Permitted Noise Levels

Information for Parents/Guardians

European Health and Safety legislation for maximum permitted recommended noise levels has changed over recent years.  It is, therefore, possible that your son/daughter may be experiencing sound levels beyond the permitted EEC levels during the course of their ensemble rehearsals/ drum lessons.

You should note that maximum safe sound levels are dependent on length of exposure, and will also be affected by the size of venue.  So, for example, if your son or daughter is in several ensembles during a session or a week, the cumulative exposure will be more likely to be damaging.

We have measured the noise levels experienced in some of the ensembles, and in those listed below we strongly recommend that students should consider wearing some form of ear protection.  It may also be the case that students in other groups may wish to consider using ear protection.

SYMSA are now able to sell personal ear defenders that give around 25dB reduction in noise exposure levels at a cost of around £1.50 per pair.  These will be on sale at the Tuck Shop at Saturday Morning Music Centre and at Monday – Thursday ensemble rehearsals.

We recommend that players in the following ensembles should consider the purchase and use of a pair of these ear defenders:

All drum kit players
Soul Matters
Jazz Matters
Junior Jazz Matters
Over’Crowded
B92’s
SMC Rock and Pop groups
SMC Pans
SMC Samba

Tim Low
Head of Solihull Music Service