COVID-19 Vaccination Expectations Update for ECMS Students

September 7, 2021

September 3, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Expectations Update for ECMS Students

Dear Students and Families,

With the news that the University of Rochester has implemented a vaccine mandate for both our collegiate students and all employees, we have decided to revise our approach for the upcoming ECMS school year. 

ADULT STUDENTS

Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 16 and older, we believe it is in the best interest of the health and safety of our entire University community to ensure that adult ECMS students follow this guidance as well. 

Therefore, effective immediately, all adult students enrolled in ECMS courses, lessons, or ensembles this fall must be vaccinated against the COVID -19 virus.  For the purposes of this requirement, it is important to note that we are defining “adult students” as those who are beyond their high school-level education. 

All adult ECMS students must have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) or have received the single Johnson & Johnson dose by September 27. We do plan to allow for limited medical exemptions, so anyone interested in this option should contact the ECMS Director at pkodzas@esm.rochester.edu for instructions. 

HIGH SCHOOL AGE AND YOUNGER STUDENTS

For ECMS students in high school or younger, while we strongly encourage everyone eligible for the vaccine to receive one, proof of vaccination will not be required for individual lessons. 

However, to ensure that our ensembles involving this population of students are safe for all participants, we will require everyone planning to participate in an ensemble to disclose their vaccination status to the ECMS administration.  This will allow us to appropriately distance any unvaccinated aerosol-producing musicians, which will help ensure everyone’s safety.

Students younger than 12 participating in ensembles do not need to take any actions regarding vaccination status.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR PROOF OF VACCINATION

All students participating in any ECMS activities need to be registered.  Once you are registered, to submit your proof of vaccination (for all adult students), or to disclose your vaccination status (for all high school-age students participating in an ensemble) you will need to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card or a NYS Excelsior Pass to the ECMS office (Messinger Hall, 3rd floor, Suite 321) for verification before your first rehearsal or lesson. 

New Horizons members can bring their vaccination proof to the first rehearsal for verification. 

If you are unable to stop by the ECMS office during our regular business hours, please click on the link to complete our ECMS Proof of Vaccination Form.  Acceptable forms of verification include your original vaccination card, photographs of both sides of your vaccination card, or a screenshot of your NYS Excelsior Pass.

SUMMARY

 *Masking is required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in all spaces on the Eastman campus.

Adult students

  • Vaccine required

High school students

  • Vaccination strongly encouraged
  • Vaccination disclosure required for students participating in ensembles

Students age 12-16

  • Vaccination strongly encouraged
  • Vaccination disclosure required for students participating in ensembles

Students age 2-12

  • Social distancing required for students playing aerosol producing instruments and singers

Students under age 2

  • No masking required

Getting vaccinated is easy. The Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub has information on where vaccines are available across the region.  Getting vaccinated is also safe and informed by science. As one of the world’s great research universities, we have first-hand experience with the life-saving discoveries that come from rigorous research and testing. In fact, researchers from our Medical Center conducted the nation’s first Phase 1 trials for the Pfizer vaccine.

Thank you so much for your help and cooperation as we strive to keep music in our lives and in our community.

Be Well,

The Eastman Community Music School Staff