WWCS Board of Directors Meeting Update on Rehearsal Protocol, 9/21/2021

URGENT: PLEASE READ!  

On Sept. 21, 2021, the WWCS Board reconsidered the Covid-19 guidelines the Board had established for the first in-person rehearsal of “Our Songs of Joy” on Sept. 13, 2021. The Board is very concerned with the extremely high rate of spread of the various Covid-19 variants in the Walla Walla Valley community and the potential impact this could have on all singers participating in rehearsals, as well as on audiences at our concerts and presentations.  

As hard as our first rehearsal participants tried, it was obvious that some of the protocols were not followed, giving the Board concern over the well-being of all at the rehearsal. In addition, and to date, 16 previous members of WWCS have decided not to participate in “Our Songs of Joy” rehearsals and concert, many of them stating their unwillingness to participate until all participating choir members are fully vaccinated. 

The following motion was put forth and seconded: 

“Any person desiring to participate in WWCS rehearsals and performances must show written proof of being fully vaccinated."  

A lengthy, detailed, and compassionate discussion ensued, in which every Board member expressed his or her opinion on the issue. Finally, a roll-call vote was taken of the Board members who were eligible to vote. The motion passed. 

It is the Board’s sincere desire to be as proactive as possible in protecting the health of all WWCS members and patrons. Thus, it is with heavy hearts that the Board establishes this additional new guideline for participation in rehearsals and concerts.  

This motion becomes effective immediately and will apply to all persons who attend rehearsals, beginning on Sept. 27, 2021, and continuing until further notice. Fully vaccinated singers must show their vaccination certificate, or a photo of it, to the Board member at the registration table upon entering the rehearsal hall and signing the attendance sheet. Singers who cannot or choose not to show such proof are asked to remain at home. 

WWCS Board of Directors: 

Bob Schumacher, President 

Audrey Renaud, Vice President 

Chuck Templeton, Secretary/Treasurer

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The roots of the Walla Walla Choral Society were planted in 1905. Since then, hundreds of singers have shared the gift of song with our community. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic we have not been able to rehearse in person and had to cancel and reschedule our concerts. However, we are now "back in business" in a limited fashion, as noted above. The WWCS Board of Directors and our Artistic Director are constantly monitoring CDC and Walla Walla County guidelines as we cautiously return to in-person rehearsals and look forward to performing our Holiday Season concert, "Our Songs of Joy".

With no income from concerts and limited ability to reach donors during this pandemic, we hope you will consider a gift to help “keep the song alive” in the Walla Walla Valley. 

Donations by check can be sent to Walla Walla Choral Society, P.O. Box 2367, Walla Walla, WA 99362; or by credit card by clicking the "Donate to Choral Society" button below.

 We sincerely appreciate your generosity. 

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