Rehearsals

Next Rehearsal

On 19th July, the Government Roadmap for lifting lockdown, moved to Step 4 – allowing choirs to return to indoor activities & rehearsals, without the restrictions that existed previously.

Therefore, in advance of our normal September start of term, we are holding two additional ‘rehearsals’ on 9th & 23rd August.

The venue is: Newport Minster Parish Centre, 6 Town Lane, Newport PO30 1JU

We are completing the necessary assessments required for our choir to safely restart.

It may be, that rehearsals are carried out in a different format to how they were previously, or to how you may expect.

Thank you for your understanding, continued enthusiasm for choral singing and commitment to Isle of Wight Cantata Choir.

We are looking forward to seeing you and singing together soon.

Risk Assessment Guidelines For Covid Secure Rehearsals

Please see the Rehearsal Schedule below for further rehearsal dates.

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 network, representing 3,500 member groups & 200,000 music makers across the UK, dedicated to empowering everyone, whatever their background or experience, to come together in their community, to make music.

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