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Technology Column: Play and display

The virtual performance has become a lockdown emblem, uniting ensembles during isolation. Tim Hallas gives it a go.
 
Students from Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge – the author's own school – participate in a virtual performance
Students from Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge – the author's own school – participate in a virtual performance

As I write, many of us are entering our third month of remote teaching. The virtual choir and instrumental ensemble has become a lockdown phenomenon. I say this because, like many other schools, my college has launched one, too. This month, I explain the initial set up and some of the challenges that we have overcome.

The lag over video conferencing software makes live rehearsals difficult (not impossible – but difficult). I picked music I knew that the students would be able to access relatively easily and provided lyrics, chords, a lead sheet and a simple vocal arrangement for those who wanted to add harmonies. The hardest element is ensuring that everyone is in time with one another. The first thing you need is a guide track with some method of ensuring everybody starts at the same time.

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