COVID-19: CYSA Updates

Class/Rehearsal Update: Thursday, June 4

CYSA in-person classes and rehearsals are cancelled through the school year, given the school closure. See updates below about each individual program:

Elementary Strings classes will continue to be taught online through May, the remainder of the ES season. Contact your Elementary Strings teacher with specific questions about your class. ​

Encore! 2020 is cancelled this year.

Consider registering for Summer Strings Academy (July 27-31) if your 3rd-8th grade student would like to enjoy a fun week of orchestra activities this summer! This camp will proceed as long as it is safe to do so. We will make a final call based on local and federal health guidelines no later than July 1. 

Junior Honors Symphony rehearsals are suspended for the remainder of the school year. 
Corvallis Youth Symphony rehearsals are suspended for the remainder of the school year. 
Thank you for your patience and your support as we navigate these difficult circumstances together. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, and able to enjoy music from home. We look forward to (hopefully) making music together again soon! 

Please contact Annissa Bolder ([email protected]) or Megan Anderson ([email protected]) with any questions. 

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Class/Rehearsal Update: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 (6pm)

CYSA classes and rehearsals are cancelled through April, given the school closure (through April 28). 

We hope to resume Elementary Strings classes and CYS/JHS rehearsals the week of May 4. We will provide updates to that schedule as the situation unfolds.

Thank you for your flexibility. The safety and health of our students is of utmost importance, and we hope that everyone is staying healthy and positive during this challenging time. Please reach out to CYSA Executive Director Annissa Bolder ([email protected]) or Orchestra Manager Megan Anderson ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Class/Rehearsal Update: Friday, March 13, 2020 (10am)CYSA classes and rehearsals are cancelled through April 10, given the school closure and suspension of all non-essential school activities. We hope to resume Elementary Strings classes and CYS/JHS rehearsals the week of April 13.

Class/Rehearsal Update: Thursday, March 12, 2020 (4:45pm)CYSA received a general notice from the Corvallis School District that all after-school activities will be cancelled, effective on Friday, March 13. We assume this includes all of CYSA’s programs (CYS, JHS, Elementary Strings). We will keep families updated as soon as we have more information. 
Class/Rehearsal Update: Thursday, March 12, 2020 (1pm)CYS and JHS rehearsals have been approved to continue at Crescent Valley High School for the time being. We will alert families ASAP if anything changes. 

Garfield Elementary has also approved Elementary Strings classes to continue as normal at their school. It is our understanding that this applies to all Strings classes. 

As ever, we request those who feel unwell or who may be at increased risk to stay home from CYSA classes or rehearsals. 

Message to CYSA Families: March 9, 2020The Corvallis Youth Symphony Association is committed to the health and safety of everyone at our activities and events. We are seriously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and following guidance from health officials in the county and state.

We highly encourage those who feel unwell or who may be at increased risk to stay home from CYSA classes or rehearsals. 

We follow the Corvallis School District (CSD) schedule and cancellations. If at any point CSD cancels school, we will follow suit with CYS/JHS rehearsals and Elementary Strings/Encore classes.

If we receive the recommendation to cancel events, we will prioritize the health of our audience, musicians, and staff by implementing and communicating appropriate changes (such as cancelling rehearsals, classes, or concerts) to ensure a safe environment. We will keep families informed of any such changes.

At this time (March 9, 2020), Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recommends against closing schools and campuses where no cases of COVID-19 are present (see full report HERE).

We recommend following the preventative guidance provided by the CDC:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  
  

Additional local information may be found at:

• Corvallis School District website
• Benton County Health Department
• Oregon Health Authority website
  
  

Please prioritize rest and wellness. We prefer happy, healthy students in our rehearsals and classes, and it is fine to miss class or rehearsal if your student does not feel well for any reason.