June 1, 2020

Headwaters Music & Arts COVID-19 Response Update

These past several weeks, we have responded to the pandemic by suspending group activities, moving to virtual lessons, and performing administrative tasks from our homes. We thank you for sticking with us as we figure out how to fulfill our mission in previously unimagined ways.

On May 14, Gov. Tim Walz announced the plan to reopen non-essential businesses as early as May 18 as long as they follow health and safety guidelines. At Headwaters Music & Arts, we plan to have limited building hours starting June 1, typically 11 to 5 Monday through Thursday. Please call ahead to ensure someone is on hand to help you out. If you would like to purchase Schmitt music, accessories or instruments or perhaps sign up for lessons or for summer or fall programs, we look forward to seeing you!

What’s changed - It’s terribly important that we have steps in place that keep our staff, students and volunteers safe. We want to do things right. Our preparedness plan follows CDC and MDH guidelines, including having everyone who enters the building complete a health screening process, additional hand sanitizer stations, and several plexiglass barriers, face shields, gloves, and masks in place for lessons and classes. We will revise and update our procedures as needed.

What’s happening this summer - Along with reopening the building, we will hold a very limited number of in person music lessons in large performance spaces, and work on our plan for the fall. We have some great summer camp sessions starting in July. Fingers crossed that we will be able to hold them! Our Bemidji Sings! Vocal competition will still take place, but with a virtual August 6 final show. Details are on our website and on Facebook.

Then what? More change. We realize that we need to figure out new ways to provide opportunities for creativity through instruction and inspire the community through music and the arts, especially our group activities such as youth and adult pottery, art clubs, and community events. Please check back here to see the latest updates. What hasn’t changed? Our commitment to our community. Our determination to be there for you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Thank you for being here for us.

Tricia Andrews, executive director
Headwaters Music & Arts Board of Directors