When we remember that our choices affect one another, we are practicing Ubuntu. As an Ubuntu choir, we are living and practicing Ubuntu in everything we do.

In no place has this been higher stakes than in the glaring reality of our global pandemic. Singing together is a considered a high-risk activity, but that risk is, for many of us, offset by the joy and oxytocin, which helps heal, connect, and stabilize us all. With this polarity in mind, we have given great thought to how to proceed, knowing that, as life dictates, these guidelines are subject to change as needed.

Here are the current protocols:
(last update: 2/2024)

There is no way to completely guarantee safety from COVID with any in-person gathering, but we as a community will practice using awareness, research, and reasonable group-safety measures in the name of protecting each other.

  • Currently, we are encouraging all folks in attendance to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, and willing to share your vaccination status with the leaders. This is not to single you out but to make sure we are trending toward our own personal herd immunity, keeping those who cannot get vaccinated for medical reason, or are highest risk, as safe as possible.
  • We expect to be INDOORS for much or all of the Session, and as such, have purchased an Aranet CO2 monitor to ensure ventilation levels are as high as possible. During our test run (10 unmasked singers in the large sanctuary with all windows open, all fans on, and all air filters running,) we hung out around 500-580ppm (outdoors here is generally 420-470ppm; ~1000ppm is considered poor ventilation but is common in indoor public spaces).
  • While we hope to be mask-optional and distance-optional (there is plenty of space to spread out in the Church’s sanctuary), there may be times we ask everyone to mask up for safety. We will always have N95 and KN95 singers’ masks available.
  • We gather using the BIRD-CAT-DOG method; this gives everyone ample opportunity to practice identifying their own comfort levels day-to-day.
  • Everything is completely optional. This was true before the pandemic, but is especially important to remember now. If we suggest you walk around or get close to one another and you don’t want to: don’t! You will be loved and sung to anyway, we promise.
  • We are letting go of the weekly testing requirement (though there may be times we introduce it again). With this in mind, please continue to be mindful of exposures, and help keep your community safe. If you have been recently sick, in a high-risk environment, or have had a likely exposure to Covid-19, please consider testing, masking, and/or distancing until your risk has lessened. We have a few tests on hand usually, in case someone needs one. We are trusting all of us to act in consideration of others, who may be more vulnerable than ourselves to illnesses. These actions are a sign of LOVE and RESPECT for your fellow community members, as well as their families and loved ones at home. Thank you for taking these extra steps, in the spirit of Ubuntu, to care for one another.
  • Finally, if you are actively sick or have a positive Covid or Flu test, please stay home and join us next time (or the time after that). If you’ve contracted Covid, please also let the Choir leaders know immediately.
  • If you are ill or exposed but still want to join, or if this just isn’t safe enough for you but you’d like to be a part of things, we are happy to Facetime or Zoom with you during the rehearsal (Church wi-fi permitting)! We want everyone to be able to join if they want to, while keeping others safe. This is the new way forward.
  • For any weeks you miss due to illness, we can send you audio recordings of the session if you request them in advance. (You will also always have access to the Session’s teaching tracks.)
  • Basically, we ask that you come with flexibility and the spirit of Ubuntu in your heart, with a willingness to do your part to maximize safety for all. Thank you for doing Ubuntu!