A large international coalition of performing-arts organizations has commissioned a scientific study on the effects of COVID-19 on the return to rehearsals and concert halls. Organizations in the coalition span a wide range of performing arts groups, associations, and educational institutions, including the League of American Orchestras, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), American String Teachers Association, and Chorus America. The study will examine aerosol rates produced by wind instrumentalists, vocalists, and actors, and how quickly those aerosols accumulate in a space. The study will then focus on remediation in confined spaces like rehearsal rooms, classrooms, and performance settings in order to develop policy and practice for a safe return to performance and education. Dr. Shelly Miller at the University of Colorado Boulder’s School of Engineering and Applied Science is the study’s lead researcher. The coalition is co-chaired by Mark Spede, President of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) and Director of Bands, Clemson University; and James Weaver, Director of Performing Arts and Sports, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Preliminary findings are expected in July, and with secondary findings expected in December. Read the study overview here and the full statement of work here.
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