Last week I mentioned that Choir members were invited to participate in a singing opportunity. While I'm still not at liberty to tell you what it's for or when it will be released, I need to tell you a little more about it--mainly because it's occupied several hours of my time this past week. AND, it's one reason why you read this blog in the first place: to get Choir news and perspective that you may not find elsewhere.
The project we're involved in is a virtual singing project. Many choirs during this pandemic have attempted to publish virtual performances, mainly because the virtual method has been one of only a few viable/safe methods available. And in reality, the larger the choir, the fewer methods there are to pick from. So it makes sense that if the Tabernacle Choir was to do anything during this pandemic, it would be virtual.
That said, I've come to appreciate why participating in a virtual performance may not be for everyone. First, it's definitely not choral singing. It's solo singing. I mean, yes, in the end, all the solos are put together to make it choral, but when you're recording your part, you're doing it by yourself and it can be quite intimidating. Second, getting the lighting and the overall "look" of the virtual performance to be just right is also challenging. Obviously the Tabernacle Choir wants to present a unified look, so we were given guidelines to follow--including wearing official Tabernacle Choir attire. But following them was no small task. Third, there's so much to remember while actually recording yourself singing. You're trying to look pleasant and engaged, while remembering the notes and words you just barely memorized. Breathing suddenly becomes a big deal when it's just you. There's no one around you to help cover THAT up. And holding long, sustained notes is also a big deal too, for the same reason.
I did several "takes" of my submission and it was rather frustrating. In addition to the challenges mentioned above, my headphones kept cutting out for several of the takes. Then my phone suddenly popped up a message (right during a good take) that I was out of space and the recording couldn't continue! Ug. Anyway, at long last, I think was able to get one or two takes that could be submission worthy. I'll have to review them and make that determination in the next day or two.
Anyway, this is all to say that while I was hoping for this project to become a reality for a long time now, and while I AM very grateful to be able to participate, it was much more work than I thought it would be. The Tabernacle Choir members are used to work and used to putting in long hours. But this particular work was different and required some unique forms of patience I wasn't used to.
But it's all good. I have no doubt that the end product will be amazing and I look forward to seeing it someday. In the end, hard work and effort are keys to any successful venture. And I hope that each of you will certainly have a successful week ahead by working hard to make it so.
Until next time, God be with you.
Ah, yes, this sounds familiar. It felt like I got to "Take 2,137"! I understand what you mean about the challenges of doing a recording: so many things to keep monitor, together with, as you've identified, the strangeness of singing solo for a choral production. I found that getting the dynamics right was one of the hardest things to do, as I wasn't sure about balance and blend. I also recall getting to the almost-end of a really good take and, of course, having something go wrong. I really look forward to seeing/hearing the end result.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen! I have no doubt the end result will be beautiful. Like most great things in life, it takes hard work and patience to see them come about. Continued good luck in singing with your choir and uplifting others around you.
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