Welcome Back/COVID Safety Information

August 19, 2020 

Welcome to the 2020-2021 Carroll Senior High School Dragon Choirs! We are eagerly looking forward to the possibilities of this coming year and am excited that you have chosen to be a part of our choral program. 

The Dragon Choirs of Carroll Senior High School are designed to give you a well-rounded choral music experience. This year’s theme is “Go the Distance.” We will focus on helping each student and choir build skills and knowledge to further develop a “tradition of excellence.” 

We encourage you to get to know more about the choral program online at www.dragonchoirs.net As a member of the Dragon Choirs, you will be a key part of helping this choral program succeed. You will be singing in many concerts, competitions, and other performances and you will also have opportunities to gain individual recognition through events such as All-State Choir, Solo & Ensemble, Pop Show, and more. 

This handbook contains valuable information about grading policies, uniforms, finances, private lessons, calendar events, and more. Please read this information closely and carefully and sign the required forms by Friday, August 28, 2020. 

Thank you for joining the Dragon Choir family! We are excited to work with you and am looking forward to many great musical experiences over the next year! We are confident that this year will continue our emergence as one of the leading choral programs in Texas. GO DRAGONS!


STUDENT SAFETY & RISK MITIGATION 
The Carroll Choral Department has worked in conjunction with Carroll ISD, TEA, and CDC officials to study scholarly resources in order to create a learning environment for choral singing that prioritizes student safety and mitigates potential risk. For the 2020-21 school year, the Carroll Choral Department will implement the strategies and procedures listed in this document. Participation in singing activities while on-campus is contingent with these expectations, which require a signature by the student and parent. Please note these are subject to change based on emerging research and guidance from appropriate officials.
Weekly Health Screening

• In conjunction with school directives, students shall complete a weekly health screening survey prior to participating in on-campus choral rehearsals. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

• All staff and students must properly wear face masks during all aspects of the choral rehearsal, including entrance and exit into the rehearsal location, while singing alone and in groups, and during all non-singing activities. If a student does not have a face mask, one will be provided. 
• All staff and students must properly wear face shields during all aspects of the choral rehearsal, including entrance and exit into the rehearsal location, while singing alone and in groups, and during all non-singing activities. One face shield shall be provided to each student in the choral program. It is his/her responsibility to bring it to each rehearsal. 
• For safety purposes, no personal protective equipment (face shields, face masks, etc.) may be stored in the rehearsal space. PPE must be taken with students following each rehearsal. 

Personal Needs 

• Students should bring their own water to rehearsals, preferably in a reusable, sealed container. Water fillers are located throughout the school; however, traditional water fountains will be closed.  No drinking water in the classroom.  You may be excused to leave the room if water is required.
• It is recommended that students have their own personal hand sanitizer and use it at the beginning and end of each rehearsal. Hand sanitizer will be available for students in limited quantities. 
• Students will continue to be allowed restroom visits during class, but will be limited to one at a time so as to avoid congregation. 

Rehearsal Safeguards 

• While it is impossible to eliminate all risk, choral rehearsals will consistently implement social distancing of at least 6 feet in distance between students when not singing and 10 feet when singing. Rehearsal environments are subject to change and can include locations such as the outdoors, band hall, auditorium, choir room, cafeteria, foyers, and extra classrooms. Students must be flexible, as decisions will be made based on attendance and class enrollment. When possible, six-foot “pods” shall be created using floor markings. Social distancing is a shared responsibility between directors, students, and parents and compliance from all will create the safest environment for choral singing. 
• Choral risers will not be used, as their use produces an aerosol atmosphere from singers on the back row of the riser. 
• Chairs will only be available if their presence does not limit the ability to socially distance. 
• Rehearsal aerosols will be mitigated through ceiling filters and portable HEPA air purifiers. These will be in operation throughout the day. 
• Students must bring their own materials and supplies to class each day and stow these items prior to exiting the rehearsal location. 
• Students will enter and exit the rehearsal location in a similar manner each day to minimize any crossing with students from other choir classes. Staggered entrances and exits will be used if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where will be having class? 
To allow for social distancing in all sections of choir, our primary location will be in the black box (the old choir room); however, we will be using alternate spaces periodically throughout the year while maintaining safety protocol. 

How will remote learning work in choir? 
We will provide synchronous learning for choir this year. This will allow students to log in and participate in choir along with the in-person students.   

What are we doing about concerts and competitions? 
We are evaluating every event in our calendar and finding ways to keep the school year as similar as possible. Some events may use different formats this year, but we are committed to making this a great year! 

Things are tough money-wise right now. Is choir going to be expensive? 
No. We know that this may be a difficult financial time. Choir will be accessible to all, and as always, we will work with you and your family. 

What can I do now to get ready for the start of the school year? 
Most of your choir supplies will be provided to you this year. If you do not own a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone, you might look to purchase a set for your learning. Also consider purchasing The Singer’s Mask.  This mask will provide you with cloth protection and allow for resonance while singing. https://www.broadwayreliefproject.com/singersmask

Masks will be worn for the entire class period.  



Paul Doucet, Director of Choral Activities
​Evan Ramos, Associate Director of Choirs
Dragon Choir Website: www.dragonchoirs.net
Dragon Choir Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @CarrollChoir