Band Re-start for Fall

[Newell Post]

Well, so one of my bands starts up again on Monday evening after a year-and-a-half hiatus. Since we meet in the band room of a local high school, THIS is required (in addition to bell covers). Not sure if I can tolerate this or not......

[GeorgeB]

@newell-post

I certainly couldn't wear that thing and play trumpet.

Where I live things are looking up. With a high population vaccination rate we are able play in any outdoor surrounding without masks or coverings for the bells of our instruments. Indoor playing is still a case of maintaining a 6 ft distance from each other and coverings for the bells of the instruments. We expect all restrictions to be lifted in early September, after which we will be doing concerts again.

We practice every Wednesday evening in an outdoor bandshell situated by a river on a walking trail and have attracted a regular audience. I like that.

[Richard III]

My community band started up with the rule that everyone must be vaccinated. No masks required. Also no bell covers. I've had my own bands playing for a couple of months with the same requirement.

[GeorgeB]

@richard-iii

I expect this will also apply to our band next month.

[J. Jericho]

@newell-post When politics and fear overrule facts and common sense, we get eye pollution like this photograph. Covering your nose and mouth tightly with Duck Tape is 100% effective against COVID-19. Much better than a flimsy mask.

[Dr GO]

I personally find playing loud and high optimizes social distancing, so a feel well protected using these techniques.

[Dr GO]

Another recommendation that I observed as working well is watching how far people stand away from Vulgano Brother while he is wearing is pink Sargent Pepper full length coat.

[Dr GO]

Trying to figure why the prices increase as the size decreases?

[administrator]

Lol. I chose a new hobby.

[Dr GO]

@j-jericho said in Band Re-start for Fall:

...Covering your nose and mouth tightly with Duck Tape is 100% effective against COVID-19.

AND you'll never have to pay taxes, ever again!

[Newell Post]

Yeah, one of my other bands practices outdoors in a church parking lot. Nobody has died, yet.

[Dale Proctor]

I’ll leave any band that requires that nonsense. I play mainly for enjoyment, and that’s not enjoyable. Pure silliness - how on earth can you get a good breath while playing? If the mask transmits air well enough to get a good quick breath, it won’t stop any germs or viruses. I’ve already played a gig (late last year) that those were ‘strongly suggested’, and they had free ones for everyone. I declined, as did about half the other brass players. We were already seated about 8’ apart and wore masks anytime we weren’t playing.

[Newell Post]

I'll try it one time. It will be interesting to see how many other cornetists show up with this restriction in place...

[Furcifer]

Absolutely not. I've been rehearsing steadily with four different performing groups of at least 12 to 18 people, since at least June of last year, and part of the reason why this was never required for us is quite simply because enough musicians simply refuse. Those masks are dumb and the bell covers are even dumber. I absolutely refuse to put something so stupid on a high quality professional instrument, just as I would refuse to be told what kind of valve oil I must use with it. There is not one single documented case of anyone ever contracting a virus via a wind instrument, in recorded history - and certainly not in the last year. Not even one.

Some who truly believes they are at risk should not be there, period. I really don't blame anyone for making that kind of a choice. I really don't blame anyone for doing anything they truly think they need to do to protect themselves. But I seriously question compliance in violation of one's personal and professional principles - whatever it is. I just can't do it. I won't do it. And nobody can make me. Here's something you CAN believe in: I will still find a way to play with other like-minded professionals who will not compromise their personal integrity either, some other way.

[Jolter]

My one band has been cancelled for a year and a half.

The other band picked up rehearsals last fall when there was a lull in cases, and then as cases increased in Novemer, went full outdoors mode. Rehearsals on the regular time, in a park, whenever temperature was above freezing and no rain. About half the band shows up, but that's still enough to be playable and enjoyable. Even some of the old-timers started turning up again after they got their shots.

I don't hold out much hope for the former band ever getting started in earnest again...

[Dr GO]

Came out of hibernation a second time after the Delta surge. Here I am just Thursday at Wholley Grounds that just reopened after the owner came down with Covid. Very small snippet of me harmonizing with a soprano and flutist.

https://www.facebook.com/1368582191/videos/pcb.10226808046371750/3022829614631183

[Dr GO]

For those not using Facebook, here is a still clip of that same gig on Thursday:

Felt great getting back into playing out again!

[GeorgeB]

@dr-go

I love the sound you are getting on your Getzen Flugel, Doc. But I must admonish you on one thing...
YOUR POSTURE...not good, Doc...

[flugelgirl]

My regular bands have not restarted yet, but a few other gigs are starting to pop up for Dec-Feb right now. I’m book for a show in Feb, “In the Heights”, and so far they are not requiring bell covers or masks. We will see if that changes or not. The brass quintet my boss and I put together has been rehearsing regularly, and we are working on scheduling a Christmas performance or two right now. Fun group capable of playing some pretty advanced music, so we have been enjoying it. I’ve started teaching my little student in person, and she has in person band for the first time since she has started playing. She’s getting better so much faster now!

[barliman2001]

I'm happy to say that here in Austria and Germany, things are rapidly returnimg to normal... my wife premiered two shows within the last month, one being a musical revue 50s style, set in an old artists' care home... at the stroke of 6 pm, they have to be in bed whereas in former times that was when they got up from bed to prepare for the stage... fortunately, it's a magic clock and they are transformed back into their old selves, acting out their best roles again, in a whirlwind of melodies going from The Bat via Traviata to Don Giovanni; only the Descent into Hell of Don Giovanni is a bit different - he just ages and is back in his wheelchair in the care home...
Last Friday, she did a new production of The Little Shop of Horrors, doing all the directing as well as singing Audrey Two and acting a few minor roles... both shows sold out to capacity, and not a mask in sight (proof of either having had Covid, being vaccinated or tested being required by law).
In two weeks, she's singing Adelaide in Vogelhändler, and she is directing a new production of Hansel und Gretel in December, singing the part of the witch as well...
As to bands, our big band is back in the rehearsal room with a tremendous innovation - we've invested in a CO2 sensor, and whenever a certain count is reached, we stop for an open windows break... works perfectly, and keeps everyone fresh and safe. Since we've got that sensor, rehearsals are about an hour longer than previously, and much less strenuous... first post-COVID concert on 30 October, a charity gig for an old peoples' home. www.bbmf.de