I've been running a group weekly on-line song-learning session, that's building up to a community singing event in December for Winter Solstice.

I've been running this largely based on my experience in a (much larger) choir I sing in which has been meeting on-line for two terms now since the pandemic started, and is about to start a third. I don't have all the resources they have, but have definitely been taking inspiration from them.

Amanda, I *think* you're asking about the nitty-gritty specifics -- things like, How do we do this, literally, both tech-wise and singing-wise? What works? What doesn't? What do we like? What don't we like?

Have I got that right? I don't want to send a long, detailed reply if I'm not actually answering your question!

I will say that while there have definitely been frustrations, there have been some real unexpected delights, ranging from being able to sing with people all over North America and Europe I otherwise wouldn't get to, to people being able to try out different voice parts they usually wouldn't have the courage to, people having the courage to sing in a group at all (because they do not feel comfortable singing in front of other people in person), and some folks being less stressed about getting things "wrong" because they can't "mess anyone else up."

For me, the main thing is not trying to make it be like in-person singing, but its own thing with a similar approach and similar heart.

Feel free to ask me specifics, or just let me know if I'm on the right track and I will tell you *endless* detail, lol.

From: Amanda Witman via Song Organizers <songorganizers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: 27 October 2020 17:39
To: Song Organizers list at Shared Weight <songorganizers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Cc: Amanda Witman <amandawitman@gmail.com>
Subject: [SongOrganizers] Have you run any online sings?

I know there are some folks on this list who have been running online sings on a regular or ongoing basis and perhaps others who have done it once or a few times but not ongoing. I myself am gearing up for my first. And there are many possible ways to go about it. (Building a plane while flying it, anyone?!)

What has your experience been with running/hosting/leading online singing opportunities? I'm interested in any and all aspects of the experience...singing, tech, all of it. Pros? Cons? Challenges? Tips and tricks? Frustrations? Benefits? Unexpected positives?

Who's been in the trenches trying to make this happen? Or who has attended a sing hosted by someone else, and how did it go? I would love it if you would share your experiences. Constructive, kind feedback will help us all evolve this new genre...

- Amanda

PS Thank you, Lynn Noel, for so helpfully encapsulating your learnings in a previous email to this list. Any additions/amendments?