Dear Opus 118 Harlem School of Music Community:

Since yesterday’s continued announcements from the Mayor and Governor, we have additional plans and changes for our programs since our last update. We do not have a report of infection within our community. We are making these decisions out of an abundance of caution at a time when city and state officials are universally recommending social distancing and limiting movement around New York City.

With a very heavy heart, we have made the difficult decision to suspend on-premises instruction for our After-School and In-School Programs beginning this Monday through spring break ending April 19th, 2020.

We are working as quickly as possible to have as much online instruction for our After-School private lessons happen as we can, starting with Monday activities.

While public schools currently remain open, we have also decided that the In-School Program will not operate until after spring break. More information will follow once we have a clearer picture of how the school schedules may change.

In addition to our program suspensions, all public performances have been suspended during this time, including our March recital hour and our annual collaboration with the Harlem Chamber Players originally scheduled for March 21st. We are hoping to reschedule all events for a later date this school year if at all possible.

We are doing this to keep as many people as safe and healthy as possible, and per recommendations from government agencies. Please understand we do not make this decision lightly.

Our goal continues to be to deliver as much planned instruction as possible this school year. To that end, staff are working with faculty as quickly as possible to move instruction online for private lessons. Students, families and faculty will receive further communications from staff members throughout the day today and through next week. We are grateful for your continued patience and creativity as we embark on this new territory.

Opus 118 staff will be working off-site during this time, but we will be available during our normal hours by email and through the Opus 118 phone, 646-842-2775.

I want to be sure to thank all of you for your patience and understanding during these trying times. We have been greatly inspired by your continued commitment to arts education no matter the circumstance.

Sincerely,