RMD Virtual Choir

Tyler Wigginton
VP CDD

Hey everyone!

In these challenging times the lack of music in our lives can be extremely difficult.  For many of us barbershop is more than a hobby; it’s a way of life!  Now more than ever it is important for us to stay connected through the beauty of song, so I hope that each of you will join us in the first Rocky Mountain District virtual choir.  All current, former, and prospective members of the district are invited to participate, so please share this with anyone who might enjoy singing along.

The song is not too challenging so as many of us can participate as possible.  Many of you have sung it countless times at contests, afterglows, and for loved ones.  It’s Heart of My Heart.  All the details are below, and submissions are due by Sunday night, June 21st, so get started now.

We might not be able to see each other in person, but we can still do something special! Let’s make some music together.


What You Need

1.    Video camera that will record sound.  Smart phones work great.  High video resolution is not necessary, as each of our faces will be pretty small in the final product.

2.    Device to display the video of Tyler directing (links below)

3.    Headphones or ear buds to hear the directing video (we don’t want to hear that audio coming back through your microphone, just your voice)

4.    A quiet place to record.  Pick a spot with good lighting so we can see your face well.


Tools

1.    Sheet music for Heart of My Heart – It’s in the polecat book.  If you don’t have it you can find it at https://shop.barbershop.org/barberpole-cat-songbook-vol-i-download/.  Or just learn it with the video learning tracks below.

2.    Video of Tyler directing to sing along with:

3.    Link to upload your video to Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/request/loe4eOF74oo2pDXSzjiM


Instructions

1.    Smile!  You’re on camera

2.    Record in landscape view (horizontal), and we mainly just want to see your head and shoulders

3.    Record plenty of your smiling face before the song begins

4.    The video will direct you to clap three times in rhythm to help us synchronize everybody together in production

5.    Perform as if you were on stage in front of an audience.  It may feel funny when you’re all alone, but it will look right when compiled with everyone else.

6.    When the song is over, keep smiling and imagine several seconds of audience applause.  Don’t reach immediately for the stop button.

7.    Do as many takes as you want until you are satisfied, but it does not need to be perfect.  Warning: you probably will not like your first take, so give it a try early to allow for retakes.  You may never get a recording you’re totally satisfied with, and that’s okay too.  We will make each other sound good.

8.    Submit your recording by Sunday night, June 21st.  But you don’t have to wait until then.  The earlier your recording is submitted the earlier we can begin production.Tip: If you prefer you may record your audio and video separately.  As long as you follow Tyler’s video for both they should be in sync enough for our purposes.

If you have any problems or questions, please contact Scott Anderson at sqanderson@yahoo.com.