It's Possible in a Pandemic
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Whether it is desperation to play or a contrary commitment to “keep the music playing,” the Harold J Crosby band in Dexter, Maine made it happen during the summer with social distancing, separated audiences, special traffic patterns, and a pop up portable facility. Helping to have everyone hear the conductor at 30 feet away, environmental noise like fire trucks and ambulances and motor cycles, were the Retekess transmitter and receiver sets. Each player had a wireless ear piece tuned to the conductors transmitter allowing soft voice directions even during playing. A success for this unusual summer of limited performances in very rural Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties in Maine.
Preparing for the indoor season was a challenge achieved inspired by our 2019 Band Camp conductor Dr. Sam Woodard of the US Army ceremonial band and their method of rehearsal by Plexiglas. While we weren't as endowed as they are, our solution is simple and affordable.
Three panels of 4 mil crystal clear vinyl sheathing hinged together to make a 3 sided aerosol protection barrier around each player at least 6 feet apart seems to be the answer. The exclusive restricted use of a town hall building in Dexter on the 1900 basketball sized court makes it possible to set up once and leave it. Cross ventilation large window fans provides continuous circulation as recommended by the Maine CDC keeps the air clean along with bell covers on each wind instrument. Face coverings in the form of shields or masks are used by all when not playing.
We keep the music playing, prepare repertoire for the next season's events and keep well protected until other medical solutions are available.
More photos, our Band Camp, Covid Cove--plans, costs, and supply sources are provided upon request from https://www.cuthbert-foundation.org/, crosbycommunityband@gmail.com