health and safety UPDATES

Update: October 13, 2022

Mask Policy
Masks are no longer required for adults accompanying young children in Early Childhood classes.
Masks are optional in all programs.

Update: August 31, 2022

Fall 2022 Covid Protocols

Vaccine Policy
The School requires all employees, enrolled students ages 5+, and all other adults (including parents, caregivers, visitors, guest artists, and vendors) to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Proof of Covid vaccination is required of all enrolled students ages 5+ and adults each time they enter the School building.

Proof of vaccination may include:

• CDC Vaccination Card (or photo)
• NYC Covid Safe App
• New York State Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus
• NYC Vaccination Record
• Or an official immunization record from outside NYC or the US

Diller-Quaile is not requiring Covid vaccination for children under the age of 5. If your child is turning 5, they will have two months following their 5th birthday to get a first dose of the vaccine.

Mask Policy
At this time, masks are only required for adults accompanying young children in Early Childhood classes.
In all other classes and lessons, masks are optional.

Daily Health Screening Questionnaire
The health screening questionnaire is no longer required.

Isolation after Testing Positive for Covid
Diller-Quaile will follow DOH guidance and require individuals who test positive for Covid to isolate (stay home) for five days. Employees, students age 5+, and other adults may return to Diller-Quaile on Day 6 if they have no symptoms or symptoms have improved, have not had a fever in the prior 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication, and wear a mask for 10 days after their symptoms began or positive test date (whichever is earlier).

• Day 0: First day of symptoms or if asymptomatic, the day Covid test was taken
• Days 1-5: Isolate (stay home)
• Day 6: May return to school if no symptoms or symptoms have improved, and have not had a fever for the prior 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication
• Days 6-10: May return to school. Please wear a well-fitting mask through Day 10

For students under the age of 5, please follow the DOH guidance below:

https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/exclusion-guidance-child-care.pdf

Stay Home if Sick
Please stay home if you are sick and get tested for Covid if you have symptoms.
Thank you for helping to maintain a healthy environment for all Diller-Quaile students, faculty, and staff.

The above protocols may be subject to change.

Update: August 17, 2022

Diller-Quaile is not requiring vaccination against Covid for children under the age of 5.

For Covid vaccine policies pertaining to students age 5 and older, and all adults, please see below.

Update: Friday, March 4, 2022

In light of today’s announcement made by NYC Mayor Eric Adams regarding face masks in schools, we have made changes to Diller-Quaile’s mask policy.

Beginning Monday, March 7, masks will be optional for all students age 5 and older, and their accompanying adults. The decision of whether or not to continue to wear a mask, when masks are optional, is an individual decision. Masks will continue to be available at the front desk if one is requested.

The DOE mask mandate is still in effect for classrooms with children under the age of 5 because the children are too young to be vaccinated. Therefore, for the time being, adults accompanying children in all Early Childhood classes, as well as children ages 2-4, should remain masked in classrooms.

We will continue with Diller-Quaile’s vaccine policy, a daily health screening questionnaire, and temperature checks in the lobby.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping to keep the Diller-Quaile community safe.

Update: Friday, January 28, 2022

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Diller-Quaile's building will be closed for in-person classes and lessons on Saturday, January 29 due to the expected inclement weather conditions. All classes and lessons will be held remotely.

All Instrumental and Vocal Department classes and lessons on Saturday, January 29 will be held remotely.

All Student Concerts scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed to Saturday, February 5, 2022. Concerts will be held at the same times as originally scheduled. Families will use the same links to view the concerts.

For general questions or concerns, please contact Diller-Quaile at info@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Dear Diller-Quaile Community,

We are looking forward to classes and lessons resuming next week on Monday, January 3, and are committed to a safe return for everyone.

We are requiring all faculty, staff, students, and adults attending classes with students, to provide proof of a negative Covid test when initialing entering the building for their first class following the holiday break.

Testing options include PCR and rapid tests. Home tests administered up to 48 hours in advance with a signature confirming the test was negative are acceptable as well. Individuals will be required to present proof of their negative test during regular health screening in the School’s lobby.

Thank you very much for helping to keep the Diller-Quaile school community safe.

Best regards,

Kirsten Morgan
Executive Director

Update: Wednesday, December 15, 2021

The CDC has authorized and recommended the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11. All Diller-Quaile students in this age group enrolled in onsite lessons and classes will be required to receive both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine by February 4, 2022 in order to be fully vaccinated by February 18, 2022. If your child is turning 5, they will have two months from their 5th birthday to get their first vaccine.

For more information about the Covid-19 vaccine for children in this age group, please visit the link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

If you are unable to comply with this policy or have questions, please contact Kirsten Morgan, Executive Director at 212-369-1484, ext. 22.

Thank you for helping to maintain a healthy environment for all Diller-Quaile students, faculty, and staff.

Update: Thursday, September 2, 2021

Dear Families and Friends of Diller-Quaile:

We look forward to welcoming you and providing a safe environment for all.

As stated in Diller-Quaile’s Vaccine Policy https://diller-quaile.org/vaccine-policy, proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required of all individuals age 12 and older. Proof of vaccination should be presented when you enter the school building.

Proof of vaccination may include:

CDC Vaccination Card (or photo)
NYC Covid Safe App
New York State Excelsior Pass
NYC Vaccination Record
Or an official immunization record from outside NYC or the US.

For more information regarding proof of vaccination, please visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines-keytonyc.page

Any vaccine-eligible individual (age 12 and older) not fully vaccinated by the start of the school year must show evidence of a weekly negative PCR test. However, as of October 15, Diller-Quaile will not be accepting PCR tests as an alternative to vaccination subject to any individual specific exceptions. If compliance by October 15 will be a concern please speak to Ben Rotberg, Chief Financial Officer at 212-369-1484, ext. 12.

Update: Thursday, August 26, 2021

Dear Families and Friends,

We are looking forward to welcoming you soon to a musically fulfilling, creative, and engaging year ahead. Thank you for being a part of the Diller-Quaile community.

The health and safety of our students, parents/guardians, accompanying adults, faculty and staff are paramount to the School. With protocols in place to mitigate risk, we were fortunate throughout all of last year to remain open six days a week to provide in-person classes and lessons, as well as remote and hybrid program options. We are eager to build on these successes.

Diller-Quaile will continue to follow the evolving guidance issued by the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic to advance our course for mission-centered, safe, and equitable instruction for all.

Throughout the upcoming year, please continue to visit this page (https://diller-quaile.org/health-and-safety) located in the 'About' section of the website. Here you will find up-to-date health and safety information including Diller-Quaile’s vaccination policy, health screening questionnaire, and the School’s community pledge.

Additionally, below is a summary of key protocols and procedures that are in place. We hope you find this information helpful.

Masks, Class Schedules and Capacities, Arrival and Dismissal:

Everyone, age 2 and older, that is able to medically tolerate a face mask, is required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Diller-Quaile has a supply of face masks for children and adults located at the front desk, if a new mask is needed.
Class schedules and student arrival and drop-off times are staggered to reduce building density. Additionally, the School has modified group class schedules to eliminate back-to-back classes in the same space. In most cases there are 30 minutes between group classes.
All studios, classrooms, and the Performance Space have been measured to determine capacity. Class capacities allow for physical distancing per CDC guidelines for schools. Congregating is not permitted in the lobby areas on each floor.
Individuals enter the main door at 24 East 95th Street and exit Diller-Quaile through the side door located at 26 East 95th Street. Students attending group classes without accompanying adults, and whose program has concluded for the day, are brought to the side door located at 26 East 95th and dismissed to parents / guardians, or the appropriate adult from that location.

School Facility:

All studios and classrooms are equipped with Wi-Fi and ethernet jacks. This serves students well if they are participating remotely from home for any part of their schedule while their teacher is conducting a lesson or class from the Performance Space or a studio within the School facility.
Window ventilation with outdoor air has been increased to the greatest extent possible. All windows have window guards. Windows remain open the entire year.
An ionization air purification system is installed in the HVAC system, along with MERV13 filters.
Signage consistent with DOH COVID-19 signage is posted throughout the building, as well as wayfinding signage.
Diller-Quaile provides and maintains hand hygiene stations, which consist of the following:
Handwashing with soap, running warm water, and disposable paper towels, touch-free paper towel dispensers and touch-free soap dispensers.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60% or more alcohol will be provided in areas where handwashing is not available/practical – studios, classrooms, and offices.
Touch-free hand sanitizer floor stands throughout common areas.
Diller-Quaile ensures that the facility staff’s primary responsibility is to provide appropriate cleaning/disinfection. In addition, disposable wipes are provided to faculty and staff so that commonly used surfaces (e.g. music stands and door handles) can be wiped down before/after use of these surfaces as well as any other surface used during a class or lesson, followed by hand washing/hand hygiene. Faculty and staff provide special care when disinfecting piano keys.
The Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Advancement Officer serve as site safety monitors. Staff leadership continue to seek the guidance of the School’s Advisory Task Force.

Thank you again for your commitment to the importance of music in our lives. We are looking forward to seeing you soon to share the joy and beauty of music.

With best wishes,

Kirsten Morgan
Executive Director

Update: Monday, August 9, 2021

Vaccine Policy

To maximize the protection of our students, caregivers, faculty and staff due to the continuing concerns with COVID variants, subject to any applicable legal limitations, Diller-Quaile has instituted a policy requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by September 1, 2021.

Additionally, as of the fall semester, Diller-Quaile is requiring all vaccine-eligible adults (parents, guardians, caregivers, relatives, vendors, contractors) and vaccine-eligible students age 12 and older, be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 no later than October 15, in order to enter the school building.

Classes begin on Thursday, September 9. Proof of vaccination will be required to gain entry to the school facility. More details regarding presentation of proof will be provided.

To assist all in complying with this mandate, any vaccine-eligible individual not fully vaccinated by the start of the school year must provide evidence of a weekly, negative PCR test. However, as of October 15, the School will not be accepting PCR tests as an alternative to vaccination.

If you will be unable to comply with this policy, please speak with Ben Rotberg, Chief Financial Officer, 212-369-1484, ext. 12.

We are excited for lessons and classes to begin and look forward to an engaging, creative, and musically fulfilling year ahead.

Update: Monday, March 22, 2021

Diller-Quaile will be CLOSED from Tuesday, March 23 through Sunday, April 4 for Spring Break, Passover and Easter Break. Classes and Lessons will resume on Monday, April 5 at 9:00am.

Additionally, if you are planning on traveling out of state over the break and then re-entering New York, please be aware of New York's travel guidelines.

The health and safety of our students, parents, faculty, and staff are paramount to the School. If you are planning on traveling, please contact your appropriate department for remote options while quarantining. Our goal is to ensure that every student has a fulfilling musical journey this year.

For Instrumental and Vocal Department questions, please e-mail Kathy Yiannoudes, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Programs, at kyiannoudes@diller-quaile.org.

For Early Childhood Department questions, please e-mail Marissa Curry, Director of the Early Childhood Program, at mcurry@diller-quaile.org.

If you have any questions, please call (212) 369-1484 or email info@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Friday, February 12, 2021

Diller-Quaile will be CLOSED from Saturday, February 13 through Friday, February 19, 2021. Classes and Lessons will resume on Saturday, February 20 at 9:00am.

Additionally, if you are planning on traveling out of state over the break and then re-entering New York, please be aware of New York's travel guidelines.

The health and safety of our students, parents, faculty, and staff are paramount to the School. If you are planning on traveling, or taking part in large gatherings, please contact your appropriate department for remote options while quarantining. Our goal is to ensure that every student has a fulfilling musical journey this year.

For Instrumental and Vocal Department questions, please e-mail Kathy Yiannoudes, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Programs, at kyiannoudes@diller-quaile.org.

For Early Childhood Department questions, please e-mail Marissa Curry, Director of the Early Childhood Program, at mcurry@diller-quaile.org.

If you have general questions, please email info@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Monday, February 1, 2021

Diller-Quaile's building will be closed for in-person classes and lessons on Monday, February 1 AND Tuesday, February 2 due to inclement weather conditions. All classes and lessons will be held remotely.

All Early Childhood Program classes on Monday, February 1 and Tuesday, February 2 will be held remotely.

All Instrumental and Vocal Department classes and lessons on Monday, February 1 and Tuesday, February 2 will be held remotely.

For general questions or concerns, please contact Diller-Quaile at info@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Sunday, January 31, 2021

Diller-Quaile's building will be closed for in-person classes and lessons on Monday, February 1 due to the expected inclement weather conditions. All classes and lessons will be held remotely.

All Early Childhood Program classes on Monday, February 1 will be held remotely.

All Instrumental and Vocal Department classes and lessons on Monday, February 1 will be held remotely.

The Chamber Soirée scheduled for tomorrow evening has been postponed until Monday, February 8.

For general questions or concerns, please contact Diller-Quaile at info@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Sunday, December 20, 2020

Diller-Quaile will be CLOSED from Monday, December 21 through Sunday, January 3 for Winter Break. There will be no onsite or remote instruction during this time. Classes and Lessons will resume on Monday, January 4 at 9:00am.

Additionally, if you are planning on traveling out of state over the break and then re-entering New York, please be aware of New York's guidelines regarding Travel, Large Gatherings and Quarantines.

For Instrumental and Vocal Department questions, please e-mail Kathy Yiannoudes, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Programs, at kyiannoudes@diller-quaile.org.

For Early Childhood Department questions, please e-mail Marissa Curry, Director of the Early Childhood Program, at mcurry@diller-quaile.org.

For general questions or concerns, please contact Diller-Quaile at info@diller-quaile.org, or call (212) 369-1484, Ext. 10.

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and musical holiday.

Update: Friday, December 18, 2020

All in-person and remote lessons and classes resume today for the Instrumental & Vocal Department and Early Childhood Department programs.

Update: Thursday, December 17, 2020

Diller-Quaile's building will be closed for in-person classes and lessons on Thursday, December 17 due to inclement weather conditions. All classes and lessons will be held remotely.

All Instrumental and Vocal Department classes and lessons on Thursday, December 17 will be held remotely.

All Early Childhood Program classes on Thursday, December 17 will be held remotely.

If you have any questions, please email info@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Diller-Quaile will be closing at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16 due to inclement weather conditions.

All Instrumental and Vocal Department classes and lessons that meet after 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16 will be held remotely.

All in-person Early Childhood Program classes that meet on Wednesday morning, December 16 will continue in-person as scheduled.

Moving forward, Diller-Quaile will continue to closely monitor weather developments and we will issue e-mail updates as necessary. If you have any questions, please call (212) 369-1484, Ext. 10 or email info@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Monday, November 30, 2020

All in-person and remote lessons and classes resume today for the Instrumental & Vocal Department and Early Childhood Department programs.

Update: Saturday, November 28, 2020

All in-person and remote instruction will resume on Monday, November 30 for the Instrumental & Vocal Department and Early Childhood Department programs.

Moving forward, Diller-Quaile will continue to closely monitor developments and recommendations for appropriate actions provided by the New York City Department of Education, and we will issue e-mail updates as necessary.

For Instrumental and Vocal Department questions, please e-mail Kathy Yiannoudes, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Programs, at kyiannoudes@diller-quaile.org.

For Early Childhood Department questions, please e-mail Marissa Curry, Director of the Early Childhood Program, at mcurry@diller-quaile.org.

For general questions or concerns about Diller-Quaile’s health and safety procedures and policies, please contact Diller-Quaile at info@diller-quaile.org, or call (212) 369-1484, Ext. 10. Thank you.

Update: Monday, November 23, 2020

All Instrumental and Vocal Department classes and lessons will be held remotely. There will be no in-person classes or lessons for the remainder of this week through the Thanksgiving holiday. Updates will be provided.

All in-person Early Childhood Program classes will continue in-person as scheduled. All Early Childhood online classes will continue as scheduled.

For Instrumental and Vocal Department questions, please e-mail Kathy Yiannoudes, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Programs, at kyiannoudes@diller-quaile.org.

For Early Childhood Department questions, please e-mail Marissa Curry, Director of the Early Childhood Program, at mcurry@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Friday, November 20, 2020

All in-person Early Childhood Program classes will continue in-person as scheduled. All Early Childhood online classes will continue as scheduled.

For Instrumental and Vocal Department questions, please e-mail Kathy Yiannoudes, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Programs, at kyiannoudes@diller-quaile.org.

For Early Childhood Department questions, please e-mail Marissa Curry, Director of the Early Childhood Program, at mcurry@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Thursday, November 19, 2020

Starting Thursday, November 19, all Instrumental and Vocal Department classes and lessons will be held remotely. There will be no in-person classes or lessons for the remainder of this week through the Thanksgiving holiday. Updates will be provided.

All in-person Early Childhood Program classes will continue in-person as scheduled. All Early Childhood online classes will continue as scheduled.

For Instrumental and Vocal Department questions, please e-mail Kathy Yiannoudes, Director of Instrumental and Vocal Programs, at kyiannoudes@diller-quaile.org.

For Early Childhood Department questions, please e-mail Marissa Curry, Director of the Early Childhood Program, at mcurry@diller-quaile.org.

Update: Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Diller-Quaile’s building will be open for in-person learning on Wednesday, November 18.

We ask anyone with questions or concerns to contact Diller-Quaile at info@diller-quaile.org. Thank you.

Update: Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Diller-Quaile’s building will be open for in-person learning on Tuesday, November 17.

We ask anyone with questions or concerns to contact Diller-Quaile at info@diller-quaile.org. Thank you.

Update: Monday, November 16, 2020

Diller-Quaile’s building will be open for in-person learning on Monday, November 16.

Diller-Quaile is remaining current on the evolving situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York City. The health and safety of our students, parents, faculty, and staff are paramount to the School. We continue to follow the recommendations provided by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), The New York City Department of Education, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are carefully monitoring developments and preparing for appropriate actions. We will be issuing e-mail updates as necessary.

We ask anyone with questions or concerns to contact Diller-Quaile at info@diller-quaile.org. Thank you.

Update: Friday, September 4, 2020

The health and safety of our students, parents/guardians, accompanying adults, faculty and staff are paramount to the School. Diller-Quaile’s Reopening Plan is built on guidance issued by the New York State Department of Health during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and is organized around three distinct categories: people, places, and processes. Diller-Quaile’s plan incorporates NYS DOH requirements and additional precautions to mitigate risk. Diller-Quaile will continue to use available evidence and the most recent guidance and standards provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to chart our course for mission-centered, safe, and equitable instruction for all.

In-person programs include individual lessons, small group instruction, and ensemble experiences and rehearsals. Each of these programmatic delivery systems is offered through live, remote instruction, as well. Some students have elected to participate in a hybrid program – where they attend some portions of their program at the School and participate in some remotely. Voice, woodwind, and brass programs, Choruses and the Diller-Quaile Youth Opera are offered through live, remote instruction. Student Concerts, Large Ensemble Concerts, Playing Parties, Master Classes, and other performances will be remote this year, as well as the School’s mission-driven Community Programs. Diller-Quaile is offering maximum flexibility and has worked with each Early Childhood and Instrumental & Vocal family – returning and new to the School community – to shape a program that is appropriate for their evolving needs and interests. Diller-Quaile is prepared for all in-person programs to change to remote instruction if and/or when necessary.

Click here to view our Reopening Plan.

Update: Friday, July 24, 2020

Dear members of the Diller-Quaile community:

I hope you and your family are doing well and remaining safe during this extraordinary time. I am writing to provide updates on how we are planning for the school year ahead, as well as some decisions that have been made thus far. Flexibility, creativity, patience, and resilience are key. Here is a summary:

Community:

Diller-Quaile is taking a mission-centered approach that reflects our values and priorities. Our goal is to use the available evidence and guidance to plan our course for safe and equitable instruction for all.

Each person’s health and well-being are of paramount importance. Each student’s learning preferences are informing program offerings and schedules.

The staff continues to meet three times per week since March. Directors of Programs and Department Heads are working collaboratively with families to foster enrollment and develop student schedules.

Communication:

We have developed plans that are specific to each program and/or age group.

Rethinking our School Building

We have lowered building occupancy. Congregating will not be possible in the lobby areas on each floor.
We are working with our HVAC company and architects to maximize ventilation.
Cables have been installed throughout Diller-Quaile to make the building wireless. WiFi is now available in each studio and the Performance Space, as well as ethernet jacks. This upgrade will serve students well if they are participating remotely for any part of their schedule while their teacher is conducting a lesson or class from the School.

Navigation

UP and DOWN staircases will be marked and we will plan student paths to not overlap.
Clear wayfinding signage will be evident.

Studios and Classrooms

All rooms have been measured to determine capacity based on NYS DOH social distancing guidelines. Measurements take into consideration how each room is used, as well as the items in the room.
We have modified class schedules to eliminate back-to-back classes in the same space. This allows for downtime and air exchange.
Rooms will be cleaned between students/classes.

Advisory Task Force

We have created a task force comprised of doctors and healthcare professionals who will advise us on our reopening plans.
In addition to interim guidance provided by the NYS DOH, we are seeking the guidance and expertise of the task force to develop our plan for a screening questionnaire and temperature checks.

PPE and Hygiene

We will maintain protocols and procedures to ensure appropriate face coverings and PPE are used when inside Diller-Quaile’s building.
We will adhere to and promote hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection guidance set forth by the DOH and CDC.

Programs:

Early Childhood:

Classes are now based on a trimester calendar each consisting of 10 weeks.
We are offering two options: a limited number of small, in-person classes (with a contingency plan to go remote) and a more robust schedule of zoom classes that are online for the duration of the trimester.
All students enrolled in in-person classes will be given rhythm instruments and props, which will be stored in individual containers with the student’s name. Students enrolled via zoom will be sent their own materials for use at home.
Families will be able to view Rug Concerts remotely and participate from their homes.

Instrumental and Vocal:

Programs are generally 30 weeks in length with options to continue beyond the school year. Many students have continued their instruction throughout the summer.
Voice, woodwind, and brass lessons, Choruses, and Diller-Quaile Youth Opera will be remote this year.
For all other instruments, families may opt for in-person instruction at Diller-Quaile or to participate remotely in any part of their program at any time during the year.
Some Musicianship classes are remote and some will be held on-site at the School.
Musicianship kits will be sent to students for home use, with a combination of rhythm instruments and class materials based on the class format and grade level.
Student Concerts, Large Ensemble Concerts, Playing Parties, Master Classes, and other performances will be remote this year.

Community Programs:

Our Summer Music Partnership Program has continued this summer, but remotely. Online curriculum has been developed and sent weekly throughout the month of July to 30 centers in NYC.
We are planning for our Classical Access Program and West 74th Street Senior Program to continue remotely.
We are developing online Teacher Training materials that will be available this fall.
Information on additional community programs will be provided soon.

We will follow state and local health departments as conditions may change.

Please email me to share any thoughts and concerns. Please also give thought to one idea that you feel is really important for Diller-Quaile to preserve and continue to do as we enter our centennial year together.

Sincerely,
Kirsten Morgan
Executive Director