By Nick Schonken
Masks, or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as it is formally known, have played a role in preventing the spread of Covid-19. Along with the likes of social distancing and the rollouts of vaccines.
With the March 25 return to in-person instruction looming, Visalia Unified School District has been updating classroom safety protocols.
Band at Redwood High School is traditionally done in the band room, a place in which it would be difficult for the multitude of students in Redwood’s Advanced Band to fit. Because of this, according to Mr. Ray, Redwood Band Director, “Students will be in 10ft x 10ft squares on the north turf field.”
The movement to the field has allowed for students to be able to play their instruments.
Ray said, “The district has already purchased PPE for instruments. They include musicians masks, instrument bell covers, and instrument bags. They are made within the guidelines/specifications of the National Federation of State High Schools aerosols study and are washable for students.”
The National Federation of State High Schools aerosols study concluded in their press release on their 3rd round of data that, “masks must be worn at all times, and multi-layered bell covers must be used by all wind instruments,” additionally stating that “the optimum area for rehearsals is outdoors, with the use of masks and proper distancing between participants.”
Ray adds, “however, [the PPE] was purchased in anticipation of coming back to school and since releasing guidelines, VUSD has decided that social distancing is the measure they will use to provide safety for students/instrumental teachers. The district feels the current PPE is unproven although there is disagreement between research that director’s have presented and the ruling of the district office.”
When it comes to overall mask-wearing of students Ray says the rules as of March 19, are that “Students must still use masks while setting up and moving from class-to-class, but not while playing their instruments.”
Ray does state that “it is important to note that the district has decided as of Friday, 3/19/21 (this, like all guidelines with COVID, may change) that they will not supply any PPE for instruments. If students have their own and wish to use it then that is left up to the students/families, or at least I would believe that is the case as I have not yet been directed to not allow it in class.”
Tags: covid-19, masks, Nick Schonken, PPE, Redwood, redwood band