“Because the coronavirus is sent into the air by talking, coughing, and singing—any forcible exhalation of air through the pharynx—playing a woodwind or brass instrument would logically pose a risk,” writes Dr. James Hamblin in Wednesday’s (10/14) Atlantic. “These instruments are effectively designed to amplify what’s coming out of our mouths and to carry the sound…. Woodwind and brass instruments send air through a maze of twists and turns, and buttons create turbulent airflow patterns that don’t simply shoot everything out in a piercing plume…. The real question is the potential danger of smaller, aerosolized particles that can blast out of an instrument and linger in the air.… Preliminary guidelines issued by a coalition of performing-arts organizations currently recommend that all musicians presume that aerosols are coming from the keyholes and bells of their instruments, and that everyone should use bell covers—or, in the case of flutes, ‘flute socks’—which are like masks for your instruments. They’re not ideal for sound quality, but they’re great for practice. Musicians should also wear masks with slits to insert the mouthpiece. And while playing, they should face in the same direction, to avoid sending woodwind emissions into anyone else’s face.”
Change font size
