VIRTUAL CHOIR INSTRUMENTALIST INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you so much for participating (or considering participating) in the Virtual Choir Project for the TN Ladies Chorus and the TN Men’s Chorale! I am so excited to join you in this momentous endeavor.
The detailed instructions below should help prepare you to record and submit your video for this project. If, after reading these instructions, you still have questions, feel free to reach out to me anytime.
Song
We will record, “I Will Make All Things New,” an anthem by Mary McDonald. The anthem’s text is especially fitting in light of COVID-19, and it also matches the theme for this year’s Virtual Summit, “I Will Do a New Thing,” based on Isaiah 43:19.
Debut
The virtual choir project will be debuted at the Virtual Summit on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Following the online Summit, we will have a sharable version of the Virtual Choir video ready for you to share on social media.
Learn Your Music Well
Take a few moments to ensure you know your music well. I suggest you use the Video Guides below to rehearse so you know exactly what to expect. (You may also access a PDF if of your part HERE.)
Video Guides
While you play, you can watch your music, listen to the piano part and click-track, and see me conduct—all via your instrument’s Guide Video below.
Headphones (required)
Please use headphones as you play while watching and listening to your video guide. This is essential to ensure that the video I receive from you only has the audio of your instrument(not the piano and click-track from the Guide Video). I want to capture your instrument only, not what you are playing along to.
Rhythmic and Pitch Accuracy
Work for rhythmic and pitch accuracy by closely following the click, the piano, and my conducting. (This will help avoid lots of editing as I prepare the final project.)
Attire
Please wear concert black attire (all black), at least from the waist up. J This is not to be overly “formal,” but, rather, it will give us more uniformity and translate better for the final project.
Three Recording Options
Option 1: Recording with an iMac or MacBook
You can use the Photo Booth app on your iMac or MacBook to record your video. Open the Photo Booth app and switch from “photo mode” to “video mode” within the app. (The video mode button is at the bottom left of your screen and looks like a video reel.) Press the big red “record” button. Next, press play on your Guide Video. When the video begins, you will hear four clicks, followed by the start of measure 1. Play along to the Guide Video. When the anthem is over, stop the recording in Photo Booth. Save your video somewhere you can easily find it, such as your desktop. (You should be able to simply drag your video from Photo Booth onto your desktop or into any folder of your choosing.) Watch your video to ensure it recorded well and you are pleased with its quality. When you feel satisfied with your recording, drag and drop your video into this Virtual Choir Instrumental Video Upload Folder.
Option 2: Recording with a Windows Computer:
You can use the Camera program on your computer to record a video. Go to the Camera program and switch from “photo mode” to “video mode.” Press “record.” Next, press play on your instrument’s Guide Video. When the video begins, you will hear four clicks, followed by the start of measure 1. Play along to the Guide Video. When the anthem is over, stop the recording in your Camera program. Save your video somewhere you can easily find it, such as your desktop. Watch your video to ensure it recorded well and you are pleased with its quality. When you feel satisfied with your recording, drag and drop your video into this Virtual Choir Instrumental Video Upload Folder.
Option 3: Recording on Smartphone/Tablet while Playing Guide Video on Separate Computer/ Tablet:
You can use the camera on your phone or tablet to record your video as you watch the Guide Video on a separate computer or tablet. Go to the camera app on your phone or tablet, as if you were going to take a photo, and switch from “photo mode” to “video mode.” Ensure your phone or tablet is in a stable position recording you from a good angle. Press “record” to begin recording. Next, press play on your part’s Guide Video on your computer or tablet. When the video begins, you will hear four clicks, followed by the start of measure 1. Play along to the Guide Video. After the song is over, stop your recording in your camera app. Watch your video to ensure it recorded well and you are pleased with its quality. When you feel satisfied with your recording, use one of the following methods to get the video from your smartphone or iPad into the Virtual Choir Instrumental Video Upload Folder.
Download the video off your phone or tablet onto a computer, then add it to the Virtual Choir Instrumental Video Upload Folder.
With Apple products you can airdrop the video to your MacBook and then drag it to the Virtual Choir Instrumental Video Upload Folder.
Lighting
The lighting in front of you should be brighter than the lighting behind you. Otherwise, your face will be very dark. (So, for example, it is usually best to not have a window behind you as you record. You may even choose to put a lamp in front of you to ensure you a well-lit.)
Background
Ideally, the background behind you should be clean and relatively plain. (For example, a blank wall is preferable over your unmade bed. J)
How Should My Video Look?
Ideally, I want you and your instrument included in the camera view, so position yourself and the camera to achieve this. Horizontal or vertical videos are both fine.
How to Get the Video to Me
The best option is for you to upload your video to this Dropbox folder.
Virtual Choir Instrumental Video Upload Folder.
If you can’t figure out the Dropbox folder, you can try emailing it to me at sshepherd@tnbaptist.orgor using a third-party website like www.wetransfer.com. If you have trouble, send me an email and we’ll figure it out!
Do I Have Your Video?
You may look at this document to know whether I have received your video.
Virtual Choir - Videos Received List
Problems? Questions?
If you have technical issues, consider asking someone younger than you (even your child or grandchild). My kids amaze me with their technological savvy! You can also, of course, reach out to me anytime. My cell is 731.336.7235.
Deadline
Please submit your videos no later than Monday, October 5—the earlier the better.
Thanks so much!
Scott