VIRTUAL CHOIR 6 "SING GENTLY" by ERIC WHITACRE

A few years ago I participated in a Virtual Choir organized by composer/ director Eric Whitacre. It was a really interesting experience. After downloading a copy of the music I watched a bass rehearsal YouTube video. Once I was comfortable with the music I recorded my own video and sent it in. Then I waited for the grand unveiling on You Tube. There were thousands of videos like mine from around the world. 

A few years after Virtual Choir 4 another choir was organized. Virtual Choir 5 was another interesting experience. It was either choir 4 or 5 which amounted to simply singing sounds - no words.

Well a few years later along comes Virtual Choir 6  "Sing Gently". I got to sing WORDS.

Look at these stats. 33,000 people registered from 134 countries. So far 2,000 people have submitted videos from 80 countries. I submitted my video tonight so I'm one of the 354 basses. At the Bass rehearsal today there were guys from S. Korea, Nigeria, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands, England, Wales, Portugal, Connecticut, etc. Since this was a live rehearsal some were up early or really late.

Cindy asked if I was satisfied with my video. I told her I was satisfied with it. Well it wasn't half bad. That means it wasn't terrific. I regrettably don't sing as well as I used to but I thought it was good enough. Some people admitted they made 20 or more videos before they were satisfied. I made at least 6 videos.

Now we wait. I really do not know how long before the final product is revealed. I even got a Certificate of Participation. Whoopee!

UPDATE:

Submissions for Virtual Choir 6 closed on May 22, 2020. Our stats at that time:

• 17,562SINGERS
 
• 129COUNTRIES
 
• 41,836SIGNUPS

We’ll be announcing the date of the premiere of the film soon. Check back here for more information.

It’s amazing to think that the Virtual Choir started as a simple experiment some ten years ago. We have all known its special purpose over that decade – joining people from around the world through music – and it has brought us particular comfort this year. That said, we all look forward to the day when we can safely make music together, in person.

Eric Whitacre