Recording Instructions for All Instruments
Preparing your audition:
Step 1 - Have your music
Hard copy from your director
Be prepared to play from beginning to end of the tune(s)
Step 2 - Download Play-along track or have it cued up
Step 3 - Identify the devices you will need to make the recording
You will need to submit a video audition so there needs to be a camera and microphone.
You will also have to play along with the required track(s) which MUST BE HEARD IN THE ROOM. NO headphones permitted. You may want to consider using a sound system or speaker that is loud enough for you to play at your desired dynamics. Depending on how you choose to play the play-along track, you may need an additional device to play the track from that is different than the device you are using to capture the audition recording.
Recording Instructions
There are two main ways you will make that happen
Phone
Most smartphones have good cameras and microphones
Place your phone in a location where it can "see" your body and instrument. Make sure the music stand isn't blocking the view of the camera
Press "record" on the device you are using to capture the audition
Press "play" on the play-along track
Perform your audition
Press "stop" on the recording device
Computer
There are several software programs you can use to record a video with audio. Choose what is familiar to you however be sure that the file can be saved in a format that can be sent in the google form.
One option is to use OBS which will allow you to add your own camera and USB microphone inputs
Another option is to use the camera software on your laptop. Most times there is a recording feature in those applications.
Chromebooks are not good options for making recordings since the files that they generate do not work across all platforms and they often have poor quality microphones.
Practice playing with the play-along track/video before the next step
Step 4 - Set up for your recording session
Wear generic attire so that judges can't tell which school you attend based on your apparel.
Position camera/phone so we see your entire instrument generally from the waist up
Make sure your device is positioned so you can get the best sound possible
Avoid playing too close to the mic to avoid distortion
Do not play too loud. Do the dynamics, but remember that your microphone is designed to pick up speaking voices. Playing too loud will result in poor audio quality. BRASS PLAYERS - do not "aim" at the microphone.
Avoid background noises (siblings, lawn mowers, TV, etc...)
Try to think about the final product (if we can't hear you or see you it will be difficult or impossible to provide an audition score)
You must use a sound system or speaker to play the play-along tracks so the judges can hear you AND the track.
Make sure the play-along is not so loud that judges can't hear you playing your instrument
Listen to your recording before submitting
Save recordings in standard video formats: MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI
Files should be labeled this way - LastnameFirstnameInstrument (ex: smithjohntrumpet)
Drums will have 4 files (ex: smithjohnlastweek, smithjohnbossanova, smithjohnsalsamambo, smithjohngrooveblues)
Step 5 - Submit Recording
ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE NOVEMBER 15th at NOON!