Dear YSM community,


As Thanksgiving break approaches, I am grateful that it has been possible for us to make music together during this unprecedented time. The care and concern that you have shown for one another by strictly observing health and safety precautions have made it possible for the School to arrive safely at this point, and I am most appreciative of your commitment. Because there continues to be substantial transmission of COVID-19 around the country, please remain vigilant as you enjoy Thanksgiving-week activities, whether you plan to remain in New Haven or travel home to your family.

  • Travel is an ongoing risk. To ensure that you are as safe as possible, we urge you to wear a mask regardless of your vaccination status, especially while on public transportation, in taxis or Ubers, and on airplanes, per federal guidelines. | Safe travel practices from Yale and the CDC
  • As you gather with friends and family, we urge you to do so safely, especially if there are older or high-risk people in the household. Wearing a mask and practicing social distancing will help keep you and others safe. | Guidance from the CDC
  • Students who travel are expected to test within 48 hours of returning to campus; faculty and staff who travel are strongly encouraged to test before returning to campus. Testing schedules have been expanded to accommodate demand. | Schedule testing | Detailed test site schedules 

Please note that upon returning from Thanksgiving break, and for the duration of December, the testing frequency for all YSM students will be increased. Each student will be required to receive two COVID-19 screening tests every week, and should test either Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday. We recommend that you schedule your tests for the same days and times every week. Make it part of your routine and book your test right before or after other recurring activities in your schedule. | Schedule testing


November recess building hours

Please note that the hours below are for Hendrie Hall access only. Because card readers will be turned off during break, students should knock on the door of Hendrie/Adams to be admitted by the guard. Should you need to access Leigh Hall on Mon–Wed, Nov. 22–24, you may enter through Hendrie and check in with Dionne in the security office. Sprague Memorial Hall will be closed. Normal building hours will resume on Mon, Nov. 29. 


Fri, Nov. 19 | 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Hendrie and Leigh open, Sprague closes at 4 p.m.

Sat, Nov. 20 | 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 21 | 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 22 | 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 23 | 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 24 | 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 25 | All buildings closed
Fri, Nov. 26 | All buildings closed
Sat, Nov. 27 | 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 28 | 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.



Mental health during the holidays

Yale offers many resources to support your physical and mental well-being.  We encourage each of you to take time to care for yourself. Students, for support, please reach out to Mental Health and CounselingYale Well, and The Good Life Center. Faculty and staff resources include Being Well at YaleYale’s Personal Wellness Signature Benefits, and Magellan’s Behavioral Health Services (for Yale Health members).



Best wishes to all of you for a relaxing and restorative Thanksgiving holiday. 

Warmest regards, 

Robert Blocker
Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music