In the last three weeks or so, your church music program has been dealing with COVID issues. Several Mixed Choir members had asked me if we couldn’t do something in the singing line—even if we could not perform on Sundays. So, I wrote the Choir in late July about the possibility of having a choir “sing” on Thursday evenings. I would be there and all who came would need to be vaccinated. We could do some simple part singing with familiar hymns and shake a little of the “rust” out of our voices. We would distance, make sure of ventilation—and talk about anything else that came up. I also asked them to think about several things surrounding COVID that we need to take into account, asking them for feedback about these potential gatherings and any issues they felt pertinent.

Well, the email conversation was fast and furious! Many were concerned about the delta variant and there were other issues, too. After the “dust” settled, I decided we were not ready to have that “sing along.” I and many others were disappointed, but I do think it was a wise decision.

One issue that became highlighted in the Choir email discussion was the mask/vaccine status of our pianist. Although I had asked Michelina to mask in February, that request somehow got lost in the shuffle when most of us here at church got our vaccinations. After some conversation about the delta variant and heightened need to slow possible transmission, Todd and I again asked her to mask—with some very specific instructions about how it needed to be done. Although she agreed to this, it seemed that she could not comply. She resigned as of Monday, August 16. Dixie Marshall, one of our former pianists, will help us out with our services as we look for another permanent pianist.

It has not been easy to put together a satisfying music program in the face of COVID challenges. To be honest, I sometimes feel discouraged, frustrated and even helpless in the face of so many restrictions. And I deeply miss our Choir—as I know many of you do. But I am determined to “hang in there” as we work through this period. Please know that I very much appreciate your support, your feedback and any ideas you might have around the music program. You can talk to me on Sundays, call me at 509-325-6383, ext. 204 or write me at uumusic@uuspokane.org.

Deb Jacquemin
UUCS Music Director