ZOOM LINK FOR REHEARSALS Here is the link for all the rehearsals: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85623943604?pwd=Ykx4WVNkZklab0E5N3VYWHU3QlJvdz09
Meeting ID: 856 2394 3604 Passcode: 105978
PEMI CHORAL SOCIETY: MASK AND VACCINATION POLICY FOR REHEARSALS STARTING JANUARY 17, 2022
(Letter to Pemi Choral Members from Acting President Marilyn Pomerantz, Dec. 31, 2021) Dear Pemi Choral Members, The Pemi Chorus Board has agreed that proof of vaccination (as we had in the fall) and of booster is required to participate this spring. As we did last term, masks will be required at all rehearsals.
Pemi Board member Susan Scrimshaw, public health expert (and soprano 2), reminds us of the following:
"We face a real challenge in rehearsing in person while Omicron is so present. Two doses of a vaccine are down to as low as 40% protection (depending on the vaccine), which improves to 80% or more with a booster. Also, boosters help protect against severe infection and hospitalization in the case of breakthrough infections. Those who sang with us in the fall were all willing to show proof of vaccination and I believe most will be relieved by a request for a booster dose."
Requiring a booster is the least we can do to protect ourselves as a chorus. Please remember that our first rehearsal is nowMonday Jan 17 at Plymouth Regional High School. Music distribution begins at 6, singing at 7. Marilyn Pomerantz Acting President
References https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03686-x Mallapaty et al. How COVID vaccines shaped 2021 in eight powerful charts. Nature, 16 December 2021. The extraordinary vaccination of more than four billion people, and the lack of access for many others, were major forces this year — while Omicron’s arrival complicated things further.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03672-3 Callaway. Omicron likely to weaken COVID vaccine protection Nature, 8 December 2021. Early lab results suggest that existing vaccines could be less effective against the fast-spreading coronavirus variant, but boosters should improve immunity.
REHEARSALS ARE HELD ON MONDAY EVENINGS (Pre-Covid routine; on hold for now): Sectional Rehearsals 6:30-7:00 pm - optional but highly recommended in PSU Silver Center for the Arts, 114 Main Street in Plymouth
Tenor/Bass/Baritone - Silver Room #131
Alto/Soprano - Choral Room #122
Full Choir Rehearsal 7 pm - 9 pm in Choral Room #122
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE SPRING 2022 . . . will be available soon! The first rehearsal will be Monday, January 17th at Plymouth Regional High School. We will meet at the high school -- in the auditorium -- at least through February 7th.
CONCERT SCHEDULE APRIL 2022 Thursday April 21st, 2022 - location to be determined Friday, April 22nd, 2022 - Silver Center for the Arts, PSU
PARKING PERMIT You may download this parking permit to use during Spring 2022 rehearsal times at PSU.
MISSING REHEARSALS Regular attendance at rehearsals is very important. There are times, however, when attendance is just not possible. Pemi policy, as set by the board, allows for no more than three missed rehearsals in any term. Any more than that, the singer must get a waiver from the board.
CONCERT ATTIRE The Pemigewasset Choral Society requires strict compliance to concert attire in order to maintain a uniform and professional presentation. There should be no distraction to the audience by individual appearances. Members should respect the effort made by all other members adhering to the code. Questions about concert attire can be addressed to the Wardrobe Manager or a board member well before the concert.
WOMEN
Modest, elegant black, floor-length skirt or dress. The hem should be two to three inches from the floor with shoes on. Black slacks may be worn for positions in rows two to the back. Plain black belt, if used. Members standing in the front row must wear black, floor-length skirts.
Black hose and black shoes should be worn. No open toes, colored or metallic trim.
Modest black blouse or top with three quarter length or long sleeves. Top must be worn tucked into waistband, or untucked if it is neatly hemmed to be worn as such. No turtle necks, patterns, bling or colored trim. Blouse should have sleeves below the elbow or should be worn with a black jacket/sweater that is long sleeved. Off shoulder styles are not permitted. Neither should cleavage or bare belly be shown.
Small earrings may be worn but they must not hang below the earlobe.
No necklaces, purses, hats, hair bows or colored hair decorations.
MEN
Black trousers and plain black belt if used. No suspenders.
Black socks and black shoes. No open toes, colored or metallic trim.
FALL CONCERT - Black long-sleeved dress shirt. No bow-tie.
SPRING CONCERT - White long-sleeved dress shirt. Black bow-tie.
SPRING CONCERT (past years)– Bold jewel-toned long sleeved dress shirt. No knits, jersey, turtle necks, patterns or colored trim. Suggested colors: red orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. No black, white, beige or metallic. Wear bright, strong solid colors, not pastels. Black bow tie will be provided.
BOTH
No gum chewing during concert performance.
Due to allergic reactions, no fragrances should be worn during rehearsals or concerts. These include perfume, cologne, after shave, scented hair spray, scented deodorant, etc.
Visible body piercings should be covered or removed. Rings and medical alerts may be worn.
Water bottles must be left in the dressing room during concerts.
Watch alarms, cell phones, and pagers must be turned off.
Music folders should be held down in the left hand when entering/leaving the stage.