Welcome, Combined Choirs!
Everything you need for your Festival of Carols virtual performance is below!
STEP 1
Download and listen to your click track!
CLICKTRACK TUTORIAL
CUSTOM CLICK TRACK
REQUIRED: Listening
You must listen to the provided click track while you record to make sure that your part lines up with everyone else!
REQUIRED: Headphones
You must listen to the click track with headphones when you record. This is so we don’t hear it on the final recording!
REQUIRED: Clap!
Follow the instructions on the recording by clapping on count 9 at the beginning and following the instructions at the end.
STEP 2
Download and Practice your music!
Practice Slowly
Make sure that you understand every rhythm, pitch, and pronunciation.
Get used to the space
Practice in the space where you’ll record, so that it’s super easy when it’s time to perform.
Practice Performing
Once you can comfortably sing all notes and rhythms at tempo, practice along with the clicktrack to make sure your pitch and timing is spot on.
STEP 3
Prepare your personal recording studio
Pick a Tidy Location
Choose an uncluttered indoor area without a ton of stuff in the background.
Erase Background Noise
Turn off all fans, air conditioning, TV, and anything else that could interfere with your recording.
Turn off Notifications
Set your phone to Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb to avoid ruining your best take.
STEP 4
Frame your perfect angle
Film in Landscape (Sideways)
Be sure to use the rear camera on your phone for the highest quality!
Make sure YOU are in the frame!
Set-up your video so that you are facing your camera and your face and torso are clearly visible.
Check your Lighting
Make sure the brightest light in the room is in front of you! Check for any shadows or dark spots.
STEP 5
Record like a pro.
REQUIRED ATTIRE
Black collared shirt/top
Get ready
Make sure your chair, music, and headphone cables are set-up that you can quickly and easily start the click track and get into position to perform.
Start recording BEFORE you start the click track
Count the clicks while you get ready to play. On the 9th Click, Clap 1-time.
Record!
Record straight through the piece, counting through all rests and the 9 extra clicks at the end.
STEP 6
Submit your performance
Check your Work
- Listen and watch your video. Are you in frame?
- Is your sound clear or is it distorted?
- Did you miss any notes, rhythms, or articulations?
- Check for anything that may be distracting and re-record if you see or hear anything that is out of place.
Upload your performance recording
Once you’re happy with your performance, use the UPLOAD buttons below to submit your recording!
AUDIO-ONLY
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
AUDIO-ONLY
INSTRUCTIONS
The goal of this submission is to get as high-quality of an audio recording as possible. This should be recorded in a quiet, medium-sized space with as little movement as possible. Your air conditioning, fans, and any TV or electronics must be turned off while you record.
Recording volume should not extend above mezzo-forte, unless you have an external microphone where you are able to control the gain.
Be especially careful of singing directly towards your microphone – the air and percussive mouth sounds can distort your recording. If possible, also avoid turning pages, as microphones are especially sensitive to this sound.
If recording using a phone, please record using Voice Memos (or Android Equivalent) in lossless audio mode (instructions here).
AUDIO SUBMISSIONS
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Even though your audio will not be included, it is crucial that you still follow all of the same recording instructions and upload your videos with the audio included, so that we may sync your video accordingly.
Be expressive as you sing throughout and engage with the camera as though it were your audience.
End the video by reacting naturally and smiling towards the camera.