Performing Arts: Music Ensembles

A high quality music education is essential to the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of every student. SCS
will provide a broad range of innovative, inspiring, and relevant music education offerings so all students learn to
express their unique voice and shape a thriving Memphis/Shelby County community.
We foster places of belonging through equitable, high quality, and sequential K-12 music education experiences,
empowering all young people to strive for artistic and scholastic excellence.

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Covid-19 Guidance for Principals regarding Music Ensembles

• The following guidance comprises the most current and relevant data from the National
Federation of High Schools Associations, the National Association for Music Education, and
guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education.

Whether virtual, in person, or hybrid, SCS Principals and Music Directors can proceed with music
instruction with consideration for limiting risks specifically associated with music instruction,
outlined below. Research suggests there are increasingly important reasons for students to
engage in music instruction due to the social/emotional support it provides, as well as academic
gains it has been shown to support. Most importantly, SCS music opportunities teach a lifelong
passion for making and appreciating music and the arts. The following factors should be
considered for classes and *after-school rehearsals as well:

Masks – Masks should be worn by students, and masks/bell covers should be on

instruments and materials. Wind Instruments have special considerations:

o If singers wear proper masks, then singing produces no more aerosols than talking.
“Proper masks” are the three-layer blue surgical masks fitted properly. Look for the
code “GB/T32310” on the box to make sure you are using the right type of mask.
o Bell covers- like the three-layer face mask recommendation, bell covers should also be
of the three-layer type. Some materials (spandex or stretchable vinyl) may increase the
chances of aerosol spread.
o Flutes produce less small-particle aerosol than other musical instruments. The goal is to
mitigate the spread of small-particle aerosols, the type that can carry the virus to
another person. Flute players may play with the instrument head joint between the
mouth and the mask. Face shields are not necessary. If a shield is used, it must be used
with a face mask.
o Recorder players may use a slitted mask. A face mask may be used to cover the end of
the flute/recorder barrel. Little to no aerosol emissions were measured at the finger
holes.
o If students are using a slitted mask to play an instrument, they must have another non-
slitted mask to wear when not playing the instrument.

Distance – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) distancing guidelines of 6
feet by 6 feet should be followed, with additional space (9 feet by 6 feet) for trombone
players. The distancing guidelines apply for outdoors as well as indoors.

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Time and Air Flow – Rehearsals should be limited to 30 minutes in a ventilated area.

Hygiene – The emphasis remains focused on hygiene, including frequent hand washing, and
cleaning of spit valves and storage areas.

Sharing – The sharing of instruments and supplies is not permitted. If this presents limited
access for SCS students, district advisors should be contacted by the music teacher for
appropriate accommodations to be made.

Regarding pedagogy, promising practices have emerged with virtual teaching that allow
increased access to higher-order thinking, collaboration, and creativity. As students return to in-
person learning, it is critical that we leverage our newly discovered assets in a way that propels
student learning for dynamic possibilities for achievement.

Student-Led Discovery
In addition to the skills and knowledge from the major work at the grade, provide extra
attention to the student’s individual learning goals for Student Led Learning, empowering
learning beyond the bricks and mortar school experience. This is meant not only to prepare for
learning on days school is not in session, but also to empower students toward inquiry and
exploration in music. Provide students with choices of “work from home” activities that include,
but are not limited to, compositions, technology-based projects, marketing and event
management, research and presentations, formation of modern band/garage bands, etc.

Arts Education for Social Impact

Whether virtual or in person, the teacher should guide students on setting individual goals for
creativity and music making beyond the classroom, with a specific focus of leveraging student
voice around multiple thematic topics, such as Music and Creative Arts to address Social Justice
issues and Memphis/Tennessee Music History, Present, and Future.

For specific guidance for circumstances not covered, refer to this document for additional
support. Pay particular attention to the collaborative decision-making model on Page 7 for how
to facilitate afterschool events with mitigation strategies that include, but are not limited to,
contract tracing, temperature checks, and Covid-19 symptom screenings.

For Shelby County Schools Performing Arts Directors seeking to host special events, afterschool
rehearsals, etc., they should provide a proposed safety plan to their administration. The safety
plan should contain the following elements located in the sample template included:

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School Event Proposed Safety Plan

If you are planning to have performances, please follow the guidance provided. Safety plans
should be reviewed by the school administration for review and approval at least 48 hours
prior to the activity.
School Name
Principal Name
Performing Arts Director
Name
Proposed Event/Activity
Title
Event Date(s)
Event Time(s)
Event Student Capacity
Location
Describe how the proposed
activity aligns with District
recommendations for
student safety in the
Performing Arts?
Describe how the proposed
activity will include standard
in-school safety protocols
plus any additional measures
needed for the specific
proposed activity.
Administration Signature
Date Signed
Insert Name
Insert Name
Insert Name
“Afterschool Rehearsals”
April-May, Each Tuesday/Thursday
2:00 PM-4:00 PM
45 Students
Band Room, Outdoor Marching Practice Field
In accordance with District Guidance, the proposed event
will have strict protocols for hygiene (effective and frequent
hand washing), Covid-19 Screening, Contact Tracing
(student sign in/out per occurrence), proper use of
masks/bell covers, and maintaining social distancing of no
less than 6 feet. Portions of rehearsals when students are
playing/singing will be limited to 30 minutes and proper
attention will be provided to maximize ventilation. We will
employ staggered schedules for arrival/release to minimize
student traffic flow.
The standard safety protocols implemented during school
hours will continue to apply for the proposed activity, with
additional measures of XYZ for this specific event.