SOR COVID-19 Concert Plans for September and October for UM Performances (dated August 27, 2020)

The SOR Board of Directors and players have worked very hard to find creative solutions to enable our audience members and musicians to once again experience live performances in a safe, physically distanced environment that maintains our standard of musical excellence in light of COVID-19. Music provides comfort and hope during challenging times, and we hope that these performances provide you with a break from the various stresses that we are all facing during these unprecedented circumstances. Thank you for reading through our plans below. We look forward to playing for you once again.

COVID-19: Overview
The SOR will be following all COVID-19 guidelines as set forth by the University of Montana, the City & County of Missoula, and the State of Montana and respectfully ask that all patrons follow these guidelines as well while attending an SOR performance.

Those who are not able to follow these guidelines are kindly asked to attend a performance when these guidelines are not in place. Thank you for your understanding.

On the day of a performance, if you are feeling unwell or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not attend the performance.

Please maintain social distancing of 6 feet and follow all posted signage and verbal directions.

COVID-19: Concert Plans
For the September and October concerts at the UM School of Music – Recital Hall:

• Seating is limited to 25% capacity (only 100 tickets released for each performance, the hall seats 400).
• Tickets will need to be shown for entry but will not be collected.
• Performances will be 1 hour long, with no intermission.
• SOR will perform as a chamber music ensemble with up to 8 musicians on stage, spaced apart, each with his/her own music stand.
• Weather permitting, the ticket table will be placed outside the front entrance to the School of Music, and people will wait outside, rather than in the lobby, and maintain social distancing of six feet between parties until the hall is open for seating.
• Masks will be required indoors. Masks will be worn the entire time by everyone, with the exception of the musicians while they are playing. (Masks will be available for those who forget to bring their own.)
• For seating in the hall, every other row will be used, and there will be three seats left empty between family/friend groups.
• Ushers will be used to seat groups, and a seating flow plan has been established to minimize congestion during seating.
• To maintain social distancing in the hall, once seated, guests are asked to remain seated for the duration of the performance, with the exception of using the restroom.
• During the performance, doors will remain open, and the hall fan will remain on to maximize airflow.
• At the conclusion of the performance, directions will be given to exit the hall to minimize congestion.
• The Music Recital Hall will be cleaned by the UM custodial staff prior to each performance.