Noteworthy News, November 6th

Important upcoming dates:

  • Monday, November 9, Recording tips with Wendy (Zoom) 6:30 - 6:55 pm (LINK)

  • Monday, November 9, Rehearsal (Zoom) 7 - 8 pm (LINK)

  • Monday, November 16, Final day to submit all recordings - no rehearsal

  • No Rehearsal the week of Thanksgiving

  • Monday, November 30, No rehearsal

Please note that this upcoming rehearsal is the last group meeting to prepare for recording parts that will be assembled to create the Wintersong Virtual Concert (Sunday, December 13, 4 pm).


Are you planning on recording your part for Gaudete and I Wonder? This has proven to be an enjoyable activity for many choir members around the world as we all "pivot" to participate in our art form during these pandemic days. Please be sure to communicate with your section leader so we have an accurate count for the technical production team. We are paying a fee for each participant so it's important to commit with an accurate number. Arts Laureate is the company we are working with for this project. They have developed a system that has proven to be quite successful in creating quality (yet affordable) virtual concerts. Here is a LINK to their description on how to record your contribution. Note that for this project, we are using a portrait (vertical) orientation of the video image (not landscape/horizontal). Our unique upload link for your files will be provided via a special email next week.


Our website resources continue to be updated including pronunciation guides (PSCSINGERS/Members or Guests & Alumni (pswd: wintersong2020)/Study Resources), with several additional materials to help everyone prepare for rehearsal AND RECORDING (hint, hint). The official guide tracks for Gaudete and I Wonder (for recording) should be available for your use on Monday.


From Alissa and Wendy: Here is the participation list for Wintersong:

Gaudete

All Singers


I Wonder As I Wander

All Singers

Kelly Angle, soloist


Mi Zeh Hidlik

Christina Gipson

Janelle Manske

Tim Tatistcheff

Phill Hurley


Is It Far To Bethlem City

Kendra Killian

Stephanie Benischek

Trisha Williams

Dale Webber

Dan Knauss


Veni Veni Emmanuel

Madolynn Hurley

Susa Lynne

Dan Morrill

Kyle Ross-Hall

David Raymond

Stephen Black

Diana de Tar-Marchand

Kathy Austen

Cameron Herbert


From Alissa: We still need a few more Wintersong Memories! Do you have a special memory or reflection about Wintersongs and holiday concerts from past seasons? Take a moment to video-record your memory and share it with us. We will be using these memories as social media teasers for our upcoming Wintersong concert. Need help with an idea? Here are a few prompts:

- A connection to Portland

- Serving our community

- Making music with other ensembles/musicians

- Making friends, creating relationships, enjoying shared music-making

Keep your reflections short — under 30 seconds, please. You can upload your reflection directly to our Dropbox by clicking here. 


From Wendy: Here are some additional tips for recording your contribution to our Wintersong Concert project:

  • What to wear? Business casual, solid color is best.

  • Multiple devices? It is recommended that you use one device to play the guide track from our website that you can hear via a headphone (usually one ear) and a second device to record your unique audio/video (like a video selfie).

  • Where to record? The background is more important than what you are wearing. A plain, light background (wall) is best. You can record in front of a door or even hang a sheet if needed.

  • Lighting? Keep your light source in front of you. No back-lighting.

  • When recording, imagine you are singing with your choir friends and express that joy on your face.

  • Practice recording then listen back. Don’t wait until the deadline to practice recording. No one likes how they sound, so please be kind to yourself!

  • This phone tripod is very helpful and even has a remote for your phone: Amazon LINK

  • If you do not have a tripod, always keep your recording device on a stable surface.

  • Please upload your best take (not multiple takes). Thank you :)

  • Be sure to listen back to your final take. Are there weird background noises? Can you hear the guide track on your recording? Is there distortion?

  • Make sure your file name includes your first and last name and your voice part.

  • Do not submit multiple voice parts unless asked by Wendy or Alissa.

  • Please do not hesitate to ask us questions! We are here to help you through this process.

  • Be sure to review the recording instructions from the production company (LINK)

Alissa Deeter