COVID-19 UPDATE

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August 30, 2021

Dear BMS Community,

I want to share our plans and policies to ensure a safe re-entry in mid-September -- it is also important for you to review the full Current COVID Policy, which is revised on an ongoing basis as necessary. We are excited to be making music with you in person this fall!

With the Town of Brookline’s indoor mask mandate now in effect and the contagious Delta variant continuing to spread, BMS has updated its rules surrounding vaccines and masks, and has implemented other protocols to keep our community safe.

Be Healthy at BMS: Students should not come to a lesson or group class if they have any symptoms of illness.

Masks: Anyone entering Kennard House or taking lessons/group classes with a BMS teacher, must be masked at all times unless under 2 years of age. (More information for students about winds, brass and voice can be found below.)

Vaccinations: The CDC emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective way to protect against severe illness or death from COVID. BMS strongly encourages everyone who is eligible to be fully vaccinated.

Eating/Drinking: There will be no eating and drinking allowed at Kennard House or other teaching spaces.

Drop-off/Pick-up and Entering/Waiting at Kennard House: Everyone entering BMS will sign in at the lobby desk. After dropping off or situating children, parents/guardians are asked to wait for the child outside of the building. (You are welcome to sit on our porch!)

Hygiene: Hand sanitizers are located on each floor of the building and should be used by everyone entering Kennard House.

Air Purification: BMS installed a new HVAC system during the 2020-2021 school year which includes an air purification system running through our ducts. This system is active all of the time.

Recommendations for Winds, Brass, Voice: If you or your child plays a woodwind or brass instrument or is a voice student, you will need to utilize instrument-specific PPE. Here are some recommendations:

Thank you for staying vigilant to ensure the health and safety of the BMS community and beyond as we go through this pandemic together. The well-being of our community is always uppermost in our minds. The power of music is so important during these times!

Please call our main office at 617-277-4593 or email us at info@bmsmusic.org with any questions.

All the best,

Betsy Frauenthal, Executive Director