Can you join us in a Sing-Along!
Submissions have ended. Sorry.
Thank you so much if you submitted already, we'll be in touch. We were almost overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of the response, and the quality of the submissions was outstanding. This is certainly a feature we will include in any of our online productions going forward.
We decided to keep the below as is as a reference for the future.
It is our tradition to end the first half of A St. Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn with a rousing rendition of "The Leaving of Liverpool," that sea-faring chestnut made famous by The Clancy Brothers back in the 1960s. This year of course, is different, but we are undaunted, and believe we can keep that tradition alive.
So let's start by bringing you some of the energy of 2018's version of the song in a packed Sanders Theatre. In spite of our being apart this March, I think we can equal or exceed this energy! Let's make it a recording for the ages. Listen to this first. Then, read on....
There are a few detailed instructions here that look more intimidating than they actually are.
Please Note: Not all submissions will make it into the final show but we are going to do our best! So please do yours!
What you’ll need:
-Headphones
-Headphones and a laptop or some device to listen to the reference track, (This could even be another phone.)
-Camera (phone cameras are perfect for this!)
-Tripod or other way to prop up your camera
The detailed instructions are laid out step-by-step below, but first check out Keith Murphy's video here as he goes through each individual piece and it's quite straightforward. Keith is our long time music director, and does a great job here in simplifying this process.
Listen to the reference track....
-Chorus Lyrics:
So fare thee well, my own true love
And when I return united we will be
It’s not the leavin’ of Liverpool that grieves me
But my darlin’ when I think of thee
Here are step by step instructions....
1. Listen to the song reference track a few times. This will make the instructions clearer.
(You can also Download it by Clicking Here. )
2. Choose a spot to record yourself.
a. Make sure you are well lit so we can see your face! Avoid backlight by keeping windows in front of, not behind, you.
b. Choose a quiet room with minimal echo and background noise. Rooms with carpet and/or soft furnishings are good options.
3. Turn your phone/camera to film in landscape mode. Please use a tripod or some other way of propping up your phone. We want to avoid you holding it while you record.
4. You can film by yourself or with people you live with! Just make sure we can see everyone’s face and you’re in the center of your screen. Make sure you film the entire song--even the parts when you’re not singing!
5. Listen to the track in headphones. We cannot use your submission if you don’t use headphones.
6. To help us line up everyone’s video and audio, please choose one person to clap along to the “clicks” at the beginning of the track.
a. You will hear 8 clicks by themselves, then 8 more with guitar. We need you to clap along to the second set of 8 clicks. So…
(click click click click click click click click CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP)
7. JUST SING ON THE CHORUS, please. It will make it easy for us to edit afterwards.
b. Make sure we can see your hands while you’re clapping!
c. Make sure you STOP CLAPPING after that.
Another take on the clapping instructions below. This is Jenna Worden, by the way, our Director, who is known for her expertise on clapping. So don't worry if you can't match her tone or timbre!!
7. Review your recording.
a. Make sure we can hear and understand what you’re singing.
8. Upload your file using this form, below.
When you are ready to submit your recording - and this should be the easy part: No Longer Accepting Submissions.
Again, while we can't guarantee your inclusion, your submission will certainly be looked at and listened to carefully.
Don’t forget to have fun! Smile while you sing, and don’t be afraid to move around or gesture a little bit. And thanks again for being a part of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn!