Introduction

Ave Maria Conductors Guide

Click here for Conductor’s Guide Video (listen with headphones of some sort!)

How to Record Your Ave MAria (Biebl) Video

Please read all directions carefully. To record your video you will need two devices: one device to watch and listen to the conductor video and another device to record your performance. You can use any combination of a desktop or laptop computer, a tablet and/or a smartphone. You will need to wear headphones or earbuds so that you can listen to the guide track while singing, but only your voice is recorded. You can use wired or wireless headphones, or earbuds. Make sure that it is just you in the video, and that you are wearing your formal concert attire when you record the Ave Maria.

How to create your recording space

1. If possible, please record your video in front of plain wall or other plain background.

2. Please choose clothing without patterns or logos. (concert attire)

3. If you can, record in a quiet room with the door closed to reduce unnecessary noise. Turn off fans, heaters or anything that hums or is noisy.

4. Please make sure your face is brightly lit. Use whatever lamps or natural light you have available to achieve this. 

5. If you have a tripod mount for your phone/camera please use it or secure your camera in some other way to minimize movement.

How to record your video

1. If you are using a smartphone, turn it to silent so your recording isn’t interrupted by a message or call.

2. Please record your video horizontally (side to side/landscape).

3. Connect your headphones to the device you’re using to watch and listen to the conductor video or guide track. Using headphones is essential to the virtual choir process. If you don’t use headphones, the audio from the recording you are listening to will “bleed over” into the recording you are making, potentially causing big problems with combining all the files later.

4. Set-up and secure your second device to record your video. An iPhone or iPod is an excellent choice for this. Again, make sure you record horizontally, and that your face is centered in the middle of the screen.

5. If possible, please set your device to create an MP4 in 720p. Most smartphones create MP4s automatically and you can amend the resolution in your settings. We will convert files not in this format if needed. So if you can’t figure this part out, we can help. iPhones have setting under Settings/Camera/Format - Choose Most Compatible

6. Start recording on your device and then press play on the conductor video.

7. Please wait for approximately four counts (in your head!) after you finish singing before you stop recording.

8. Save your video.

9. Review your video and if you’re happy with your performance, upload your video per instructions below

How to Submit your Video

Sending is simple!
If you are using a smartphone, just save your video. Then open up a browser and go to the link below. It can upload from your phone!

1. Go https://wetransfer.com/

   • In the form use our email contact lmc.chorus@gmail.com

   • In the message box include your name, ensemble, and voice part

   • Optional: If possible, Ave Maria files file naming name/ensemble/voice part (S1, A2, Solo 3, for example)
     {name}_{ensemble}_{voicepart}.{mp4/avi/mov} - example SantaClaus_LMC_B2.mp4
     But don’t worry if you put this right info in the message box!

   • Ensemble videos - any name

   • You will get a confirmation email that your file was sent. You will get a second email confirming we have downloaded your awesome submission!

   • PLEASE DO NOT email the video directly. Please use the website above. Thanks

ParticipatING Ensembles!

• Cantata Academy Chorale - Susan Catanese

• Detroit Concert Choir - Dr. Michael A. Mitchell

• Farmington Community Chorus - Steven SeGraves

• Henry Ford College Chorus - G. Kevin Dewey

• Langsford Men’s Chorus - Steven SeGraves

• Northville High School Choirs - Beth Richert

• Wayne State University Music Department – Dr. Brandon Waddles