It’s that time of year…The birds are singing in the trees (a
cappella of course), USA Network has original programming that people actually
want to watch (Psych dedicated two episodes to a cappella ensembles…in case you
wanted to know), and college semesters are winding down. For many groups, this
means the end of another a cappella year.
But what if it didn’t? What if you’re a cappella bliss could
go on, well into the summer? What if the group you spent so much time with, forged
so many friendships, didn’t have to part ways for 2-3 months?
In my unending quest to eliminate the need to visit a public
pool…I mean develop an a cappella major…here are some suggestions to keep the a
cappella bliss going a little bit longer:
1) Virtual Choir
If you are involved with any type of choral ensemble, the
name Eric Whitacre probably rings a bell. He’s the choral composer that every new
composer wants to emulate; he writes the compositions that every trendy choir
wants to perform; and he’s the guy breaking all sorts of barriers in
traditional choral music.
In 2010, Eric Whitacre embarked on a unique idea that has
spawned copycats around the globe: Virtual Choirs. Singers from around the
world submit their audition videos via Youtube, and a large number of selected
participants are invited to sing one of Whitacre’s compositions live using
computer cameras and video feeds. If everyone in your a cappella group was able
to sync to a metronome using a midi track, then you’re a cappella group could
post a video on youtube without ever leaving the comfort of their couches and
pajamas. It would be an interesting project…difficult, but do-able. Click the
link to learn more:
2) Tour
Okay. I’m probably asking for a miracle, but think for a
moment…Wouldn’t everyone in your group love to sing again, just one more time?
(If not, see my previous article about lobsters) Put your nose to the
grindstone, and plan a tour during the summer.
Is this going to be difficult to plan? Yep.
Is this going to be extremely difficult to plan? Absolutely.
Are members of your group going to whine about how they have
to leave their comfy homes and X-boxes? Oh yeah.
Deal with it. We need more a cappella music during the
summer. Summer is the best time to tour, because all the festivals, gatherings,
parades, and miscellaneous performance opportunities happen over the summer,
and they are dying to get a group like yours to sing.
3) Join/Form another a cappella group
No, it’s not cheating. If your group’s season is over and
you are itching for another a cappella fix, go find a local group, or better
yet, form one. It may seem daunting, because forming a group means a new slew
of logistical problems, but what if you and your friends just wanted to enjoy
singing? Get some buddies together, improvise a bunch of circle songs, read
through a few Deke Sharon charts, and then play a healthy game of Apples to
Apples. Done. A great night of music and fun, without the stress of managing
and building a group.
4) Go to a reading session
Do you know what a reading session is? It’s the most fun
thing a choral dork can do. You basically travel to a local college, you are
handed a stack of choral music, and you just sit there and read. No practicing,
no stopping, no drama. It’s a great way to improve your reading skills, discover
new music, be inspired by new ideas, and have a stress free hour or two of
singing for less than fifty bucks (usually). Just Google “reading session” and
your hometown. You’ll find one. Trust me. If not, start one.
5) Record
I think the best thing about contemporary a cappella
recording techniques is the fact that a high-quality album can be made, without
the group ever being in the same room at one time. If one person from your
group recorded his or her part separately, once or twice a week, you would have
a BOCA ready submission in 2-3 months without ever interfering with your
practice time (of course…don’t quote me on the BOCA thing…but at least you
would have something to send.)
6) Don’t break up
Wait…why is your group not singing over the summer? Has
anyone actually explored this, or did you all just assume that the semester is
over once the concert is finished? Is almost everyone from a local part of the
area? Can anyone suggest a new meeting place? Maybe your group should open up a
dialogue before assuming that the semester has to end.
7) Do-it-yourself
Box videos are the new trend. They consist of one person,
singing every part. Pick a song in a comfortable key, arrange it so that every
part is sing-able, and hit the record button on your computer. Ta-da! A one man
a cappella group. If it’s a good arrangement, you can even post it on the
internet and probably get a fair amount of views (thought be careful with legal
issues…don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
I hope this will keep your a cappella addiction fed for a
little while longer. What can I say…I’m a pusher.
Marc Silverberg
Follow The Quest for the A cappella Major:
Docacappella.tumblr.com
Acappellaquest.blogspot.com
Twitter.com/docacappella
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