INTRODUCTION

The Asheville Choral Society exists to advance singing and the choral arts in Western North Carolina. As Coronavirus spread globally, life changed very quickly for everyone. For ACS's singers and leadership, we had to shift our plans dramatically, as it was suddenly unsafe for singers and audiences for us to perform in person. 

ACS's two spring 2020 concerts had to be postponed until a time when we could sing together. Rehearsals were online throughout the remainder of the 2020-2021 season. Our 2021-2022 season saw a mix of in-person singing, video projects, and our first live concert since December 2019.

2022-2023 SEASON PLANS

ACS is in the midst of our 2022-2023 season, and we are delighted to plan our first three-concert season since the 2018-2019 season! ACS's board of directors has voted to continue our current policy of requiring vaccination for in-person singing, and masks are now optional, but encouraged for anyone who feels more comfortable masking up. ACS's Safety Committee continues to advise the board of directors, and is chaired by two health professionals to inform our protocols. They continue to monitor local health trends and mandates and will advise our rehearsals moving forward, along with any potential performances.

To help keep singers as safe as possible, we are maintaining the following protocols:

• All singers who attend in-person rehearsals must be vaccinated and show proof of vaccination.
• Masks will be happily encouraged, but not required.
• We will offer maximum indoor ventilation to keep airborne droplets to a minimum.
• An online, Zoom option will be available throughout the season to include singers who aren't able or who choose not to be vaccinated. We will also encourage singers who feel at all uncomfortable or under the weather to employ this tool until it is appropriate to return.

Stay safe, and keep singing!