On Wednesday, August 11, 2021, panelists Robin Norman, Frances Chiasson and Patricia Plumley joined moderator Brigid Coult on Zoom for a look at cautions, protocols and more as we plan for fall rehearsals.

Because there have been no clear guidelines from the BCCDC and Provincial Health Office for singers, it is essential that we move very cautiously to address the concerns of our singers – the vaccinated, the non-vaccinated, those who fear and those who don’t. A recording of this event is being made available as a resource to the choral community.

While the BCCF is unable to give definitive answers to what choirs may and may not do, we hope this session has offered some possibilities for safe singing, as well as other resources to investigate. For additional resources in print format, please click here.

A reminder: The guidance the BCCF offers is to adhere strictly to the provincial guidelines. This position has been consistent throughout the pandemic, and as a provincial agency ourselves, we follow the provincial rules. We all know that there is no certainty whatsoever in the current period. At the same time, individual choirs have been making their own decisions, based on the risk aversion/tolerance and judgement of their leadership. Those decisions are theirs alone; the BCCF has no formal role in what individual choirs choose to do in regard of their own re-opening. Click here to read the full statement from BCCF Executive Director, Willi Zwozdesky.

The BCCF also wishes to pass along the following response, received on August 6, 2021 in response to a request for clarification/advice on group singing from British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer:

Dear Willi Zwozdesky:

Thank you for your emails of July 2, and 28, 2021, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. I am responding on behalf of Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. I apologize for the delay in communication.

I appreciate the time you have taken to write with your concerns. As you may know, speaking and singing lead to the release of large respiratory droplets, which are the primary route of transmission for COVID-19. However, the forceful exhalations associated with loud singing can result in greater numbers of particles being released. As a result, the risk of COVID-19 transmission is increased when people are singing together in-person. This is especially true for large groups, spaces that do not allow for adequate physical distancing, such as a private residence, indoor venues with poor ventilation, and when microphones, music stands, or music binders are shared. When singing or playing instruments with others, use your judgement and consider your own health and the health of those in your group. There are things we can do to make singing safer and they include:

• Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID or who has symptoms of COVID-19 should not participate in choir activities in-person.
• Public health recommends that people who are more likely to experience complications of COVID-19 – including older adults – avoid singing with others in-person, especially in larger groups.
• Singing outdoors is best, or in a large indoor space with good ventilation.
• Avoid sharing equipment; if sharing must occur, clean and disinfect between users.
• Reduce the duration of indoor singing. Have practice intervals followed by breaks to allow rooms to ventilate. The longer the duration of a practice where people are in close proximity, the greater the chance of transmission.
• Make sure the social aspects of choir or band rehearsals are adapted for COVID-19 precautions. Don’t bring or share food, opt out of physical greetings (like hugs or handshakes), and keep adequate physical distance during breaks.

Easing restrictions and moving into the later Phases of BC’s Restart relies on many factors, such as national and international case counts, vaccine uptake, community immunity, and hospital capacity. Regarding your question about singing in choirs during Phase 3 of BC’s Restart and beyond, at this time we are unable to provide greater clarity beyond what has already been stated publicly. The measures implemented during the pandemic are fluid, dependent upon the factors previously mentioned and we cannot predict what measures will still be necessary even a short time in the future. I understand this can make it difficult to make plans for the future, however, right now our focus should remain on continuing to adhere to all public health measures and taking personal precautions to protect our own health and safety. To stay updated with the most current orders and restrictions, I welcome you to visit the Province-wide Restrictions webpage here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions.

There is no question that what we do today directly influences the well-being of our communities tomorrow, so let us continue to do our part to protect ourselves and each other – each day and every day.

I appreciate the opportunity to respond, and hope you find this information helpful.

Sincerely,

Thomas Guerrero
Executive Director
Patient and Client Relations
Corporate Issues and Client Relations
Ministry of Health

OUR PANELISTS

Frances Chaisson

Frances holds Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the School of Music at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC) where she studied piano with Dr. Terence Dawson and choral conducting with Prof. James Fankhauser. Frances has taught choral and instrumental music in primary and secondary schools and choral methods at the University of Calgary.  She has conducted numerous choirs in school, community and church settings, including Lacuna Women’s Choir (UK), Amabile Girls’ Choir (UK), Donna Amabile Women’s Choir (UK), Queen Katherine School Chamber Choir (UK), Mount Royal Children’s Choir (Calgary), Scarboro United Church Children’s, Youth and Adult Choirs (Calgary), West Point Gray Academy Choirs (Vancouver), Forest Lawn School Choir (Calgary).  She has worked as a choral clinician and adjudicator in local music festivals and as a piano accompanist for choirs, singers and instrumentalists.

From 2006 until 2014, Frances and her family lived in the UK where she worked as a choral conductor, a private voice and piano teacher and was a frequent leader of singing workshops in Lancashire schools.  In 2014 she relocated back to Canada, and now lives and works as a choral conductor in Kelowna, B.C., working with with the Okanagan Children’s Choir, Musaic Vocal Ensemble (Summerland), and as Minister of Music at First United Church.  Frances is a member of the BC Choral Federation, Choral Canada, and Chorus America, and is a certified teacher in the province of British Columbia. And she is Mom to Sophia and Noah.

Patricia Plumley

Patricia Plumley divides her time between Vancouver Island and the mainland.  She has been on faculty at Vancouver Community College since 1988 where she has taught piano, voice, class piano, piano pedagogy, and keyboard literature.  As well, she conducts the Willan Community Choir, co-conducts the VCC Concert Choir and coaches chamber collaborations. Here on the island, Patricia enjoys teaching voice and piano at her home in Nanoose Bay, conducting the British Columbia Boys Choir in Nanaimo and directing the Vancouver Island Symphony’s Symphonic Choir, the Grade Five Honours Choirs, and Children’s Choirs.

Patricia studied music and dance from an early age. She has also studied yoga, Feldenkrais and Pilates, and is enjoying opening a new door with Alexander Technique. The combination of these disciplines with her music studies influences Patricia’s personal artistic life as well as her work with students and choristers. We are very pleased to have Patricia as our Artistic Director.

Robin Norman

Robin is accredited with a Bachelor of Music from UBC. She is an active member of the Prince George Arts community, often volunteering her performance and professional services.

Robin has served on several boards, including Performing Arts BC, Theatre BC, and the Prince George Music Festival, as well as adjudicated on many occasions throughout the province.

Along with choral directing, Robin has run her own voice studio for over 15 years: In the Dark Productions. She is exceptionally proud of her students, many of whom have gone on to professional careers in music, performance, and teaching.