From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE—Adjustments have been made.
With assistance from the National Federation of State High School Associations and National Association for Music Education, the Trussville City School System (TCS) has implemented coronavirus safety procedures for both the Hewitt-Trussville Middle and High School bands.
A list of “General Procedures”, “Outdoor Rehearsals/Performances” procedures and “Indoor Rehearsals/Performances” procedures have been provided:
General Procedures:
1- Students will practice social distancing in every rehearsal scenario.
2- Students must sanitize hands every time they enter or exit the rehearsal facilities.
3- Facial coverings should be used when not playing an instrument. This includes while being transported or while not playing in the stands.
4- If a student falls ill during a rehearsal or performance, they will be isolated until they are picked up by a parent. Isolation room is room PA111. Isolation room will be disinfected once student has left the building.
5- If a student falls ill, they will need to bring proof of medical clearance before returning to the rehearsal/performance facility.
6- To ensure social distancing, all students must enter the band facilities through the main band room entrance and exit via the back door to the rear parking lot.
7- Only one student at a time will be allowed to enter percussion or storage rooms at one time to retrieve equipment.
Outdoor Rehearsals/Performances:
1- All outdoor rehearsals will require social distancing measures.
2- Students WILL NOT be allowed to congregate in close proximity during water breaks or other pauses in rehearsal.
3- It is recommended that students wear facial coverings during instances where the students are not playing. Examples are while setting drill or while being transported.
4- Students are responsible for bringing their own water source to camp. This will allow students to carry water with them at all times. This will reduce congregating at water stations and would make sure students do not put bottles in a similar area.
5- Due to COVID-19, uniforms will need to be taken and kept at home. Students are responsible for bringing uniforms on Friday for football games.
Rationale: students will sweat in the uniform; uniforms traditionally are put up in the same closet space by other students. This could potentially lead to cross contamination student to student.
Indoor Rehearsals/Performances:
1- Sanitation stations will be set up at the entrance and exit of the rehearsal facility.
2- Rehearsals will be held with 6 feet of social distance between members. Band room 1: 108-115 member. Band room 2: 72-80 students.
These restrictions will be in place as TCS bands prepare for competitions, concerts and the upcoming football season.
“This document is intended to serve as a guidebook for any large gatherings of musicians seeking to reduce the risk of viral spread while maintaining practical needs of ensemble performance,” read a statement from TCS.