NEHB 2021 Rally FAQ’s
1. Why is the Rally moving forward? – In recent weeks we have seen significant uptake in vaccinations accompanied by rapidly declining case counts and other good news from the CDC about the efficacy of vaccinations. The Governor of Massachusetts has announced plans to completely lift capacity restrictions. While we cannot predict the future, the Board is optimistic that local and state restrictions will be sufficiently relaxed in time for us to hold the rally on schedule. In addition, we have negotiated favorable terms from the Courtyard Marriott, Marlborough that substantially lowers our financial risk if conditions change that would force us to cancel the Rally. More about that below.
2. How will the 2021 Rally change from the 2019 Rally? – We have worked with the Marriott Courtyard, Marlborough to preserve the essential elements of the Brigade experience. Specifically, there will be no requirements for masking in our designated spaces, no physical distancing, and no capacity limits. All meals will be served communally just as in years past. In order to ensure maximum safety, however, a few activities that are traditionally part of the Rally experience will need to be adjusted:
a. We will not be holding sing-outs at local schools and care facilities on Friday
b. Our full chorus concert and show will take place on Saturday evening without a live audience. We are exploring streaming the concert on the BHS live-stream channel
c. While masks will not be required in our dedicated spaces, we will most likely need to wear masks in public areas of the hotel
part of the Rally experience will need to be adjusted:
3. Will attendees be required to be fully vaccinated in order to attend the Rally? – YES!! This is very important. All attendees must provide proof of full vaccination well before the Rally. For now, if you plan to attend the Rally and you are not yet vaccinated, we strongly urge you to get the shot(s). You will not be able to attend without proof of vaccination. There will be no exceptions granted. We will also require all attendees to sign a liability waiver release form. Finally, we anticipate putting in place additional health and safety protocols for the Rally. These will be communicated at a later stage.
4. Has the cost of the Rally changed? – No. Costs remain the same as 2019 for food and a 2-night hotel stay in a double occupancy room remains at $355. Single rooms are available at an additional cost of $125
5 Will Guests be permitted at the Rally? – Once accepted, attendees will be allowed to register one Significant Other to the 2021 Rally if they so choose. Significant Others will need to submit proof of vaccination with their advanced registration and will receive a badge upon arrival at the Rally. Registered Significant Others will be able to spend time in areas designated for the Rally. An optional meal plan will also be available. No other guests will be permitted to attend the 2021 Rally.
6. When do I need to pay my final balance? Unlike previous years and because of the uncertainty surrounding the event, we are asking for full payment by June 15thh (that is also the date for paying for a single-room upgrade). You will receive an invoice for your outstanding balance via email in the next week or so. Please pay it as soon as possible. If we do not receive payment by June 15th, we will make your spot available to another attendee and your registration will be cancelled. If you are not currently registered, please apply; upon acceptance you will be required to pay the full amount of the rally to hold your spot. We regret having to be so insistent on payment, but current circumstances require as much certainty as possible.
7. Is there any chance the Rally could still be cancelled? – We do not expect the rally to be cancelled. But it has been an unpredictable time and has not settled back to normal, so we need to lay out the options. If the rally cannot be held as promised in 2021 because of local or state health regulations, we will not proceed. In that case, the hotel contract will allow us to cancel without penalty and we will refund your hotel fees. In the event we are required to cancel in 2021 for any other reason, we may not be able to refund your hotel fees as our contract has clauses that require payment. We plan to hold a rally in 2022 - if we don’t sing this music this year, we will sing it next year.
8. What about preparation? – Our plan is to hold run-though sessions as we have in the past consistent with gathering restrictions currently imposed by your local and state authorities. As in previous years, we will maintain a run through calendar on the NEHB website. If you are still planning to participate in the Rally, we urge you to attend and host run through events. We also hope to provide a Jamulus server for online rehearsals.
9. If you are not accepted, your payment will be refunded in full.
10. What if I have more questions or have some special circumstances: - Feel free to reach out to us directly (president@nehb.net) with additional questions or unique circumstances and we will address them on a case-by-case basis.
The rally in 2021 will be at the
Courtyard Boston Marlborough
75 Felton Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
September 17-19, 2021
1. Why is the Rally moving forward? – In recent weeks we have seen significant uptake in vaccinations accompanied by rapidly declining case counts and other good news from the CDC about the efficacy of vaccinations. The Governor of Massachusetts has announced plans to completely lift capacity restrictions. While we cannot predict the future, the Board is optimistic that local and state restrictions will be sufficiently relaxed in time for us to hold the rally on schedule. In addition, we have negotiated favorable terms from the Courtyard Marriott, Marlborough that substantially lowers our financial risk if conditions change that would force us to cancel the Rally. More about that below.
2. How will the 2021 Rally change from the 2019 Rally? – We have worked with the Marriott Courtyard, Marlborough to preserve the essential elements of the Brigade experience. Specifically, there will be no requirements for masking in our designated spaces, no physical distancing, and no capacity limits. All meals will be served communally just as in years past. In order to ensure maximum safety, however, a few activities that are traditionally part of the Rally experience will need to be adjusted:
a. We will not be holding sing-outs at local schools and care facilities on Friday
b. Our full chorus concert and show will take place on Saturday evening without a live audience. We are exploring streaming the concert on the BHS live-stream channel
c. While masks will not be required in our dedicated spaces, we will most likely need to wear masks in public areas of the hotel
part of the Rally experience will need to be adjusted:
3. Will attendees be required to be fully vaccinated in order to attend the Rally? – YES!! This is very important. All attendees must provide proof of full vaccination well before the Rally. For now, if you plan to attend the Rally and you are not yet vaccinated, we strongly urge you to get the shot(s). You will not be able to attend without proof of vaccination. There will be no exceptions granted. We will also require all attendees to sign a liability waiver release form. Finally, we anticipate putting in place additional health and safety protocols for the Rally. These will be communicated at a later stage.
4. Has the cost of the Rally changed? – No. Costs remain the same as 2019 for food and a 2-night hotel stay in a double occupancy room remains at $355. Single rooms are available at an additional cost of $125
5 Will Guests be permitted at the Rally? – Once accepted, attendees will be allowed to register one Significant Other to the 2021 Rally if they so choose. Significant Others will need to submit proof of vaccination with their advanced registration and will receive a badge upon arrival at the Rally. Registered Significant Others will be able to spend time in areas designated for the Rally. An optional meal plan will also be available. No other guests will be permitted to attend the 2021 Rally.
6. When do I need to pay my final balance? Unlike previous years and because of the uncertainty surrounding the event, we are asking for full payment by June 15thh (that is also the date for paying for a single-room upgrade). You will receive an invoice for your outstanding balance via email in the next week or so. Please pay it as soon as possible. If we do not receive payment by June 15th, we will make your spot available to another attendee and your registration will be cancelled. If you are not currently registered, please apply; upon acceptance you will be required to pay the full amount of the rally to hold your spot. We regret having to be so insistent on payment, but current circumstances require as much certainty as possible.
7. Is there any chance the Rally could still be cancelled? – We do not expect the rally to be cancelled. But it has been an unpredictable time and has not settled back to normal, so we need to lay out the options. If the rally cannot be held as promised in 2021 because of local or state health regulations, we will not proceed. In that case, the hotel contract will allow us to cancel without penalty and we will refund your hotel fees. In the event we are required to cancel in 2021 for any other reason, we may not be able to refund your hotel fees as our contract has clauses that require payment. We plan to hold a rally in 2022 - if we don’t sing this music this year, we will sing it next year.
8. What about preparation? – Our plan is to hold run-though sessions as we have in the past consistent with gathering restrictions currently imposed by your local and state authorities. As in previous years, we will maintain a run through calendar on the NEHB website. If you are still planning to participate in the Rally, we urge you to attend and host run through events. We also hope to provide a Jamulus server for online rehearsals.
9. If you are not accepted, your payment will be refunded in full.
10. What if I have more questions or have some special circumstances: - Feel free to reach out to us directly (president@nehb.net) with additional questions or unique circumstances and we will address them on a case-by-case basis.
The rally in 2021 will be at the
Courtyard Boston Marlborough
75 Felton Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
September 17-19, 2021