Dear Friends, members and potential members of Rockingham Choral Society

The RCS board met and had a good discussion about the state of where we are at with COVID masking and protocols both at rehearsals and our upcoming concerts in May. 

After considering all points of view and reviewing a lot of current information, we have decided to adopt the following policy effective with the Fall 2022 semester;

Masks will not be required at rehearsals or concerts but you may wear one if you choose. In fact, if you consider yourself in at elevated risk you should wear a mask. 

We will also be asking our members and audience to practice social distancing as much as possible at rehearsals and at our performances. We also still expect and strongly encourage all our members to be fully up to date with vaccinations even though we will not be checking vaccination cards. 

Currently many of our venues have also updated their policies to the same optional policy. Should anything change to any of these policies, we will publish it here on our website and also on our Facebook page. 

 Here is exactly what is on the CDC website “People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease, learn more about how to protect yourself.”

 Now obviously it says if you have COVID 19 wear a mask, but I would also add please don’t come to rehearsal. In fact, you are feeling ill at all, we would respectfully ask that you not attend and focus on getting well.  

The CDC also recommends staying up to date with vaccinations and get tested if you have any symptoms. If you would like to read more, here is the link https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html For information on what medical conditions increase your risk of severe COVID see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Also , keep in mind , should the situation take a turn in the wrong direction, we  may need to change our policy, but for now masks will no longer be required, but you may choose to wear one anyway. This is simply the next step as we continue our journey and hope to put this all behind us and we feel now is the time to take that next step. 

Since 1957, the Rockingham Choral Society has expanded and enhanced cultural experiences by performing choral masterpieces and adhering to the highest musical standards. The group, which is open to singers age 16 and older, is currently comprised of approximately 95 members from southern Maine to northern Massachusetts, representing all of NH’s Rockingham County as well as all walks of life and age groups.