Marching Band, Drumline and Color Guard must be able to perform at all games, competitions and assemblies, especially outside.  #LetTheBandPlayCA 

They would be playing outside and social distancing when playing together, so completely safe.

“These kids in music and band are feeling left out when all their fellow students are back doing sports,” parent said. “They practice and work out as hard as (the other students) do.” 

Why are contact sports allowed, but outside bands that can easily social distance 3-6 feet are not?

Football games are missing the sounds from a blaring tuba and roll of a snare drum that would roar through, amp up the crowd and those out on the field.

This year, COVID-19 restrictions make it difficult for a full band to get together to perform.  In California they are current banned from performing at any games or rallies, even if outside!  I am not sure where the science is on this scenario?

“They work just as hard as any other group in the school,” a Band director said. “They are year-round working. Band season is all year. For performing arts kids, this is their outlet. It is the thing that makes them feel whole.”

“I think anything that is close to normal is something at this point. Take those opportunities where you can get them,” Band Director said.

"So so important for mental health where they learn teamwork and build confidence! I marched in my bands colorguard all four years In high school. We competed/performed almost year-round and built life long friendships. I learned the values of work ethic, perseverance, and teamwork. If you’re on the fence about this consider that this experience is just as important as sports to those who do it. And for most allows them to find a safe environment in the whirlwind of high school."

CDC Safety guidelines allow for bands to play outside!

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-staff.html

1. Conduct outside and Social distance 6 feet.
   1. Consider conducting the class in an outdoor/open environment or under an open tent.
   2. Maintain social distancing to protect students and staff.
2. Masks only needed when inside and not social distancing
   1. Reinforce use of masks by all students and staff when not singing or playing an instrument that requires the use of their mouth (unless class is outdoors and distance can be maintained).

CA Safe School Guidance allow outside, but adds a non scientific requirement

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Schools-FAQ.aspx

1. Yes, singing and band practice are permitted, however outdoors only, provided that precautions such as physical distancing and mask wearing are implemented to the maximum extent possible.
2. Playing of wind instruments (any instrument played by the mouth, such as a trumpet or clarinet) is strongly discouraged. School officials, staff, parents, and students should be aware of the increased likelihood for transmission from exhaled droplets during singing and band practice, and physical distancing beyond 6 feet is strongly recommended for any of these activities.

Science refutes #2 and can be easily be mitigated with social distancing

1. University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering researchers has found that wind instruments typically do not spread aerosols farther than one foot: Article
2. In May 2020, the musicians of the Vienna Philharmonic took part in an experiment, in which particles emitted from playing wind and brass instruments were ultimately found to be pretty inconsequential. Article
3. The test results have pointed out that most wind instruments do not have any visual or measureable influence on the movement of compartment air. Merely while playing alto flute light flow movements were visible, close to the musician’s body. Regarding all wind instruments, beyond a distance of 1.5m (4.92 feet) to the front, no airflows could be measured and therefore no difference compared to usual airflows of hall-like rooms (e.g. movie theatres, theatres, auditoriums, opera, etc.) could be located. Study

4. Aerosols from all the wind and brass musicians tended to disperse within a foot or two, posing little risk to those around them. Study

   1. In these indoor spaces at the engineering school, aerosols traveled farther, about four feet.

   2. The researchers noticed that although aerosol production around the mouthpiece was significant, the instruments themselves “acted like a mask,” Arratia says, preventing the dispersion of particles.

   3. The only instrument for which this didn’t hold true? The flute, as flutists blow over the mouthpiece rather than into it, negating the “masking” effect.

So it time to update the CA guidance and allow bands to play outside and inside safely.