Dear, Strathmore Youth Ensembles families:

     For the fall (2022), Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) and Strathmore Children’s Chorus (SCC) will meet in-person for rehearsals and performances. We will follow all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and comply with State and County health regulations. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 variant situation closely and will adapt our policies, as needed. You may follow updates to our Welcome Back protocols at https://www.strathmore.org/your-visit/welcome-back/.

Our goal is to create an environment where students and families can confidently return to enjoy the arts at Strathmore. Here’s how we have prepared for their return:

  • Strathmore has achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STARTM accreditation. Strathmore has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention in its facilities. Learn more here: https://gbac.issa.com/gbac-star-facility-accreditation/
  • Air filters at Strathmore have been upgraded to MERV-13.
  • All spaces (including rehearsal rooms) at Strathmore have an air exchange rate of 4x per hour.
  • Strathmore youth ensemble staff are fully vaccinated or provide weekly negative COVID-19 tests for entry to the building.

Vaccination or Negative COVID Test Requirements
Strathmore requires ALL students who participate in its youth ensembles to comply with one of the following options:

  1. Students provide proof of full vaccination with an FDA emergency use authorized or WHO-approved vaccine by their first rehearsal (uploaded through their registration application or updated with ensemble managers as students become vaccinated) by September 7th for both MCYO and SCC.
  2. For those with verified medical or religious exemptions, or those who are eligible to be vaccinated and are not: students must submit a negative PCR test result from a test taken within 72 hours before each rehearsal (students must bring their negative test result with them to be approved before each rehearsal).

Rehearsal Safety Protocols

  • All students, teachers, staff, and visitors in the building are required to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. (They will be required to keep their masks on during rehearsal). The masks worn should be in accordance with CDC mask guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting- sick/about-face-coverings.html.
  • All singers, strings, harps, and percussion must wear KN 95 or equivalent masks to rehearsals. Cloth masks/blue surgical masks/gaiters will not be accepted.
  • Woodwind and brass musicians must wear a KN 95 or equivalent mask to rehearsal. Students will be asked to lower their masks whenever they are playing and raise their masks when they are at rest.
  • Students who are ill should stay at home.
  • Students who test positive for COVID-19 must notify Strathmore immediately and stay at home. Prior to returning, students must be in communication with their ensemble staff to discuss re-entry.

We understand this continues to be a time of transition and some apprehension; however, we are here to support you and our students. Please reach out to our staff with your questions and concerns. We are eager to welcome you back to Strathmore!

Regards,

Monica Jeffries Hazangeles
President and CEO

Kristofer Sanz
MCYO Music Director & Philharmonic Conductor

 

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras Contact:
Maria Montano mmontano@strathmore.org