A Conversation: What Do Science and Data Say about the Near-Term Future of Singing?

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A Conversation: What Do Science and Data Say About the Near-Term Future of Singing?

FOLLOW UP FROM CALL:

“Seek clarity, not certainty.” – Overheard by Mollie Quinlan-Hayes

“Be patient. The time will come again to meet together. . . . Use this time to strengthen your organizations and the community within your organization.” – Dr. Lucinda Halstead

“Make sure your arts organization is at the table when plans for reopening are being made.” – Allen Henderson

These phrases stood out in a wide-ranging conversation yesterday, co-hosted by ACDA, NATS, Chorus America, Barbershop Harmony Society, and the Performing Arts Medicine Association.

As ACDA Executive Director Tim Sharp summed up, “We are in a state of shock right now, and are, perhaps, a little depressed seeing all that we can’t do. We have to turn next to focus on what we can do. We’re going to enter a period in the next months that will be a discovery period.”

Below is an unedited recording of the webinar (the program starts at about 6 mins., 10 secs.). Stay tuned for an edited version of the recording, as well as additional ways ACDA will be sharing the information.

Plans for follow-up webinars (on platforms with greater attendee capabilities) are in the works!

ORIGINAL: Posted 30-Apr-2020

Tuesday, May 5, 3:00-5:00 pm EST

Moderators: Tim Sharp, Allen Henderson, Catherine Dehoney, and Marty Monson

Guests include:

  • Dr. Donald Milton, Professor of Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, with a secondary appointment in the School of Medicine, and currently conducting C.A.T.C.H. the Virus Study
  • Dr. Lucinda Halstead, laryngologist, founder/medical director of the Evelyn Trammell Institute for Voice and Swallowing at the Medical University of South Carolina & President-elect of PAMA (Performing Arts Medical Association)

Join us for a conversation with medical experts who will provide us context as we plan for the next phase of choral and singing life in the age of COVID-19.

  • What does medical science tell us about singing and how the virus is spread, and how might that relate to decisions we make?
  • Is there such a thing as a “safe” choir rehearsal and how might we best protect our chorus members and private voice students?
  • What does data tell us about our audiences and when they might return to hear us perform in a live setting?
  • What questions do we need to ask ourselves in formulating a plan for the future?