masks and safety in the band room. The short version is that masks are required for all when not playing an instrument. Students will have school provided bell covers and instrument specific masks available for them to use. My goal is to use instrument specific masks at all times and avoid not using masks while playing. Students and families are welcome to purchase their own instrument specific masks through a music store or online. Additionally, in the case of flutes and other instruments where it is not easy to wear a mask and play at the same time, students may lower or remove their mask when not playing and put it back on when they do not have an instrument up their mouths. We will have students spaced more than 3-feet-apart, at all times.

So, students will mask-up when not playing, use bell covers on wind instruments and if possible, use instrument specific masks like these: 

  United Sound sells these masks: https://www.pepwear.com/unitedsound

For flute players, we will try using the flute shields that attach to the instrument and prevent the flow of air from spreading out as they blow:

 If you want to learn more, or purchase your own, you can find out more here: https://www.fluteairshield.com/

Detailed Version:

Washington State Guidelines Document (pertinent info starts on page 16)  

Excerpt:

Performing Arts Classes Many students in performing arts engage in activities that are high aerosol-generating and increase the risk for COVID-19 transmission. The purpose of this guidance is to ensure all students have access to their chosen performing arts course. Face coverings/masks are not required when outdoors. Distancing of at least 3 feet is also recommended outdoors. When indoors, universal masking of all students and faculty is required, per the Secretary of Health’s Mask Order.

• Universal masking with appropriate material – MERV13 or 3-layer medical face mask or similar material – is required by all students and staff in performing arts classes and while participating in performing arts activities. Masking with MERV13 or 3-layer medical face mask or similar material is the best way of reducing aerosols from circulating in indoor spaces.

• Aerosol-producing musicians, e.g., singers, woodwinds and brass, speech/debate, and theater performers are required to wear appropriate masks/face coverings and/or use appropriate bell covers while performing. Woodwinds and brass performers may remove their face coverings/masks when performing on their instrument and must replace their face covering/mask during non-performance time. Face coverings/masks with slits are recommended but not required.

• Universal masking with appropriate material – MERV13 or 3-layer medical face mask or similar material – is required in general music and elementary classrooms when singing is performed. Teachers should provide students with singers’ masks to replace their cloth masks in these settings. When not singing, students should wear cloth masks as required in other classrooms. 

• Bell covers with appropriate material – MERV 13 or 3-layer medical face mask or similar material – are required for brass and woodwind instruments when indoors. Bell covers are recommended when playing outdoors but not required.

• Practice good hygiene by collecting water condensation from brass instruments. Consider using “puppy pads” for students to empty spit valves rather than emptying directly on the floor.

• Ensure that all students have access to their chosen performing arts course. Space constraints should not limit access to these classes. Distancing should be at least 3 feet, if possible, and more if space permits. Distancing of at least 3 feet is also recommended outdoors.

• Reduce shared equipment to the degree possible. Have students use hand sanitizer before using shared equipment like music stands. If hand sanitizer is readily available and used often, shared equipment does not need to be sanitized between each group; regular daily cleaning is sufficient. For shared instruments, students should have their own mouthpieces. Allow the instrument to sit for 24 hours between uses.

• Maximize ventilation of the space as much as possible. If space is smaller and/or not well-ventilated, use portable HEPA air cleaners to supplement.