Masking and Attendance Policy

Masking Policy for Fall 2023 

(Updated 9/2023)

We know that we are all in this together. With prudence regarding recommendations, respect for each other’s choices, and the goal of safely sharing our love of music with each other and the community, we look forward to another successful season. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring live music back to our community but COVID-19 must be addressed. We have been discussing the issue of masks in the Executive Committee and with our fellow choristers in the area throughout the summer of 2023.

Beginning with our first rehearsal in September 2023, and until such time as circumstances require that we amend our policies and protocols, masks will not be required, for singing members, visiting artists and musicians, and audience. 

The Harvard-Radcliffe Chorus will be mask-optional and mask-friendly.  

Masks are optional for all members of the Harvard-Radcliffe Chorus.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is very strongly recommended, but not required to attend chorus rehearsals or concerts. 

 If, on the day of our rehearsals or concert, you do not feel well, we encourage you to stay home.

 We  repeat - If you are feeling unwell, for any reason, please stay home.

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Finally, now that masking is no longer mandatory, let kindness prevail.

As a choral community, we do not want anyone to leave because they no longer feel safe.

Many choir members, for a number of private reasons, may wish to continue masking. We ask that all chorus members be aware of each other’s needs and consider their well-being. Please, be mindful of the diversity of circumstances within our chorus and support the choices of others as much as possible, no questions asked.

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General Guidelines for Singers

You should be feeling in “normal” health and not be presenting any symptoms of any illness to come to rehearsal. Symptoms may include but are not limited to:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Congestion or runny nose

If you have tested positive for COVID–19 or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and have recently attended an in-person rehearsal or event, we request that you notify HRC so we may notify anyone that has been potentially exposed. 

 

ATTENDANCE

We expect members who join the chorus to be present at all rehearsals. You have committed yourself to 2.5 hours of rehearsal (with a 10 minute break) each week plus dress rehearsals and performances. This is an extremely small amount of time to prepare for the performance of great music! We also expect all members to be on time for rehearsals, and to be present for the entirety of rehearsals. Being on time is respectful to our conductor and accompanist, and your colleagues.

If you should find it absolutely necessary to miss a rehearsal, please email the following individuals in advance of the date of absence:

Sopranos and Tenors: Lily Dayan Cimadoro

Altos and Basses: Mary Dill

Include the date you will be absent, the reason for your absence, your name, and your voice part. Illness, family emergency, and religious holidays are the only acceptable reasons to miss a rehearsal. If you miss a rehearsal it is your responsibility to learn the material you missed. This not only includes the notes, rhythms, and gestures notated in the score, but also any markings given by the conductor.

If you are absent for more than two rehearsals you should come to the sectional rehearsal. Absence from a dress rehearsal may result in not being permitted to sing in the upcoming performance.

Membership in the Harvard-Radcliffe Chorus is a yearlong commitment, and continuous participation from semester to semester is highly encouraged.