Good news!

While it may seem the flurry of music-related COVID studies last year has dissipated, there are those who continue to calmly (and much less dramatically) monitor what is considered safe and what is not.

A more recent and less hurried study was published earlier this year by the University of Bristol in the UK, where even Andrew Lloyd Webber was forced to extend industry-specific isolation last week and cancel a new show.

“Aerosol generated by playing woodwind and brass instruments is less than that produced when vocalising (speaking and singing) and is no different than a person breathing, new research has found. The findings, published online in the journal Aerosol Science and Technology, could be crucial to developing a roadmap for lifting COVID-19 restrictions in the performing arts, which have been significantly restricted since the start of the pandemic.”¹

“These observations suggest that playing instruments generates less aerosol than speaking or singing at high volumes. Moreover, there is no difference between the aerosol concentrations generated by professional and amateur performers while breathing, speaking, or singing, suggesting conclusions for professional singers may also apply to amateurs.”²

Could this bring us another step closer to ‘normal’ musical activity?

1. University of Bristol. “Playing wind instruments generates less aerosol than vocalization, COVID-19 study finds.” ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210629120841.htm (accessed July 28, 2021).
2. Lauren P. McCarthy, Christopher M. Orton, Natalie A. Watson, Florence K. A. Gregson, Allen E. Haddrell, William J. Browne, James D. Calder, Declan Costello, Jonathan P. Reid, Pallav L. Shah & Bryan R. Bzdek (2021) Aerosol and droplet generation from performing with woodwind and brass instruments, Aerosol Science and Technology, DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2021.1947470 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02786826.2021.1947470 (accessed July 28, 2021).

The world’s largest source of nonprofit information awards its top rating to the Dunedin Music Society.

In times of uncertainty in so many areas of life, the Dunedin Music Society reaches beyond normal expectations with its activities and finances. This transparency has been recognized by Guidestar, the number one philanthropic research database designed to fill in the knowledge gaps you need to find the best charities to donate to and get involved with.

The DMS was recently awarded Guidestar’s Platinum Seal for 2021, the highest ranking possible, because of its strategic plan to “Recover, Rebuild & Reconnect” and for using the Geneva Emotional Musical Scales metrics to determine the effects of live music on audiences and performers.

New residents to the area continue reaching out to the DMS seeking opportunities to perform, learn about music, or attend live, in-person concerts. The DMS has presented outdoor and live-streamed performances since October, and the Dunedin Concert Band recently presented its second indoor performance this year, with Dr. Jeff Traster, the composer of “Declaration” performed during the concert, in attendance. He remarked “What an enthusiastic crowd and a breath of fresh air to experience greater normalcy on our way to Arts Recovery!” More than half the audience were newcomers discovering what makes Dunedin delightful.

Not-for-profit formed to create transparency

The DMS started as the Dunedin Concert Band in 1981. In 2014, the City of Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department asked Maestro Stephen P Brown to assume leadership of the band and create a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity for financial accountability. Instead of just signing the State of Florida template form, it took a steering committee of performers, Parks & Rec reps, audience members and residents 18 months to devise our constitution and bylaws. It was during that process that the organization was named the “Dunedin Music Society” to not limit ourselves to just one band.

Since incorporating in December 2016, the DMS has grown to operate four ensembles, including the Dunedin Concert Band, Florida Symphonic Winds, Pinellas Community Players, and Rhythm Kings Jazz Orchestra, and eight ongoing and annual programs including the Pinellas Festival of Community Bands, Virtual Band Festivals, and a 2022 European Tour. We have a comprehensive membership program, including a VIP Maestro’s Circle, secured a handful of select Music Maker corporate and local business sponsors, and launched our first fundraising campaign called “COVID Catch-Up Challenge.” 

An organization made up of performers, audiences and community advocates, the Dunedin Music Society’s Sustainable Development Goals include good physical and emotional health and well-being, quality education, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities, with the maximum possible transparency.

Passionate individuals are encouraged to contact the DMS at http://dunedinmusicsociety.org or 727.800.3727

The Dunedin Music Society and its flagship ensemble, the Dunedin Concert Band, is featured in this quarter’s Journal of the Association of Concert Bands, covering our journey through COVID-19 and our drive to help our local communities Recover, Rebuild and Reconnect.

Read the full article here.