Virtual Choirs

Instructions

Recording an audio file

Using the free application called Soundtrap.��Please download the application on your computer, phone or tablet. Make sure to select the free version. On the webpage, you will find a link to the project on Soundtrap. Click on that link to gain access to the project. If the project isn’t visible, please send an email to september.morning.2021@gmail.com and you will receive an invitation to collaborate.

• The top track will be an audio track with the organ/piano accompaniment. There may be other tracks already recorded. To hear them, click on the headphone symbol. To mute them, click on the megaphone picture (see second picture).
• The next tracks will be available for recording. On the left side, click on ‘add a new track’. A window will open with choices. Choose ‘voice & microphones’. You need to use headphones/earbuds to record.
• If you are using an external microphone, select it (see 3rd picture)
• A big red button will appear: start recording. When you click on it, a countdown will begin. Then it will record you, singing your part. Make sure to start at the beginning (click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen).

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Once you have recorded your track:

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You can listen to your recording using the arrow at the bottom of the screen. If you want to edit your recording, please watch the video (editing on soundtrap)

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Also, please hover with your cursor on the left of your track to find 3 little dots. Click on those dots so that you can:

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• Rename your track: your first name, your voice part, and whether your track is final or in process
• Delete your track (if you are unhappy and want to try again). Please be 100 % sure that you are deleting or editing YOUR track.

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If you happy with your recording, you can click on ‘save’ at the top of the screen and leave the project. You do not need to send anything to me. I will get a notification that you updated the project. You can also always go back and re-record. Just do not erase someone else’s track.

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Recording and Sending your Video

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If you are recording an audio file separately (Soundtrap or other audio recording app):

• Select what you will use for watching the YouTube video/hearing the accompaniment: desktop computer, tablet, laptop are probably the easiest.
• Select how you will also look at your music score.
• Select how you will record your video. �Smart phones probably work best and are easy. So are tablets like iPads. The camera has an option to record movies.�Please do not record using Zoom. The speed of the video vary and it is very difficult to synch it with others.
• No need to wear headphones - I will NOT use the audio part of your video since I have your audio recording already.
• Place yourself so that you are happy with the proportional relationship between your face and your background.
• Use the camera in the landscape position (horizontally).
• Use a neutral background, uncluttered.
• Watch the YouTube video and record yourself from beginning to end, please, even if there are sections when you do not sing. Don’t stop too soon.
• Dress code:

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If you are NOT recording on Soundtrap or sending a separate audio file:

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• Select what you will use for watching the YouTube video/hearing the accompaniment: desktop computer, tablet, laptop are probably the easiest.
• Select how you will also look at your music score.
• Select how you will record your video. �Smart phones probably work best are are easy. So are tablets like iPads. The camera has an option to record movies.�Please do not record using Zoom. The speed of the video vary and it is very difficult to synch it with others.
• Wear headphones/earbuds - I will use both the video and audio of your recording.
• Do not stand too close to your camera. I cannot zoom you out (but I can zoom in) and I have to shrink you so you will fit in a tiny square… Stay in one place (tiny square problem again).
• Use the camera in landscape position (horizontally).
• Watch the YouTube video and record yourself from beginning to end, please, even if there are sections when you do not sing. Don’t stop too soon.
• Use a neutral background, uncluttered
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Sending your video

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If you recorded using a smartphone/tablet

• iphones/ipads: you will be able to send me the file directly via text at 301-520-8921. Find the video in your photos app, tap the square with an arrow (left, bottom of your screen) and choose ‘messages’. If the video is too long, an iCloud link will be prepared automatically. In the field ‘To’, type my phone number. Or you can add the video to ‘Shared Album’ and make an album with your video, sharing it with me.
• Android smartphones: click here

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If you recorded on a laptop or computer

• The best method is to use a cloud based storage system. �Examples are Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox.
• Google Drive: a folder has been created
• The folder ‘‘Virtual Choir Video Tracks’ will appear. Upload your video to that folder. It will take a while to upload.

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