2021-22 Campus Safety Plan

View our Safety Guidelines here. (Updated June 7, 2022)

Update: May 26 – Hoff-Barthelson’s Universal Masking Policy Revised

To: All Members of the HBMS Community

From: Ken Cole, Executive Director

Date: May 26, 2022

Subject: Hoff-Barthelson’s Masking Policy Revised

With our 2021-22 academic year ending on June 6, we will lift our universal mask mandate on Tuesday, June 7, with the following exceptions:

  • Masks must be worn by audience members at all recitals and ensemble performances.
  • With the exception of Flute Plus on June 11 and the Suzuki Porch Party on June 13, student and faculty members may remove their masks while performing but must wear them at all other times while in our facilities. Students do not need to wear masks during receptions for these events as these will be held on our back porch.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. I can be reached at 914-902-0721 or kcole@hbms.org.

Sincerely,

Ken Cole
Executive Director

Update: May 20 – Hoff-Barthelson’s Universal Mask Mandate Reinstated

To: All Members of the HBMS Community

From: Ken Cole, Executive Director

Date: May 20, 2022

Subject:  Hoff-Barthelson’s Universal Mask Mandate Reinstated

In light of rapidly rising rates of community transmission of COVID-19 and the latest advice from the CDC, Hoff-Barthelson Music School will reinstate our universal mask mandate as of Saturday, May 21, 2022, with the following exceptions:

  • Masks are not required for outdoor activities, including those on our back porch.
  • Students in our Guppies and Tunes for Twos classes are not required to wear masks (their accompanying adults must be masked).

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. I can be reached at 914-902-0721 or kcole@hbms.org.

Sincerely,

Ken Cole
Executive Director

Update: March 17 – Health Assessments

Dear HBMS Students and Families,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to recede in Westchester, Hoff-Barthelson will discontinue the collection of daily health assessments from all visitors to our campus as of Sunday, March 20, with the following caveats:

  • We will continue to monitor infection rates in our community on a daily basis; a substantial increase may lead us to reinstate daily health assessments and/or our universal mask mandate.
  • Changes in NYS or CDC guidance may lead us to reinstate health assessments and/or our universal mask mandate.
  • Students and family members who are sick and/or who have had a known exposure event are asked to remain home and request an online lesson; students in certain musicianship classes may also elect to participate virtually.
  • Anyone infected with or exposed to COVID-19 must follow current CDC guidelines in regards to isolation, quarantine and mask-wearing.
  • Health assessments may be required for high-capacity in-person events; participants in such events will be notified in advance of the need to complete an assessment prior to their arrival.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 914-902-0721 (direct) or kcole@hbms.org.

All my best,

Ken Cole
Executive Director

Revisions to Hoff-Barthelson’s COVID-19 Mask Policy

To: All Members of the HBMS Community

From: Ken Cole, Executive Director

Date: March 4, 2022

Subject: Revisions to Hoff-Barthelson’s COVID-19 Mask Policy

Pursuant to new guidance from the CDC and New York State’s Departments of Health and Education, and in light of very high vaccination rates and low rates of transmission across Westchester County, Hoff-Barthelson Music School will lift our universal mask mandate as of Wednesday, March 9, 2022, with the following exceptions:

  • Certain faculty members may continue to require students in their studios/classes to wear masks. We will notify students of these faculty members prior to March 9 as to the continued need for them to wear masks during their lessons/classes.
  • The School will continue to impose mask mandates for events expected to draw large audiences. The masking requirement for such events will be communicated in advance.
  • Any individual who is returning from isolation or quarantine, or who is known to have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in any setting, must wear a mask for 10 days following the date they developed symptoms, tested positive, or were exposed.

We will continue to encourage and respect individuals’ decisions to wear masks for personal reasons. Individuals who are immune-compromised are especially encouraged to continue mask wearing.

We will continue to require all those visiting campus – including students, staff, faculty and family members – to complete health assessments through March 31 to provide an extra layer of protection as we make this change.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. I can be reached at 914-902-0721 or kcole@hbms.org.

Sincerely,

Ken Cole
Executive Director

Spring 2022 Safety Guidelines

This Spring, Hoff-Barthelson is pleased to continue to welcome students of all ages back to campus for safely delivered in-person lessons, classes, ensemble rehearsals, workshops and recitals.

Suzuki Piano Student

View our Spring 2022 Safety Guidelines here. (Updated May 20, 2022)

Because we serve a multi-generational population of students ranging from 9 months to over 80 years old, we will continue to closely monitor NYS and CDC guidance for Child Care Agencies, Pre-K–12 schools, and Small Performing Arts Venues.

Over the past year, the School has developed and refined rigorous safety protocols and made major investments in its HVAC systems. 100% of our staff and faculty are fully vaccinated.

Students wishing to continue private lessons and perform online may do so. Many of our musicianship classes, from the Upper Elementary to High School levels offer hybrid options for students who need them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has stolen months of live, in-person music learning opportunities from students of all ages. We look forward to welcoming increasing numbers of students back to campus this Spring and appreciate your continued trust and engagement.

Should you have any questions about our safety plans, please don’t hesitate to contact me at kcole@hbms.org.

Sincerely,

Ken Cole
Executive Director