Our next rehearsal is on Monday 6th September.
We are back in our usual venue and back to our usual time….
Monday evenings – 7.30 to 9.30pm – Island Innovation, VI Form Campus, St James’ Street Newport PO30 1LJ
Looking forward to being back singing together again and working on our Gabriel Faure repertoire for our 23rd October Concert.
Please ensure you have read this Return To Rehearsal Risk Assessment Information before attending your next rehearsal.
General Information: Face Coverings & Singing:
We strive to be an inclusive choir. We share and provide information, to enable members to make their own choices.
The following information has been put together by Making Music; the UK’s largest leisure-time music representative.
The information does not indicate a stipulation or requirement for singing with Isle of Wight Cantata Choir. It is simply…for anyone wondering about the topic, for anyone who may find it helpful, for anyone considering how they may feel more comfortable in starting with, or returning to, choral singing, during this current time…for anyone seeking available products .
‘Face coverings have become part of everyday life and, even as restrictions ease, are likely to continue to be used in many settings, for a while.
The Government’s ‘Suggested principles of safer singing’ Guidance makes clear that “wearing face coverings reduces the mass of aerosol expelled when singing”. But it also says we do not have evidence for: “the degree to which wearing face coverings during singing reduces transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19”.
It is understandable to wonder: Should I consider wearing a face covering? Why shouldn’t I wear one? , etc, etc.
It is considered that a range of measures reduces risk. Therefore, in addition to adequate ventilation and maintaining personal space – wearing a face covering while singing can be a practical measure, that can reduce the risk of spreading viruses in general (Covid-19, Norovirus, Flu, etc) and can enable singing in rehearsals, to be as safe as practically possible.
There is no doubt, that it is not ideal to sing in a mask, but it is possible – and it will reduce risk.
Masks that are designed specifically for singing, are available. Making Music, in collaboration with the Association of British Choral Directors has collated the following list:’
- Sing Safe, is a silicon insert that’s durable and worn underneath your mask to keep it off your mouth, allowing you to sing comfortably and confidently while keeping you and others safe.
- Banks Music Publications have singers’ masks with a specially designed lightweight frame that holds the material away from the nose and mouth allowing normal vowel production and projection.
- Funky Masks for singers
- Alison Crutchley handmade masks
- Joan Fernley has produced patterns for making singers’ masks and YouTube tutorials – many of the names above are producing to her pattern.
- Miss Kiddy singers mask