As you may have heard, updates to the Provincial COVID Restrictions were announced on November 24th by Premier Kenney and Dr. Hinshaw. On November 25th our President, Karen Hipson, spoke directly with Alberta Health Services and was advised that while one-on-one private lessons may continue as scheduled, “group classes” does in fact include Youth and Adult String Program rehearsals, such as our own.
The updated restrictions take effect Friday, November 27th; however, out of an abundance of caution we have decided to suspend rehearsals effective immediately. Also, MEP Orchestras were originally scheduled to resume on January 4th, but have been adjusted to January 11th to align with the extended Winter Break for schools.
IMPORTANT: If a Student or Parent receives a positive COVID-19 test within 14 days of having been at one of our rehearsals, please remember to notify your Conductor.
We encourage all of our members to keep practicing during this break, and to share music with others in any way they can!
Please don’t take your instrument out in the cold, but consider doing a Zoom performance for your family, making a video recording to send to a resident of a seniors’ home, or doing a “live stream from home” concert on Facebook or YouTube. Or just record yourself practicing and send it to your Conductor – they’ll appreciate hearing from you!
We’d also like to thank the Parent Volunteers, Students, and Conductors for the time spent on sanitizing and planning safe rehearsals. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
All the best and please stay safe,
—
Executive Board
Edmonton String Players Association
