It has been tough adapting to physical distancing measures. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss communal singing. Choirs are considered “super-spreaders” and are unlikely to return anytime soon. That especially applies to church choirs which potentially have at-risk members. A few weeks ago, the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the Performing Arts Medical Association held a webinar on the near term future of singing. I’ll admit that the science was sobering and their assertions were grim. However, they ended on a positive note and promised a follow up in the coming month. The next webinar will be a response to the question: what now? I look forward to watching.

A few days ago I attended a meeting for all the musicians of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. There was not much new information in terms of science. But, it was a chance to talk about creative ways to include more music in livestream services. It was heartening to know that the Diocese is supportive of music and musicians.

While choirs may not return to normal anytime soon, we do have virtual choir projects which are fun and challenging. The Choir School at St. Peter’s is working on a virtual performance of John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”. The choristers have each recorded themselves singing their own part along to the accompaniment. These videos will be synced together into one virtual choir!

I wanted to end with a quote that I have seen making the rounds on social media. It comes from Kellie Walsh, a Canadian choral music educator.

“If a choir is only about singing and performing - there will be no choir for a while.

If choir is about teaching and learning, growing, connecting, community, cultural exploration and transmission, and innovation - we will find a way to have choir.”