Q&A
As friends ask questions or point out bugs, I'll answer them here (and update the site if need be)
Q: I made my video, how do I send it in?
A: Easiest way - I need the video so that I can combine them. If you'll upload it to Google Drive and share it with me, that'd be best. ALSO - it would be fun (if you're willing) to upload your video to YouTube, and include "VO_2020" in the title or tags.
Q: Should the recording be video or audio?
A: Either. The MOST important thing is that we can hear the two claps at the start of the video (before you plgu in your headphones). This is the easiest way to align the videos when editing. Being able to see the players could be really great. If you're not comfortable (or allowed) to post videos of yourself, an audio recording is fine. Or maybe your device of choice is a handheld audio recorder with no camera - still works.
Q: Which part should I play?
A: Whichever you want. If you're a violinist and have the time, it'd be great to do multiple parts. Not everyone wants to assign themselves "2nd Violin, b, lower divisi" - but it's a really important part!
Q: (Several responses combined) I wish my students could be part of this, but (a) this isn't a piece they can learn on their own, (b) I do not think my district would allow this for privacy reasons.
A: Piece difficulty - we are hoping to add pieces to the project in the coming days. Including some accessible selections is a priority. One colleague is already reaching out to some well-known composers on our behalf to ask permission.
B: Privacy. You are the expert on your school's policies and your parents' expectations. Here are some ideas that have been shared that have been shared, perhaps one of them will work for your situation. Have other good ideas not listed here? Email me so that we can suggest them to others!
Upload an audio only file.
Turn the phone so that the camera is face down on the music stand.
Have students submit their videos to you using whatever platform your school prefers (Google Classroom, for example). The teacher could change the file name to remove any identifying information, and send it in using a school or anonymous account.