Special Mitigations for Music Program Students Return to Rehearsal

“It is vital to maintain music programs during this crisis so that they continue to exist once this situation stabilizes,” stated Anthony Dahl, Manteca Unified Music Coordinator.

As part of the Phase 2 hybrid learning model, students are able to safely continue their instruction in band. Mitigation measures guided by the research from the University of Colorado Aerosol Study, allow students to play wind instruments and continue music education in the safest possible atmosphere.

The study, commissioned by the National Federation of State High School Associations, the College Band Directors National Association and a coalition of more than 125 performing arts organizations, found in their most recent results that if music participants wear surgical-style masks with a slit for the mouthpiece, and use an appropriate bell cover, that aerosol emission is reduced between 60 and 90 percent.

Today, each band student in MUSD who plays a wind instrument has been issued two specialized musicians’ masks which allow for physical contact with their instrument. These double-layered merv-13 masks, as recommended by the University of Colorado study, will catch all droplets that may escape while playing the instrument. Each student has also been issued a bell cover.

“If we truly believe in the important educational and social-emotional role of music education, we must adapt in order to continue to offer the best possible music education now and in the future,” said Dahl.

Other mitigations include outdoor band lessons, hand sanitization before and after touching instruments, no sharing of any materials (instruments, books, music, stands, chairs, etc.) until fully sanitized, wind instrument rehearsal is limited to 30 minutes to prevent aerosol buildup, brass instrument musicians empty water into disposable towels, and any student who is uncomfortable with in-person playing are allowed to complete alternative assignments without penalty.

“We anticipate that this latest information will enable even more schools to feel confident in continuing these programs because the scientific data has become more refined through each state of this process,” said Dr. James Weaver, NFHS director of performing arts and sports and co-chair of the aerosol study.

In a year where MUSD is likely to transition between distance and inperson models amid current health conditions, the District recognizes the educational and socioemotional role of music education and is prepared to transition the music program as learning models transition.

Mr. Fontanilla and students

On September 27, 2020, the Manteca High community and MUSD lost an educator, Mr. David Fontanilla. Mr. Fontanilla was an English teacher, coach, advisor for the ukulele club, and expert musician. The family of David Fontanilla donated upwards of $8,000 in numerous instruments to the MHS music program so that his legacy can continue with the students he loved and be shared with future classes of aspiring musicians.

Donated instruments

Donated instruments