Mask-wearing Guidelines for Rehearsals and Performance

Hello Tessiturians,

I'm sure many of you saw the Hotel Information & Health Update email on Tuesday, with confirmation that all TLCC Denver attendees will be required to submit either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test 48 hours to arrival via CLEAR Health Pass, along with encouragement to mask during the conference. You can find the full duty of care statement for the conference HERE.

As we mentioned on our check-in call two weeks ago, we have decided to implement a face mask wearing requirement for both Tessiturians rehearsals at TLCC2022 Denver based on science and the recommendations of the CDC. We have arrived at this decision based on the confluence of these factors:

1. While we assume some people will be vaccinated against Covid, the reality is that the current Covid variant is highly transmissible and can infect even those who have been vaccinated or previously infected.
2. We cannot know who in the group may be particularly susceptible to the virus and who may have a bad health outcome if infected.
3. Since everyone is traveling the day of or day before the first rehearsal, we have to assume some people have been exposed to the virus.
4. We want to do everything we can to prevent anyone from getting sick and being unable to participate in any part of TLCC.
5. Singing is known to be a way to spread the virus more quickly to more people; singers will be sharing microphones.
6. Everyone in the band is critical to the success of the group and we want everyone to be well enough to participate in the performance.

N-95/KN-95 masks or similar are recommended but multi-layered surgical masks are also acceptable. Cloth masks are not acceptable unless paired with a surgical mask. Masks will be available at both rehearsals for those who do not bring them.

Horn players do not need to wear a mask while rehearsing their songs, but must mask-up when not on stage and when not playing for extended periods of time.

There will likely be drinks provided during rehearsals, as we see this as a networking event for those of you volunteering your evenings to be in the band. Please be sure to wear your mask when not drinking, and respect the personal space of those around you when you do drink.

Masks are encouraged but not required for the performance on Wednesday night.

If there is a reason you feel you cannot wear a mask during rehearsals, please let us know now so we can find someone to take over your assignments. If you refuse to wear a mask during rehearsals you will be asked to leave.

If you begin to feel un-well or test positive for Covid, please follow the instructions in the Duty of Care documentation and let Dale know ASAP - daucoin@tessituranetwork.com

As a reminder, we will be meeting tomorrow for a final check-in before we move into August and run up to TLCC. We'll be focused on instrumentalists at 1 PM Eastern, and vocalists at 1:30 PM Eastern, but you are invited to attend whenever you can for however long you are able.

Thank you,
Your Tessiturians Planning Committee
(Brian, Dale, J.D., and Tony)