Before I post an account of my third return to choral singing, I’m going to reflect on some of the difficulties that have had to be faced and the questions to be answered.
Firstly is there a place where rehearsals can happen safely? (One choir I sing with has not yet returned because it could not guarantee this). And if there is, there are the usual practicalities to be worked out such as a one-way system. Should the choir rehearse wearing face coverings? What rules should you make about social distancing and how should they be enforced?
Do you rehearse one group in an evening or two? Can you broadcast the rehearsal online to those who aren’t physically present? Assuming you can’t fit everyone into one evening, do you invite singers strictly in rotation, or do people in voice parts that are thin on the ground get to attend more rehearsals, in order to preserve balance?
Do you make any attempt at live performance? Online performances? Or no performance at all? Do you reduce the annual subscription because there won’t be a full programme of concerts? Or keep it as it usually is and risk losing singers who don’t want to pay it? Should all singers pay the same subs if some get invited to more rehearsals (see previous paragraph)?