As we’ve been learning over the past few weeks, it’s not just big-name musical artists who tour the country on a regular basis that are affected by the corona virus quarantine, but local groups like the Tulsa Praise Orchestra, have also been affected.

“We have canceled concerts and canceled our guest artist, Dave Boyer, who was scheduled to fly in for concerts this weekend,” said Bob Archer, founder and manager of the Tulsa Praise Orchestra. “All rehearsals have been canceled since the last one we held on March 15. Our musicians are practicing at home, but they are probably driving their spouses and families crazy with all the extra at-home practicing, at least in my case. A member of our singing group did test positive to the virus, and thankfully has now recovered, so it has hit home with us.”

I am a member of the Tulsa Praise Orchestra and play trumpet alongside Archer. I’m also the publicist for Dave Boyer, and he has had four concerts canceled through the end of May.

“It’s an interesting time in our nation, and the world’s history,” Boyer said. “We have to stay safe and just wait on the Lord’s timing as to when we will be able to gather again in churches, and when I’ll be back out there singing again. I still have dates on the book for the rest of the year, and some churches and groups are still inquiring about booking for the fall and Christmas concerts, so I’ll be moving forward just as soon as we can.”

Boyer said, that although he hasn’t been singing in person the past several weeks, he keeps in contact with his fans through online resources.

“I can stay connected to people through my Facebook page, my email newsletter, and my website,” he said. “In fact, although I have not been out there in public, we are still seeing folks purchase my music on the website and that touches my heart.”

Archer said that although the Tulsa Praise Orchestra doesn’t have to pay its members, there are other ongoing costs that concerts support.

“Although the Tulsa Praise Orchestra is a professional level volunteer group, we do have expenses for equipment, guest artists, music library, insurance and the like,” said Archer. “We generally support the group financially with concert tickets, or donations and offerings at concerts. During this time, there is no income. The costs are being absorbed by members of the Orchestra.”

Like many groups and organizations, Tulsa Praise Orchestra has taken advantage of meeting online.

“Our group is made up of 20 instrumentalists and 14 singers, and we love getting together for practices and concerts, so right now, we miss seeing each other on a regular basis,” he said. “We put together a ZOOM meeting of members recently, to pray about the health and welfare of our members and families, and to sing together. However, that’s certainly not the same as being together.”

Archer is concerned that even though the “stay-at-home” order is being lifted in many cities, it might still be several months before the Tulsa Praise Orchestra will be able to present a concert somewhere.

“Once we are finally able to start meeting for rehearsals and concerts again, we are concerned that it will be a while before the public is comfortable with actually attending the concerts,” Archer said. “We can’t see what the future holds, so it is difficult to plan any concert dates. We typically perform in churches and concert halls and we are concerned that many will not allow us in for quite a while, out of an abundance of caution. At the very least, we are hoping to be able to stage our annual Christmas concerts, as we have done for 25 years.”

To book the Tulsa Praise Orchestra at your church or upcoming event, visit www.tulsapraise.com, or call Bob Archer at 918-814-5550. For more information about Dave Boyer, visit www.daveboyerministries.com.