At
Chorus Angelicus
we are working hard to create a solid action plan for the fall, so both our teaching and performing schedules remain dynamic, rich, and in keeping with the high standards of the organization.
The last time that we all saw each other, face-to-face, in our traditional rehearsal spaces at Trinity Church, in Torrington, was March 12. However, faced with hardship and the impossibility of physical gathering, we persisted… and the resilience and creative drive of the human spirit prevailed. We went on with all the tools that technology afforded us. We were able to, not only keep our rehearsals happening, but also, to craft three (soon to be four) wonderful virtual choir performances for the delight of our community. We also kept inspiring our children, so as to get them to send us ingenious expressions of themselves playing instruments, dancing, or singing at home. We take pride in sharing those with you regularly as part of these newsletters.
Looking to the fall, our Senior choristers will continue to rehearse twice a week. We will also continue to stress new areas or pathways of learning not quite emphasized before Covid-19, such as music theory, history, personal projects, technology, and special extracurricular assignments.
We will meticulously monitor all official health recommendation, not only from the CDC, but also from expert entities such as the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and the Connecticut Arts Administrators Association (CAAA), which in cooperation with State Arts Organizations and the State Department of Education, have released critical guidelines.
Consistent with these recommendations, we will still offer distant learning options using the current tools that have proven highly effective, such as Zoom meetings and Google Classroom. We will also be ready to start implementing a “blended” instruction approach, allowing for some in-person teaching, should the health guidelines permit it, with smaller subgroups, and following strict safety procedures to ensure we are not compromising ourselves or the wellbeing of our families. Such measures may include wearing masks, utilizing well-ventilated, sizable rooms, and working with rotating reduced ensembles of very few singers.
While group performances and presentations may be limited, virtual classes focused on the aforementioned pathways and technique development will be fostered. We will make up for the lack of public concerts by establishing a strong online presence, and by utilizing tools and platforms such as Facebook Live, YouTube, Instagram, and venues with which we could partner up to offer live-stream concerts. With the tireless work of the Board of Directors, we have secured funds to invest in virtual proficiency and ensure we will still be accessible to our families, patrons, friends, and followers.
We will still be there for you with our angelic sound!
Dr. Gabriel Löfvall
