Fall Update 8/2/21
Dear Students and Families,
Throughout the last 18 months, Eastman leadership has worked closely with a multitude of medical professionals at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and the Coronavirus University Response/Restart Team (CURT) to design COVID-related protocols for music-making, with the goal of keeping our community as healthy and safe as possible. Since the start of last year, we have been able to continue offering a full slate of in-person ensembles and lessons in addition to online teaching. Because of everyone’s hard work and dedication, we were able to remain open for the entire 2020-2021 academic year, which is a significant accomplishment.
As a result of positive changes in our community and state, we are excited to be able to make changes to teaching and rehearsing protocols that were in place during the last school year.
I am very happy to share with you that starting in Fall 2021 Semester, all fully vaccinated students are able to resume in person lessons, ensembles, and classes without masking and distancing requirements. Upon presenting proof of vaccination students will be able to continue music making as before pandemic protocols. Full details on how to submit your proof of vaccination will be shared in August.
We fully understand that a large number of our student population under the age of 12 is not eligible for vaccine, and that others may choose not to be vaccinated for a variety of reasons. These students are welcome to continue their in-person participation in all ECMS lessons, ensembles, and classes, but will continue to stay masked at all times. In addition, unvaccinated students with aerosol-producing instruments (winds, brass, and voice) will be required to maintain 6 ft. distance while performing. Alternatively, unvaccinated students can choose to have online lessons.
Ensembles
In ensembles, unvaccinated musicians will need to wear masks and aerosol-producing instruments must be 6 ft. distanced from others.
Early Childhood Program
Per CDC recommendations, students under the age of two need not wear masks. Those who are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, however, are required to wear a mask while on Eastman’s campus.
Audience members will be welcome at all ECMS performances this year, but unvaccinated patrons must wear a mask at all times on the Eastman campus.
As we have done since the start of the pandemic, our guidelines will continue to be informed by and subject to change based on information from the University’s medical experts, the current state of COVID-19 on campus, any additional state and federal guidelines, and our commitment to the community’s health and safety.
Together, we have had tremendous success in continuing to make music and stay healthy over the past year. We seek your cooperation and help as we go through this next phase of accommodations to current conditions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Petar Kodzas
Associate Dean and Director of Eastman Community Music School
26 Gibbs Street Rochester, New York 14604
(585) 274-1402
pkodzas@esm.rochester.edu