We are working on a second virtual choir for Christmas Eve! (if you didn’t see our last one, check it out!)
Here are the instructions for those who would like to participate in our Christmas Eve choir. Special note: I’m especially looking for percussive instruments. If you play the bongos, triangle, etc, (even a jar of dry rice or beans can make a nice percussion instrument) send me a video of yourself playing along with the song!
Here you will find four different files:
a guide track (for you to listen to as you sing along or play your instrument),
a vocal sheet (for those who can read music and want to sing parts),
a chord chart (for musicians and singers who don’t need the sheet music),
a piano and lead sheet (for musicians who prefer to read parts)
Note: I have purchased the rights to use a limited number of these files, so please do not distribute them beyond our own congregation.
Instructions for singers and musicians (video submission deadline is December 20 but early is always helpful!)
Begin by learning the song. Listen to the guide track and play/sing along a few times.
When you are ready, you will need headphones, something to record your video (e.g. your phone, computer, camera) and something to play the guide track (probably another device).
Set your up your camera (or phone, etc.) in a place that is relatively quiet, ideally with bright lighting (facing a window is usually good). Try to put your camera at eye level if you can. If you want, you can have someone hold the camera, but this doesn’t always work out so well.
Plug in your headphones, and sing along to the guide track (the track should be in your headphones only, so that the camera is only picking up your voice). There will be a brief instruction at the beginning asking you to count out loud with the track, this is so that I can sync all of the videos to play in time together. Remember to sing loud and smile! Pro tip: Some people find it easier to sing with only one earphone.
If you want, you can watch your video to see how it sounds and looks. Keep in mind, your video will not sound very good, because you are only one voice. But, once your video is combined with everyone else, it should sound pretty cool (see our previous virtual choir videos if you’re not sure!)
When you have a video you like, you can send it to me. My email address is jesse.d.hill@gmail.com. Google drive, WeTransfer, Dropbox, and OneDrive all work well. Or, you can upload the video to your own YouTube account and send me the link (you can make your video “unlisted” if you don’t want to share it with the whole internet). If you have trouble with this step, let me know! I don’t mind talking you through the process of sending the video over the phone.
If you’re singing, you’re all done! But, if you’re a musician playing an instrument that is recorded direct (e.g. bass, electronic instruments) don’t forget to send me a WAV or mp3 file of your direct recording, too.
Thanks everyone, I’m looking forward to seeing your videos!
-Jesse