NMC Virtual Choir – April 9 submission deadline

Apr 6, 2020 | Intercom, Student News

Greetings NMC Community! I hope this finds you well, and healthy!

In these times of self-quarantines and social distancing, we need to continue to find ways to connect with one another. What better way to do that than through music? And since we can’t make music in person, how about connecting virtually in our inaugural NMC Virtual Choir?

Answers to questions you may have:

  • I’m not the world’s best singer… could I still be a part of this? OF COURSE! This project is about connecting and creating community – the more the merrier! (Don’t worry, we can “fix it in the mix.”)
  • What will I need (equipment/technology) to record my video? A computer or laptop with a webcam, headphones that can plug into your computer, and an internet connection. (Sorry phones and tablets won’t work.)
  • Will I be able to review my video before I submit it? Yes! You will be able to review your video before submitting. And, you are able to re-record as many times as you wish until you’re satisfied with your video!
  • Can I submit more than one video? Sorry no. Please only submit one video – pick the voice part that’s most comfortable for you.

How will this work? I’ve attached a PDF of the piece we’ll be singing. Here are links to practice/reference recordings for each voice part. (I have also added this to the NMC Music App – You can download the app here for free.) There are several seconds of silence at the beginning of each track. We will need that later for video/sound synchronization.

Before you begin you will need:

  • Desktop or Laptop computer with a webcam.
  • Headphones that you can plug into your computer.
    An internet connection.
  • Chrome or Firefox for your browser. (It won’t work with Safari.) Click on the links if you need to download either of those browsers.

When you’re ready to begin:

  1. Go to nmcvirtualchoir.com. (Please make sure the browser is full screen. It will look wonky if the tab or window isn’t full size.)
  2. Read the INTRO, click “continue.”
  3. Watch the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO, then, click “continue.”
  4. Enter the RECORDING KEY: “keepsinging” all one word, no caps.
  5. Enter your info – select your part, enter your name, your email and your organization. Click “continue.”
  6. Check your email for your VERIFICATION CODE. Copy it, or type it into the “verification code” field. Click “continue.”
  7. Then, the recording window pops up!
    1. Make sure your headphones are plugged in.
    2. Click the red record button to do a test. You should hear the reference track in your headphones.
    3. Try recording a short snippet.
    4. Click the play arrow to listen back to what you just recorded. Check for mic level and visual framing.
    5. Record as many times as you wish until you have a “take” you are happy with.
    6. Click the SAVE button.
  8. You will receive email confirmation that we’ve received your recording!

Again, we’d like to try to get this wrapped up this weekend so we have set a deadline for submissions for Thursday, April 9, at 5 p.m.

Thanks again everyone for sharing your time and talents – happy singing!

Jeff

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Jeffrey Cobb
Director of Music Programs
Northwestern Michigan College
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1338