Any thoughts of an imminent return to rehearsals or performance for brass bands in England (details for Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to be announced) are to remain on hold for the foreseeable future.

It follows the publication of the latest guidance for people working in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Higher risk

The guidance, which supersedes any previously issued, states clearly that; "Non-professionals should currently not engage in singing or playing wind and brass instruments with other people given these activities pose a potentially higher risk of transmission and whilst research is ongoing."

It is further emphasised by stating: "Singing and the playing of brass and wind instruments in groups, or in front of an audience, is limited to professionals only (ie. for work purposes only)."

The DCMS guidance also outlines the risk assessment that they feel that singing and brass instrument playing pose: "Singing and playing wind and brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities because of the potential for aerosol production and the absence presently of developed scientific analysis to assess this specific risk. The evidence is being developed rapidly."

BBE informed

After enquiring about the guidance, Brass Bands England was informed by a representative of the DCMS that; "All Government guidance is continually updated in line with the latest public health advice.

We completely appreciate how keen people are to get back to performing together, and as you may have seen we are funding a study into the risks around brass instruments.

But for the moment playing brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities because of the potential for aerosol production and therefore should not be conducted by groups of non-professionals at this stage."

playing brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities because of the potential for aerosol production and therefore should not be conducted by groups of non-professionals at this stageDCMS

Further research

It was revealed that in the interim period the DCMS has stated that it will commission, "...further scientific studies to be carried out to develop robust scientific data for these activities. Existing and emerging evidence will be analysed to assist the development of policy and guidelines."

They added: "The Secretary of State has also commissioned a scientific study on the risks associated with singing and brass instruments which will be done in partnership with Public Health England, professional musicians from the Royal Opera House and the BBC, and scientists from Imperial College, London and Bristol University.

This will help inform our work on getting the performing arts fully back up and running safely, by testing what can be done safely."

More information

The published 'phased return' to professional performing arts remains in place.

The new guidance from the DCMS can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts