COVID-19 Message
Updated 3/20/2020 at 3:30 P.M.
Dear ESYO Friends and Family -
"Uncharted territory"
"Unprecedented times"
"The new normal"
These phrases are entering our vernacular with "unprecedented" speed! Although much is new, we still have music. Whether we are players, or listeners; composers or conductors, music brings a peace and joy that can't be found anywhere else.
And that's why, at ESYO, we are working diligently to keep 600 young musicians as engaged as possible...virtually. How does that work? Well, our conductors have some pretty amazing ideas! Tuesday nights normally find our Music Director and the Symphony Orchestra hard at work at Brown school, rehearsing from 7:00 - 10:00 pm. What happened last Tuesday night? At 7:00 pm, one hundred and one Symphony members, including Music Director Carlos and Orchestra Manager Andrea, met through an online platform and held their first virtual get together. The idea was new to everyone, and yet every single member attended. Commitment? You bet. And there were loads of ideas on how to work together while apart, practice tips, and more.
Other conductors are using techniques familiar to their students and giving listening exercises, practice exercises, ideas for collaboration, and general support. They are making use of outstanding virtual platforms that will keep our kids focused, and yes, engaged.
Are there silver linings to this crazy situation? YES! Where there's a challenge, there's growth!
- We are challenged to learn - but not in a classroom
- We are challenged to practice - but not with a stand partner
- We are challenged to listen - but not to a conductor on a podium
- We are challenged to engage - but not face to face
- We are challenged to stay motivated in an environment where we might feel isolated and alone, but we know that we are not.
We hope you will join us in our endeavors to continue to move forward in a brand new environment. Maybe you cannot teach virtually, or aid in a students' practice, or help them listen more effectively, but you can wish us well, and follow our updates! You can let us know what YOU are doing to "stay on track" during this challenging time! It is not familiar, but we are committed.
Now. The spring. We are indeed postponing our spring concerts and events, but wait until you see what's next! We look forward to a big celebration bash when the time is right, and rest assured you will be at the top of the invite list! Our creative hats are on, and we are planning already. Got any ideas? Throw them our way! We'll put them in the mix and see what comes out on top.
Stay healthy - stay safe - stay committed - stay motivated. We'll do the same. All our very best
- The ESYO Team
If you have ANY concerns re the above, please feel very free to contact our Executive Director, Becky, at any time. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For any programmatic questions, please contact specific ensemble managers. All of our staff are working remotely, but you can reach each and every one of us via email (you can find those addresses at esyo.org). Safe to say, we'd love to hear from you!
Past Announcements
March 13, 2020
Dear ESYO families,
The health and safety of our members, families, staff and volunteers are of our utmost concern. As many of you know, the COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation requiring all of us to be responsive to the changes that are occurring daily. Recently we learned that the College of Saint Rose will be closing for the month of March, following the lead of many other institutions in our region, choosing to operate virtually rather than put their students at risk. We, too, do not wish to contribute to the spread of the virus. Unlike a neighborhood school that has a relatively closed community, ESYO's membership hails from a two-hour radius of the Capital Region, making it, perhaps, more vulnerable to viral spread.
For this reason, we have made the decision to suspend all rehearsals, concerts and events that were due to take place from March 15 to April 4. We hope we will be able to resume our normal programming on April 5th, but we will, of course, be closely monitoring the situation and will provide you with regular updates.
Rather than halt our musical progress entirely during this interim, however, we are hoping to provide virtual instruction and guidance to help our members continue to develop their skills and practice their repertoire. Stating the obvious, this is a brand new situation for all of us! I'm sure you understand that these are uncharted waters, and this plan will be difficult to implement. What we can promise you is that all staff and conductors will do their very best to keep our students engaged and connected.
Our Artistic Staff is meeting in the coming days to coordinate this effort. You will receive a communication from your conductor before your next scheduled rehearsal, describing their plan for the virtual learning that might take place over the next few weeks.
Best regards,
Becky Calos
Executive Director
March 10, 2020
COVID-19 Message
We want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19/Coronavirus situation. The safety and security of our members, staff, families, volunteers, and audiences is our highest priority. We are following the lead of our city, state, and federal officials and are prepared to implement responses recommended by public health authorities.
All rehearsals will take place as scheduled. We remain vigilant and prepared to make decisions based on current needs, as well as in response to changing conditions. We will make every effort to notify you as soon as possible should adjustments be necessary.
We want to emphasize that anyone who is not feeling well, or is exhibiting flu-like symptoms should not come to rehearsal, concerts or events. If you or a family member begin showing these symptoms and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself, you should follow these tips, which apply to many viruses, including influenza:
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you’re ill, and isolate yourself from others in your household, except for seeking medical care.
©
2020
Empire State Youth Orchestra. All rights reserved.