PYPO's Covid-19
Health & Safety Plan

Health Monitoring

• If students or staff are sick, feeling unwell, or have been running a fever within the last 48 hours, we ask that you STAY HOME.

• If someone you have been in contact with has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days, we ask that you stay home.

• Each Rehearsal Day, before arriving, students/families will fill out a short Health Screening Questionnaire.

• Upon arrival at rehearsal, all students will check in.  They will be screened using a no-contact infrared forehead thermometer.

• If a student tests positive for COVID, you must contact our executive director within 24 hours so we can notify your rehearsal group.  The name of the student will be kept confidential.

• At this time, PYPO is not mandating the vaccine for students or staff. In the health form for the season we have requested this information from everyone but response is optional and will be held confidential.

Safety Measures

• Students will bring their own stand, music, pencil and instrument – there will be no sharing of items.

• Arrival and departure times will be staggered so students in different groups will check in and leave at different times.

• Hand sanitizer will be available in each rehearsal room for student use.

• Students and staff will wear face masks at all times while in the building – this is required by the state mandate for masks to be worn in all school buildings.  Acceptable face masks include surgical masks, cloth masks and N95 masks.  Face shields can be worn in addition to masks, but cannot be worn alone.

• Wind and brass players may only remove masks when playing.  Wind and brass players are encouraged to wear a “playing mask” appropriate for your instrument.

• Students should bring their own water bottle to each rehearsal.  Water fountains may not be available for student use.

• Students in Prelude and Philharmonic may bring a snack to rehearsal to consume during break, but will not be permitted to share.  No food will be provided by PYPO.

Woodwind & Brass Policy

• Flutes: Players are responsible for supplying their own flute guard.  Please plan to clean it and bring it to use at each rehearsal/performance.

• Wind and brass players may only remove masks when playing.  Wind and brass players are encouraged to wear a “playing mask” appropriate for your instrument.

• Woodwinds & Brass WITH BELLS: Will need to use a bell cover when playing inside.  If you do not have a bell cover, please bring TWO nylon socks (trouser socks work well for this) or TWO Pantyhose/tights and cut them to size to cover your bell with two layers.  These socks/hose should be made of nylon.  The socks/hose should secure tightly on their own to the bell, but you may also use a rubber band to secure them to the bell.  Tubas and Euphoniums do not need to have their bells covered.

• Brass: Please bring a microfiber cloth or puppy training pad to each rehearsal.  Water keys (spit valves) must be emptied directly onto the cloth/pad (never on the floor). Students are responsible for disposal of these items after rehearsal.

• ALL Instruments must be sanitized before and after use.  Please follow the guidelines listed in the Yamaha Instrument Disinfection Guide

Attendance 

• Due to the pandemic, PYPO is adopting a revised attendance policy for the season.  We recognize that there will likely be more absences than in a normal season due to health reasons.  Anyone who is feeling unwell, or has been exposed to COVID-19 must stay home.  Rehearsal assignments will be communicated via google classroom.

• If you are healthy, it is important that you attend rehearsal.  Every student’s contribution is essential.

• If you must miss a rehearsal, please fill out the attendance form (located on our Member’s Page) as soon as you know you will be absent.  Students who do not fill out a form and are absent will receive a phone call.