While singing as a large group is clearly not going to work with social-distancing the choir is not going to remain silent during the current situation. This is how DoM Lee proposes we start to get together to sing again.
Saturday 16 May
This coming Saturday was supposed to bring to fruition five months of rehearsal dedicated to one of the masterpieces of all choral music, Rossini’s Petite Messe solennelle. It seems quite right, therefore, that we have our first virtual session together on this date, at 2:00pm, when we were due to start that crucial final rehearsal. We will raise a glass to each other, and to Rossini, and have a quick sing!
What will I need?
You will need your Rossini score, your computer/tablet/smartphone, and perhaps a glass/cup/mug of something for our toast. The device you use will need internet connection and speakers, and ideally will have a video camera. You will possibly need to use Google Chrome (click on the link) to access the rehearsal if you are on a computer, or you might need to download a Google Meet app on your tablet or smartphone. Because there are so many different devices, from so many manufacturers, it is impossible to be sure what each person will need.
What will it be like?
It won’t be anything like a normal rehearsal! You will only be able to hear yourself and Lee, but you should be able to see many of your fellow choir members. The first session is very much a taster, so that we can all try the technology, and start to get a feel for it. The session will begin at 2:00pm (though you will need to log in before this) and finish somewhere between 2:30pm and 2:45pm.
What do I do now?
At some point between 1:30pm and 1:55pm click on the link in Lee’s email, or copy it into your (Google Chrome) browser:
Depending on your device, you may asked for a PIN code, in which case you can find in Lee’s email.
See Lee’s email for detailed instructions