Looking Ahead

Governor Inslee outlined his plan to drop the emergency covid orders as of October 31st, which lifted most of the remaining restrictions on Washington residents and businesses.  He will continue to amend the plan in response to the health department recommendations for the changing situation.  The initial plan and the updates are available here. WSMTA members should continue to watch for updates and are also encouraged to consult national and county public health department guidelines.

As teachers plan the events for this school year, and look ahead to MAP, MLP, festivals, chapter and studio recitals, chapter honors competitions, etc., our overriding priority is the health and safety of our teachers, visiting artists, students, and their family members.

Flexibility remains a key word in our lives these days, so having a back- up plan for any in-person music event is prudent in case safety protocols cannot be maintained according to the state and local health directives.

For additional insight into possible legal issues surrounding pandemic protocols, including liability caused by failure to follow state and county guidelines, MTNA has prepared a helpful guide to legal liabilities.  That guide is available here.  It also addresses concerns individual music teachers have as they consider their policies on face to face lessons vs. online lessons.

MTNA is available to answer questions:  mtnanet@mtna.org or (888) 512-5278.

WSMTA is not in a position to mandate how every event, festival, recital, etc. in your studio, local association, or District should be run. However, WSMTA unequivocally expects that every member will follow the health directives of Washington state and your local county health department.

Let’s all work together to stay safe, and healthy so we can continue to make music in the days ahead!