After over 6 months of not delivering face-to-face activities we are delighted to announce that one-to-one lessons have resumed face to face at our Centres in Galeri Caernarfon, Denbigh and Ruthin for tutors and students who wish to return to face to face lessons. We continue to organise online lessons for those who prefer to stay online.
We have taken a number of steps to ensure that the lessons are delivered as safely as possible and to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 including :
• Only using rooms that allow a minimum distance of 2 meters between pupil and tutor (at least 3 meters for voice, woodwind and brass lessons).
• Invest in transparent screens which are placed between tutor and pupil.
• Installation of hand sanitizing stations throughout our teaching areas.
• Take the temperature of pupils and tutors before they go into their lessons
• In addition to a Covid-19 risk assessment and policy we have drawn up rules for tutors and pupils which are shared with them before they return to face to face lessons.
• Keep detailed records to comply with Test, Trace and Protect requirements
Anyone interested in starting instrumental or vocal lessons at our Centres or online are welcome to contact us to discuss possibilities.
We do not currently carry out any face-to-face group activities but we are extremely grateful to the Arts Council of Wales for the financial support which has enabled us to run a number of virtual activities to keep in touch with our audiences, reach new people and provide work for our free-lance tutors. This includes:
Theory Lessons – We are currently running theory lessons for school age students in small groups over Zoom. Sessions for students from beginner level up to grade 5 are currently available.
Camau Cerdd / Steps in Music : Music sessions suitable for children 6 months-3yrs and 4-7 years. Since April we have been releasing a new video every week for the children and their family to watch at a convenient time for them. There is no charge for these sessions and you can register to enter by following this link.
Concerts from Tutors and Alumni’s homes: As we are not able to hold our series of community concerts at present, many of our tutors and alumni have had the opportunity to record short concerts for release every Tuesday evening. The most recent concerts are available to view on our website www.cgwm.org.uk
Ensembles and Community Orchestra: We have been providing videos and rehearsal tracks for many of our members and some ensembles have collaborated on virtual performances including performances as part of our concert for the North Wales International Festival online https://www.nwimf.com/canolfan-gerdd We plan to hold ensemble sessions over the zoom this term.
Canfod y Gân / Discover the Song : www.canfodygan.cymru. Many of our members have been taking part in virtual performances and we have just started group sessions over zoom. We are extremely grateful to Spirit of 2012 (project funders) for their support and flexibility.
Sgwrs a Chân / Song and a Chat : As we are unable to travel around Gwynedd to deliver our Sgwrs a Chân sessions for older people in the community, since April we have been emailing a link to virtual sessions to many of our members. We are also in the process of preparing a CD for members who do not have access to the web and further plans are being made in partnership with our funders Gwynedd Council.
Update regarding our Music Festivals
Wales International Piano Festival: Unfortunately the Festival due to be held at Galeri Caernarfon 1-4 May 2020 had to be postponed. However, we are really looking forward to hosting a festival from 30 April – 3 May 2021 at Galeri Caernarfon. We are keeping an eye on the developments regarding the Covid-19 situation and considering possible adaptations to some activities.
Following the success of our Piano Day to launch the Festival in November 2019, we will be holding a Virtual Piano Day on the 21st of November 2020. For more details, please visit the Festival website: www.pianofestival.co.uk
Wales Harp Festival : The 2020 harp festival had to be canceled but we look forward to holding a Festival on 30 and 31 March 2021. As with the Piano Festival we are keeping an eye on the developments and are busy considering various options to ensure we have another successful Festival in 2021. www.walesharpfestival.co.uk
We would like to thank our wonderful team of free-lance musicians for their cooperation during the last 6 months. It is an extremely challenging time for them all and we will continue do our best to secure as much of their work as possible at CGWM.
We hope that in the coming months we will be able to resume further face-to-face activities. Working online over the last few months has however opened our eyes to new ways of working and we look forward to continuing some online activities in addition to our usual programme of activity the future. If you would like further information on any of the activities please contact us at post@cgwm.org.uk or 01286 685230.
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