On March 13, 2020, when the Governor mandated that all K-12 schools close for two weeks to curb the spread of Covid-19, CMS immediately pivoted to online lessons and activated our contingency operating plan. For the past 16 months, our students and faculty have stayed connected “virtually” through music (and Google Meet). Thanks to support from multiple foundations, our generous donors, and the Paycheck Protection Program, we have been able to sustain our operations and provide additional financial aid to student families that were adversely impacted by Covid-19-related job losses.
While the CMS building has been closed, the administrative staff has been very busy “behind the scenes.” We produced 10 virtual recitals, two virtual Brunch Silent Auction fundraisers, and a 3-part lecture-recital series. We also launched a completely redesigned and mobile-optimized website and news blog at cmslv.org, along with the “Kindful” donor portal for secure online donations with an easy monthly donation option. We also premiered a line of CMS “swag,” including t-shirts, bags, and masks, with original artwork by our cello student, Savannah Callaghan. At the building, maintenance and property improvements included additional soundproofing in Studios 1-11, a complete overhaul of the HVAC systems, a UV light filtration system in the studios, a new HVAC unit in the Hess Lounge, and a large donor recognition wall in the Judith Ruhe Diehl Entrance Hall. Outside, our faithful volunteer and newest Board member, Ellen Roberts, continued to tame the weeds in the native plant garden. New volunteers are welcome! Our Strategic Direction Task Force 2.0, led by Board member Mary Hahn, met virtually four times and developed five updated Board-approved strategic objectives to guide CMS through our 40th year and beyond.
During this challenging time, we are continuing to recruit and welcome new students for online private lessons and preparing to reopen our building when we can safely do so.
A Path to Reopening, Post-Covid As the state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions continue to shift, and children ages 12+ are eligible to be vaccinated, our Board’s Health and Safety Committee, chaired by CMS Board Member Bill Moyer of St. Luke’s University Health Network is reviewing our proposed reopening plan. To ensure the safety of our staff, students, parents, and faculty, we are proposing that the Board Committee consider approving a phased reopening in the fall, beginning with piano, strings, and percussion students who have been fully vaccinated. CMS would require everyone in the building to be vaccinated, to wear masks, and to socially distance. Teachers and students who wish to continue online-only or hybrid lessons after we reopen the building may choose to do that. We thank everyone who has helped to keep the music alive at CMS during this challenging period, and we look forward to sharing details on our proposed reopening as soon as the Board of Directors approves the final plan.