1/4/21 UPDATE: Governor Wolf has allowed this guidance to expire.
We want to provide you with a brief update about the new state guidance that Governor Wolf announced Thursday afternoon.
In the New Guidance, extracurricular activities including music are specifically mentioned. The new guidance takes effect Saturday (Dec. 12) and ends Monday, January 4, 2021.
In-Person Extracurricular School Activities
- Voluntary activities sponsored or approved by a school entity’s governing body or administration are suspended, however these extracurricular activities may be held virtually. This includes, but is not limited to, attendance at or participation in activities such musical ensembles, school plays, student council, clubs and school dances.
We interpret this guidance to mean only activities held outside of the school day. If you are meeting in person in some way during the school day, then you can continue to do that in a safe way. Rehearsals and other events happening outside of the school day are what we interpret as being subject to this new guidance. We encourage you to discuss any specific concerns with your administration. Of note is that school sports have also been paused.
PMEA has been in conversations with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to include music making guidance from the state as we move into 2021. Our hope is to have that guidance come from the state to place emphasis on the ability to safely make music. We will keep you updated on that process.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email advocacy@pmea.net