With Queensland moving to Stage 3 restrictions, what does this mean for your ensembles?
From March through until the beginning of July, our community was placed in a holding pattern as Queensland worked to supress the COVID-19 virus. As a community, our fantastic efforts are evidenced in the near-zero cases we have experienced over the past month. This has been rewarded with the Chief Health Officer of Queensland, Dr Jeanette Young, moving the state to Stage 3 restrictions.
On the 19th June, 2020, Education Queensland advised that due to easing of restrictions, many extra-curricular activities could return to the school routine with appropriate COVID-19 operating guidelines.
With this change in procedure, instrumental and choral ensemble rehearsals were given scope to recommence.
This advice, along with guideline for managing risks associate with COVID-19 in the Instrumental Music Classroom, were distributed to Catholic Schools through the Queensland Catholic Education Commission. The guidelines provide scope to allow schools to plan a safe return to group music making, ensuring the safety of our communities as we return.
Through our network we are aware of a number of schools who have returned to rehearsal, much to the joy of their musicians! We would like to hear from you. Share how your school has approached a return to rehearsal in COVID-times. Send your article or video to qcmf@vnc.qld.edu.au. We look forward to sharing your experience.
With COVID restrictions changing, what does this mean for your ensembles?
AUTHOR – Michael Jones
Please note – keep up-to-date with COVID-19 restrictions and protocols in your region.