Page 2 - Susquehanna Chorale - Fall 2021 Newsletter

Singing During a Pandemic
At a time when choral singing presents significant risks of transmitting Covid 19, how has the Susquehanna Chorale managed
to keep singing? Last year, the Chorale was limited to presenting virtual concerts and rehearsing through Zoom, but the availability of vaccinations has enabled us to return to a relatively normal rehearsal and concert structure for the coming season.
Early on, the Chorale’s Board of Directors designated a Covid Task Force to sift through information and make recommendations on how to safely rehearse and perform based on the most recent scientific research. The Task Force meets frequently to address any concerns or questions that may arise regarding Covid.
Board President Brian Moul stated, “This is a very fluid situation and
the answers to the questions aren’t always clear-cut. But we’re absolutely committed to making decisions
that will allow the Chorale to keep performing while still ensuring the health and safety of our performers
and our audience members. We are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish up to this point and look forward to what promises to be a spectacular 40th Anniversary season.”
This fall finds the Chorale resuming Monday night indoor rehearsals after a spring semester of rehearsing primarily outdoors and through Zoom. All singers must be vaccinated or present a negative Covid test result within 48 hours of each rehearsal and performance. Temperature checks
are done at the beginning of every rehearsal. Singers must wear masks for the duration of the rehearsal
and for any performances in the foreseeable future as well as sign a waiver releasing the Chorale from any liability for a Covid exposure. Instead of sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in the pews of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hershey, singers are spaced far apart throughout the sanctuary. Conductor Linda Tedford wears a microphone and also streams the rehearsal through Zoom for those who are absent or choose not to participate in an in-person rehearsal. Box fans with high-density filters taped around them are placed
at both ends of the sanctuary to enhance air circulation.
You will see the Chorale performing this season in black singers’ masks that match our concert attire. These specially designed masks have a small “pouch” which allows singers to open their mouths more freely while still providing significant protection and keeping the nose covered. Even though you can’t see our mouths, know that we’re over-pronouncing consonants like crazy and doing
our best to convey the spirit of the music through our eyes. Behind those masks we’re singing from our hearts, grateful to once again be lifting our voices, safely, together in song.
New Singers
Autumn Deck, Amanda Albright, Shana Casey, Matthew Topping, Ben Watson, Michelle Kisner, Janice Click Holl, Paula Miller. Not pictured - Bobby Titus