Hello Vocalists,

This page is for anyone interested in joining a virtual choir on a musical project led by composer, David Van Deusen.
 
With the Corona virus pandemic, political upheaval, racial injustice, unprecedented wildfires, hurricanes, and more, we have all been challenged to keep a positive attitude and spirit in 2020!  
 
With that in mind, my good friend, David Van Deusen, has written and arranged a song called "RISE!" for which I would love you to record a part and send it to him to be added to the whole.  The essence of the song is that together (unified, but at the same time diversified) we are strong - and we will ultimately rise to a better place together.  Yes?
 
If you’re in, here's how it will all work:
 
I have created four different videos (listed below) on YouTube to assist you in creating your recording.
 
Soprano - https://youtu.be/0SHZSUztyX8
 
Alto - https://youtu.be/FI3uW1Bq6_Y
 
Tenor - https://youtu.be/-RW9jzSL7Fo
 
Bass - https://youtu.be/gx9EIE-Yd5c
 
Each separate video includes a copy of your individual part/sheet music as well as a piano track (with your vocal part being played more loudly/highlighted to assist you!).  At the start of the video, all four pitches are given, followed by a count of three - which amounts to a two measure rest before you start singing.  It sounds confusing, but I think it will all make sense once you look at it.
 
You should put on headphones to watch and listen to the video/music and record your part.  (Note:  Using headphones ensures that none of the background track will bleed/get recorded on your separate vocal part).
 
Use the VOICE MEMO app on your iPhone and to begin recording your voice and then start playing the video.  Sing along with the music on the video and record your voice part on your phone.  Once you have completed your recording, email it to David at risesong2020@gmail.com.  The sound file will not be very large and is easily compatible as an email attachment.
 
Here are some helpful hints and tips to achieve the best results:

• Practice a few times in advance before recording to ensure you solidly know your part since you will have to do it straight through from beginning to end without errors.
• Attempt to record in a room that will absorb the sound (so as to try to avoid natural reverb).
• During your performance/recording, observe rhythms, rests, breath markings, and dynamics very strictly.
• The introduction of the piece (Ooos) should be quiet and flowing (please stagger breathing as much as possible).
• I am looking for a very "big" ending.  (Again, please stagger breathing.)  Listen closely and attempt to cut off precisely with the end of the music/track as is possible.

Attached to this email are PDFs of your individual parts as well as a master choral/piano score (so you can get a sense as to how the whole piece fits together).
 
Feel free to submit multiple files (variations of the same part which has divided parts - or two different parts (i.e. both a tenor and a bass file)).  The more parts, the merrier.  Important:  Note that by your submission of a file you are agreeing that I may use it as part of the final composition and release.
 
Please also free feel to share this project with others of your musical friends by forwarding this email.   Do it right away!  Who knows how many members we might ultimately have in the choir?  It could be tremendous!
 
A couple of important final details
 
Please send your audio files to me no later than November 7, 2020.  
If you can send them as soon as you are done recording them, it would be even better so that I can begin paced, post production work on the final mix and orchestration.
 
Name your file in the format shown below:  
 
YOURNAMEHEREBassPart.mp3  
 
Example:  MarkBrownBassPart.mp3
 
This convention will really help me to quickly organize what files I receive into the correct voice parts.
 
Finally, if you have any questions, email me!  Thanks for your participation and contribution.  I will be sure to share it very broadly when I'm finished with the final product (hopefully by Thanksgiving!)
 
All the best,
 
Peter Meerwarth and David Van Deusen