COVID-19 Safety Protocols

updated 9/9/2021

All core programs, including Apprentices, JourneyMen, DeltaChor, and Ambassadors will rehearse in person at the Aronoff Center. At this time, we are uncertain as to the format of the December concert. Ideally, the concert will be in person. If it is not feasible to hold an in-person concert we will create a video production of the concert and broadcast online. Feasibility will be based on regulations surrounding the performance venue, public health recommendations regarding indoor gatherings, and, most importantly, our ability to reduce risk to an acceptable level for those who cannot be vaccinated at the time.

Mitigating Risk During Boychoir Activities

• COVID-19 Vaccination
  • All staff and contractors of the Boychoir and our office partners the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra have shown proof of vaccination. 
  • We strongly encourage Boychoir singers who are 12 years old or older to be vaccinated before Boychoir activities start. This recommendation is out of concern for each singer and family represented in the Cincinnati Boychoir, especially those who cannot yet receive the vaccine. Additionally, vaccination is part of a layered effort to reduce the risk of transmission during Boychoir activities.

• Ventilation and Air Filtering in the Aronoff Center
  • The air exchange rate in the Aronoff Center is at least 8 times an hour, more depending on how active the HVAC system is.
  • Rooms in the Aronoff where the air exchange may be lessened are equipped with an air filtration and purification system.
  • We will sing as a group in our rehearsal spaces for no more than 50 minutes at a time. When we reach the 50-minute mark with group singing, we will work on activities that don’t include group singing for 15 minutes before resuming.

• Cleaning and Sanitizing
  • Singers, staff, and contractors will be required to sanitize hands upon entering and exiting rehearsal spaces. 
  • High-touch surfaces will be disinfected before rehearsals, between uses, and after rehearsals.

• Symptom Screening
  • Singers and families will receive a brief health questionnaire prior to rehearsal. Singers who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 must stay at home.
  • Upon arrival, each singer, staff member, and contractor will have their temperature taken. Those with temperatures lower than 100.4 may stay for rehearsal.

• Masking
  • All singers, staff, and contractors will wear masks at all times during Boychoir activities. Boys are expected to bring a clean mask from home. The Boychoir will provide masks should a participant forget to bring their mask.
  • For singing, gaiters do not provide adequate protection and therefore may not be used during Boychoir activities.

• Distancing
  • Singers will be placed 4-6 feet apart for indoor activities. 
  • For outdoor activities, singers will be placed 3-4 feet apart.

How does this look in practice?

• Before Boychoir Activities
  • Check for symptoms.
  • Complete health questionnaire. If the singer answers yes to any of the symptoms listed, he must stay at home and notify Boychoir staff of absence.

• Arriving at Boychoir Activities
  • Put on a mask properly before entering the building.
  • Check in with Patrick and Ms. Katie to verify completion of health questionnaire and for a temperature check.
  • If the singer’s temperature is higher than 100.4, the singer must not stay for rehearsal.
  • If the singer’s temperature is 100.4 or lower, the singer will sanitize his hands and proceed to his assigned seat in the rehearsal room.

• During Boychoir Activities
  • Maintain a distance of 4-6 feet from other participants.
  • Wear masks properly.
  • Follow directions from Boychoir staff.
  • Singers must notify Boychoir staff immediately if he starts to experience symptoms of illness. Upon notification of symptoms of illness, Boychoir staff will call the singer’s parent to pick him up from rehearsal.

• After Boychoir Activities
  • Assist Boychoir staff in sanitizing personal space.
  • Refrain from gathering to socialize indoors. Socializing outside and with masks is highly encouraged after rehearsal as singers wait for parents to arrive to pick them up.
  • Singer’s parent/guardian must notify Boychoir staff upon learning that he has tested positive for COVID-19 so that appropriate contact tracing procedures can be followed.

Missing Rehearsal

• Please do not attend in-person Boychoir activities if you are experiencing symptoms of illness, have received a positive test result for COVID-19, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has received a positive test result for COVID-19. 
• Please follow the public health recommendations around quarantine to know when you may end your isolation period and return to in-person activities with the Boychoir.
• All singers will receive a rehearsal summary email from Mr. Holmes on Fridays. If you have to miss rehearsal, please reference that email to see what we covered in rehearsal and to hear reference recordings so that you’ll be caught up when you return.