In 2020 we received many requests for information about how and if the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic would affect the Texas Normal Singing School. Although many other beloved annual events were canceled last year, we were that Singing School was still on (with some minor modifications).
All the more in 2021 – with virus numbers coming down, vaccination numbers going up, and a year of experience under our belts – we are moving full-steam ahead with our plans for 2021. Some adjustments from years’ past include the following:
The administration of Abilene Christian University has continued their closed-campus policy through the summer months. The Oldham Lane Church of Christ has graciously, hospitably agreed to host us again in 2021.
Our traditional lodging – University Park Apartments – is not be able to house us this year for the same closed-campus policy. We have negotiated with the Whitten Inn for various double-occupancy and single-occupancy rooms. As this is a full-service hotel, bed linens (sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, etc.) and basic room amenities (trash cans, shower curtains, etc.) will be provided – as is the norm in hotels. These items were not provided by the UPA, but are included at the Whitten Inn. There is no need to make separate reservations – your housing reservation must be made under the Singing School’s contract with Whitten Inn in order to qualify for special pricing (in other words, we’ll take care of it with your Singing School registration and non-refundable housing deposit).
It is a short 10-minute drive from the Whitten Inn to the Oldham Lane Church of Christ (see route here). Daily shuttle service will be provided for those who need transportation.
The ACU cafeteria, like the rest of the campus, will be closed. Chartwells, the vendor which runs the cafeteria, has been very accommodating and has offered to prepare and cater lunch meals just for us at the Oldham Lane facility.
TNSS will provide breakfast Monday – Friday mornings; a full, hot lunch and supper (entree, sides, salad, drink) will be provided by Chartwells (Monday – Thursday). The evening meal on Wednesday is the only exception – due to scheduling issues with our host campus, we’ll be needing to vacate their building Wednesday night; so supper is on your own.
At this point, we are looking to have a full complement of instructors and staffers.
Before COVID-19, we planned on 100 students and 25 faculty/staff participants. In 2020, we had closer to 60 total participants. In 2021, we’re gearing up for crowds that more resemble our pre-COVID numbers.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
