BCI Update 3/16/20

We want to keep our BCI community up to date with the best info we have about COVID-19 and give you a transparent view of our thought process about this summer’s programs.

We know many of you are currently experiencing cancellation of local rehearsals and concerts as social distancing efforts go into effect. Quite honestly, it is hard to know if by summer we will return to relative normality or if there will be continued disruptions. Like you, we will try to distinguish between facts and fear and figure it out as we go.

Chorus America has done a great study about choral singing and it found that 80% of singers feel that participating in a chorus makes them more optimistic, mindful, and resilient. At the moment, our Lenox and Boston programs have excellent registration levels. For our European weeks, we have worked with our European partner to extend our tuition deadline until April 8th so that we can better judge where things stand regarding international travel before we make our final commitments. Please stay tuned.

So what’s next? We are staying up to date on medical advice from the professionals such as the CDC and local government authorities as well as monitoring the evolving decisions of the many partners we have contractual obligations with, such as educational institutions, venues, artists, etc. At BCI we will do our best to make decisions that promote everyone’s safety and well-being while also working to provide the uplifting choral experiences you want this summer.

We will maintain the following commitments to you:

We will ensure your trust and well-being and keep you updated with the best info we have.

We will create the signature BCI musical experiences you signed up for if we possibly can.

We will refund tuitions if BCI determines that we have to cancel or reschedule a program.

One of the things I love most about choral singing is that the process of singing together helps us to create strong, smart, and enduring community bonds to one another. As a part of our BCI family, we will work through these short term challenges with you and we look forward to singing with you soon.

Steve Smith,

President