On June 1, 2020, the Arkansas Department of Health released a Directive for Community and School Sponsored Team Sports.

This directive states: ".... due to the potential for increased production of respiratory droplets in wind instruments,  they should not be used at this time. "

On July 16, 2020, the NFHS (National Federation of State High Schools) released preliminary findings from a scientific study on the spread of aerosols from wind instruments.

The preliminary results recommend masks with a slit for instrument mouthpieces and  bell covers for the instruments. Also, winds need to be spaced 6'×6' and trombones 9'×6'. Brass players will need puppy pads for condensation. Flutes may place their headjoint between their mouth and mask.

With proper socially distanced spacing, smaller groups of students, and the use of Instrument PPE, band can resume safely.

On August 1, 2020, during his Covid 19 update, Governor Asa Hutchinson was set to make a huge announcement about contact sports, as well as band. Unfortunately the majority of his update vastly ignored band, and restrictions on the playing of wind instruments were not lifted.

Band is not a close contact sport and needs to be evaluated seperately from sports. Contrary to popular belief, Marching Band is only a small spoke on the giant wheel of Concert Band, which is an Arkansas school subject with frameworks and standards. Jazz Band is also a spoke on the Concert Band wheel  and has it's own frameworks and standards.

Students and teachers return to school August 24, 2020, but how can Concert Band and Jazz Band resume when the Governor of Arkansas is neglecting to lift restructions and place scientifically based guidelines for the safe return of Band?