COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to the safe presentation of in-person gatherings of all types. For next summer, our safety protocols will be guided by the recommendations of the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Buncombe County Health Department and those of Warren Wilson College. We anticipate that these measures will continue to evolve in response to the progress of the virus, but as of this writing:
– All participants, including children, must provide documentation, verified with a photo ID, that they are up to date with a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and have gotten the most recent booster dose recommended by the CDC. For maximum immunity, please insure that your immunizations are up-to-date at least two weeks before your participation in the 2023 Swannanoa Gathering.
– We recommend that Gathering participants remain on campus throughout the week.
– Other Covid precautions may be imposed in the spring depending on conditions projected for July. Registrants will be notified in advance of additional safety protocols.
– Participants will be updated throughout the spring of any changes or additions to these safety measures.
Our oldest program, Old-Time Week at the Swannanoa Gathering features fabulous jams, great food, a beautiful location and the best old-time musical line-up in the country! The week explores the rich music, dance, and singing traditions of the southern Appalachian region through a wide variety of classes taught by an experienced and supportive staff. The many diverse offerings enable students to explore new areas; fiddlers sing, singers dance, and dancers learn to play instruments. Students enroll in as many as three regular classes during the week, and each afternoon a variety of short workshop topics are offered during the Potluck Sessions. The daily Communal Gathering features guest master musicians, singers, and dancers. Evening activities include jam sessions, singing, clogging, concerts, the Old-Time Social open mic and the popular Late-Night Honky-Tonk! To accommodate families, we offer the Teen Gathering, a class specifically for teenagers, Young Old-Time, an evening jam for young players, and a Children’s Program for ages 6-12.