Our mayor just announced a ruling by the CDC that there will be no gatherings in Omaha greater than 10 people for the next 8 weeks. This is going to affect a lot of people in a lot of different ways.
Events – Cancelled or Postponed
I was going to play pit orchestra for a musical next weekend. That musical has been postponed. It’s tough because it was going to be a world premiere of a new version of Phantom of the Opera. I was really excited about it, but I understand that the government wants to keep people safe.
We were going to have a spring recital at the end of the month. I have to go with the CDC recommendation and cancel the recital. I feel bad for my students who have worked so hard on their pieces, but I need to keep the safety of the immunocompromised in mind. Edit: Some parents are suggesting some online alternatives that I’m looking into.
I may be disappointed, but I’m glad that I can do my part to keep people safe.
Online Lessons
I did my first Skype lessons this week! They went better than I expected. I really liked that it changed the angle of what I usually see, so I could watch the form from a different angle.
I sincerely hope that this is an avenue that will allow my students to continue their studies through this social distancing event. I haven’t heard back from some of my families as to whether they’re continuing lessons, but most are.
Summer Schedule
This week I’m going to start talking to families about switching to a summer schedule – two or three days per week. That way my time is more blocked and I’m able to spend more time taking my kids to the park.
What I’m Doing Personally
This social distancing mandate may give me some extra time. I hope so. Here’s what I’m planning on doing with my extra time:
- Spend time in nature.
- Do some composing.
- Increase my practice time.
- Finish reading Quantz’s Treatise on Playing the Flute. (not an affiliate link)
- Spend more time with the family
- Make some YouTube videos? (Comment if you want some, and what the videos should be.)
- Front Porch Concerts – AKA: Annoy the neighbors. 🙂
Conclusion
I refuse to panic over this virus, but I will make smart choices. Based on what I’ve read and seen, these are the choices that I have made. I may have to make some different choices based on other things that come up, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, I’m doing my best to keep others safe while continuing to do the things that I love.