The Lebanon County Choral Society is beginning its fall 2021 season with virtual rehearsals, with the hope of transitioning to in-person rehearsals within a few weeks.
This decision to go virtual was made in response to the high rate of community COVID-19 spreading in the area, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Given the number of our singers who are either at high risk or who live or work with unvaccinated children, the board has decided to begin the season virtually, with hope of resuming in-person rehearsals in time for our December 12 concert, Awakenings,” artistic director Sean Hackett explained.
Business manager Jennifer Hackett said in an email that, if the chorus cannot resume in-person rehearsals this fall, the choral society will produce “a virtual choir recording of a couple of pieces and broadcast them on our YouTube channel … as was accomplished in the spring.”
Should this happen, she said, “the spring concert will incorporate all of the virtual choir pieces and additional repertoire on the theme. While LCCS sincerely hopes that this will not be necessary, we have learned that remaining flexible and being prepared to pivot to a new plan is essential.”
The news is not without a silver lining. The email noted that the choral society board has witnessed “the loyalty and dedication of singers, patrons, and friends” during a difficult time.
“Sadly, many arts organizations have not survived the pandemic,” the statement from Jennifer Hackett concluded. “The Lebanon County Choral Society is still financially stable and fully supported by so many members of the music community in Lebanon County.”
The first virtual rehearsal will be held via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13. Anyone interested in singing with the Lebanon County Choral Society is invited to contact Sean Hackett at adultchorusLCCS@gmail.com for more information.
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