Eikanger Ease Back into Band
The relaxation of Covid-19 regulations in Norway enables Eikanger-Bjørsvik to take careful steps to return rehearsals. A national 'lockdown' was implemented in Norway in early March, with a strict enforcement that affected all aspects of working and social life. Regulations have now been relaxed to allow all schools to open, with some businesses returning to work with appropriate restrictions in place to prevent a second wave of infection. Public events involving a maximum of 50 people can now be held, with the possibility that this will be allowed to rise to 200 sometime in the next month or so.
Eikanger spokesperson Viggo Bjørge stated, “We have undertaken a careful analysis and sought the necessary advice before we have gone ahead with this decision. We are very mindful of the action that has been taken and the reasons behind doing it. We have held back on the desire to start up fully again and have therefore decided to gradually return to normal. Some members work in health related jobs, and cannot take part for a while, and this applies for their partners as well. The Band Federation has published guidelines for rehearsals which demands minimum one metre distance between every player, strict hygiene procedures etc. We will be observing all these elements in full.”
The band will appoint someone to implement the new guidelines and to observe the health related regulations as they look to start a three step plan which will first see three rehearsals undertaken with an extended 10-piece. At the appropriate time it will be followed by two rehearsals with the band divided into two sections and finally by a full rehearsal when it is completely safe to do so. It is hoped that this approach will allow the band to return to its recording project and to enjoy some great new small ensemble music from Reid Gilje and Howard Snell helped by their friends at Bjørsvik Brass.
Eikanger-Bjørsvik will follow all guidelines and decisions made by the Norwegian government, trusting these will allow bands to get back into playing when following the directions given. However, it also means that the band is fully prepared to stop all activity again if required. Viggo concluded, “We hope this is the start of a long term return to banding not only for us but for all our friends around the globe. We hope though that they will always remain safe at all times.”
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