Rehearsal on Monday – Woodwinds only
We are continuing to assess how the new variant is spreading and how vaccination contains it before making any predictions for the next rehearsals in the coming weeks/months. We will also continue week-to-week assessment in January and February. TMH continues to require vaccination for all players using the Hall.
Dr. Ron MacKenzie and I continue our weekly communications. Ron recommended these two changes last week, out of an abundance of caution, reflecting the new worldwide developments of both the coronavirus in general and the Omicron variant in particular. These suggestions are not offered because danger is imminent, but more so as a precaution for things unknown. He suggests, and both the Board and I agree:
- For now, we should mask while rehearsing. This is not a requirement, but we strongly recommend it at this point. While not ideal, those of us running the organization agree that we’re at a place where this is an important proactive step. Some of you already have special playing masks, and I recommend bringing them to rehearsal.
- We need to distance ourselves from each other more in rehearsal. This means spreading out to use all available stage space, from the extremes of the wings (as long as you can still see me) to the edge of the stage (where you still have light to see).
And most importantly — no one should feel coerced to attend rehearsals at any time. You don’t need to explain, but if you do choose not to attend, please contact David so we can feel confident about your whereabouts and safety.
Rehearsal sites in January
TMH is not available to us for several Mondays in January, so we have been scrambling to find alternate sites. We are hoping that a site for several of these Mondays will be confirmed this Monday evening. As soon as this is realized, I will inform everyone and confirm the sites and schedule for January & February. (We’ve been asking you to hold Saturday January 8 & 15, and I hope to eliminate them if we can get this alternate site approved.)
Member performance this week
Rich Dashnaw’s quartet will be at the Bean Runner in Peekskill this Saturday night, December 11, from 6-8 pm. It will be a great line up with Austin Day, sax; Michael Lucke, piano; Chris Larsen, drums; and Rich, upright bass. There will be great jazz – modern and standards, some original Jazz charts, and Holiday Music as well! Reservations are strongly recommended! Spread the word- hope to see you there!
Happy Holidays to All
I’m heading to Chicago on Wednesday for the first Midwest Clinic in 2 years, and it happens to be the 75th annual conference this year. I won’t be posting again until we can confirm the rehearsal sites in January, so let me take this time to wish everyone the best for the holidays. Let’s hope it is truly a Happy New Year in 2022!