So, we’re going to give this a try. Thanks to my friend Kris DeYoung helping with some of the video technical challenges, I am excited to give a try at a virtual choir, featuring my short piece Towards a Brighter Future.
We’re actually going to make two of these – one as a Rockford High School Choirs school project, and one open to anyone who wants to join us.
I’ve made the PDF available here.
Here’s how it’s going to work.
Mandy has graciously prepared a conducting track here, and I have synced up guide audio tracks. Follow the instructions on the screen as you record your video.
When you’ve finished making a video submission, you can upload it here. You’ll need a Google signin to accomplish this. RHS Choir students, your school account should permit this – as long as you are logged into your Google Drive.
Follow all instructions below and good luck! Let’s make some music together!
YOUR VIRTUAL CHOIR GUIDELINES – BRIGHTER FUTURE
Before You Record
- You are going to need two devices:
- A device to show the conducting video and playback the guide tracks into your headphones
- A device to record your video and audio (your phone, ideally with a microphone attachment)
- Setup your phone to record the video on a tripod or balanced so it frames you and has a pleasing background and DOESN’T MOVE while you record. You should have yourself in landscape orientation, and have your phone close enough that your face fills at least 3/4 of the frame vertically. Don’t cut off the top of your head!
- Give yourself as much light as you can – the video will be much better quality with bright light! It’s always a good idea to check out what’s behind you in the shot, and to make sure you’re wearing something you like (Consider choir spiritwear if you have it!).
- Do a test recording or two, to make sure the audio you’re recording has a strong level but doesn’t overload at your loudest singing.
When You Record
- When you start videoing, hold up a white piece of paper in front of your face. This will allow us to “white-balance” the videos later.
- Begin taping and playback with your headphones UNPLUGGED. There will be a loud tone played that needs to be recorded so we can easily sync up the videos.
- After the tone plays, you will have about 8-10 second to plug in your headphones. Don’t worry – this video won’t appear in the final video. You will then hear your pitch and see the conductor lead you in.
- Sing a COMPLETE take, beginning to end, to the best of your ability. There’s no penalty for doing it more than once until you’re happy!
- Submit the video at FULL resolution by uploading it through this form.
We’ll take care of it from there!