Concert Season Info

Singers, friends and colleagues,

Good morning!

At the June board of directors meeting, important and necessary decisions were made regarding the upcoming 2021-22 concert season. These decisions were made based on information carefully gathered from legal, medical and public health professionals within our community.

There are also strict protocols set forth by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta which directly impact our use of the St. Mark’s Parish Hall as the permanent rehearsal site. Therefore, we are moving forward and planning for the opening of the concert season based on expectations and protocols implemented to assure the safest possible rehearsal and concert environment for all Choral Society singers and staff.

Should you decide to sing this year, we kindly request that you respect the following board decisions:
1. All members must be fully vaccinated in order to participate in rehearsals and concerts – this is to protect fellow choristers, the director and accompanist (Vaccinated persons can still be infected by a non-vaccinated carrier of the virus!! This situation actually occurred this past month within my immediate family.)
2. All members are required to provide proof (CDC card) of vaccination at the first rehearsal – this will also satisfy the agreement criteria with the St. Mark’s Vestry and administration as “any singers using the facility are required to be fully vaccinated”
3. Singers will be required to sign a vaccination agreement waiver which releases the CSWG from possible liability should a positive case occur during the course of the season

The board and I certainly respect each individual’s personal decision regarding vaccination and the decision to sing. The organization cannot possibly initiate an active and secure concert season should we ignore the reality of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Unfortunately, singing creates the “perfect storm” which rapidly and forcefully distributes the virus deep into the lower lobes of the lungs. Without safeguards in place, we are placing ourselves and our colleagues at greater risk of infection.

Nothing is more important than the secure health of our members and staff. We are optimistic that our members will be supportive of these decisions as we safely begin a new season once again filled with the joy of singing!

Andrew Harry will be with us as accompanist and artistic consultant. Congratulations are also in order for Andrew upon his new appointment as piano and music theory faculty member at Point University! And….stay tuned, for Baby Harry is due in August!

Updates:
The following is the projected schedule for the concert season. We will proceed with this calendar as of now.
My sincerest thanks to the members of our board for their tireless work, support and vision during this past year. Their commitment to provide three remarkable virtual concert offerings kept our organization relevant and connected with our community and supporters.

I hope to see you on Thursday September 9!
Bettie