The Performing Arts in a post Covid 19 world
The following is an informational essay originally sent as an email. After which are videos, next steps, informational links and terminology. AVUSD music teachers are currently working on best practices for music educators using distance/remote learning. All information posted here has been vetted by me and I will try not to overwhelm you with nonessential information. I am not paid for any suggestions. All sources when possible are primary sources. All information contained herein should be verified by local, state and national entities. This page is not endorsed by AVUSD or the CDE. The ideas and opinions expressed are solely the author – Mr. Javier. As this situation is in constant flux, all information should be considered with the most recent update by the appropriate entities.
The Performing Arts in a Post-Covid-19 world – original article
Update: 5/14/2020 6:41 pm
Click links for more info
Governor Newsom Budget Details
California Budget 2020-21
Thoughts on Zoom
I had thought long and hard about this but it can not be overlooked. Especially for school districts sharing privacy right of American students! I also want to point out that there has been a rise of anti-Asian sentiment. It should be noted that Taiwan is a hero in this story. I tell everyone I can about. Yet, the point should not be lost, school districts should not be using Zoom. The rush to use teleconferencing tech has been astonishing but I don’t think very much consideration has gone into it. Since most, in California, are already Google Suite schools (I will talk about that at a later date), we need to minimize access to student data from companies. We are stewards and we should take that responsibility seriously. There are serious problems with Zoom. Given the current climate, I would advise against it. Use Google Meet. It is free. In addition, the ability to record and store on Google Drive should not be over looked. Some might say, “you can do that on Zoom.” This is true. Then you have to upload it, taking up bandwidth and storage on your hard drive. This might not seem too bad for an individual. Now multiply that times how many teachers you have and see where the problem lies.
Important Video info
Disaster Distress Helpline
SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
What can I do now?
- Share with your colleagues and administrators the evidence in regard to covid 19 modes of transmission. Be transparent about the risks.
- Assure students, parents and administrators that you CAN continue to deliver quality educational musical content.
- Familiarize yourself with the new terminology in relation to remote learning - see section on terminology
- Begin to marshal your community support. Help everyone understand what is at stake.
- Share best practices with colleagues and others. There is a lot of information out there. Don't worry about feeling overwhelmed.
- Familiarize yourself with tools and technology that can help you durring remote learning (ex. Audio interface, Condenser mic, Google Meet, LMSs, etc.)
- Consider how you can plan for next semester. What will the challenges be with remote/distance learning?
- For the time being, virtual ensembles are the "new normal" for performing arts programs. Think about ways you can share these accomplishments in your community and globally.
- Learn to use video editors such as Adobe Premiere.
- Learn the basics of audio mixing.
- Does your community value the arts? How can you help facilitate the discussion to create a strong advocacy network?
- Don't feel guilty. Your kids are not engaged, you don't know how to use this program, the school in the next town over is having great success...and so on. You. Are. Fine. We are all in this together. We will make it together. You are doing enough. Take it one day at a time. We will get through this. Together.
Covid 19 info links
- National Association of Teachers of Singing
- The School Superintendents Association
- Return to School Roadmap AN OPPORTUNITY LABS INITIATIVE
- National Association for Music Education
- Music Teachers National Association
- NAMM Foundation
- NATIONAL FEDERATION OF HIGH SCHOOLS
- Google Drive by NFHS - musicians covid 19 resources
- CA CTE/AME Pathway Covid-19 Task force - Remote/Distance Learning Resources
- National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians
- THE COLLEGE MUSIC SOCIETY
- Music Educators Creating Online Learning - Facebook group
- California Department of Public Health
- California Department of Education
- San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
- State wide statistics for California
- SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: COVID-19 DASHBOARD
- Johns Hopkins University & Medicine - a resource to help advance the understanding of the virus, inform the public, and brief policymakers in order to guide a response, improve care, and save lives.
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation - COVID-19 Projections
- CDC - Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs
Covid 19 terminology
- LMS - Learning Management System
- Aerosolized droplets - a mode of transmission for covid 19
- Audio Interface - An audio interface is the hardware that connects your microphones and other audio gear to your computer.
- Super spreaders event (SSE) - an activity such as choir, where the is the potential for mass infection
- Contact Tracing - public health staff work with a patient to help them recall everyone with whom they have had close contact during the timeframe while they may have been infectious.
- Virtual enembles - Use Technology and Distance Education to Teach Ensemble Classes Remotely
- Asynchronous learning - learning that does not occur in the same place or at the same time
- Synchronous learning - refers to a learning event in which a group of students are engaging in learning at the same time