Northwest Firelight Chorale discovers new way to spread music and joy
Hello Friends and Fans of The Northwest Firelight Chorale,
What a crazy year it’s been! Even in a year like 2020, The Northwest Firelight Chorale has continued to work towards our mission: to invite the opening of people's hearts to love and healing through inspired rehearsals and performances of soul-stirring music. Thanks to our brilliant director Deeji Killian, we are able to spread love even without being able to gather in person.
When Covid-19 hit, Deeji asked the chorale if they were invested enough and open to finding ways to keep singing together. Sixty-four out of sixty-five members said yes and with that, Killian got to work organizing online rehearsals for the choir’s first virtual concert, A Homemade Holiday: Songs of the Season from Our Home to Yours. The choir began rehearsing on Zoom, but because of lag times on the internet, singers struggled to synchronize their voices, so it was a challenge for the choir to harmonize and sync with the piano accompanist.
With a little help from a federal small-business (PPP) loan and donations from both members and fans of the choir, Deeji transformed her music studio into a Covid-safe rehearsal space, complete with sealed performance pods, so she could safely host one singer from each vocal part and a piano player. That made it possible for the members online to learn their part of the song singing in harmony with the others.
The choir rehearses for two and a half hours on Wednesdays, and members have learned how to record their own audio and video. Another member edits the audio with the video to produce the final product – A Virtual Choir!
“When Covid-19 hit, I was not sure what I would do, but knew I would do everything in my power to help keep our community together and thriving. My mantra, ‘it is what it is, and it becomes what you make it,’ guided me every day as I worked with Chorale members and family to pivot our rehearsals to Zoom.”
Make sure to tune in starting December 18 for a virtual holiday concert of beloved carols, pop favorites, soul-stirring spirituals, festively fun tunes, our signature Firelighter choralography and some special effect surprises. And choir members invite you into their homes to share stories of their own December traditions. Pour a glass of holiday cheer, throw another log on the fire, and settle in for a cozy evening of music and heartfelt connection.
Event Details for A Homemade Holiday:
Audience members register for the concert here.
Tickets are $20 for an individual or $35 for a household.
The event link will be live on NW Firelight Chorale YouTube channel beginning, Friday, December 18, 2020, at 7 p.m. PST, until December 31, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
You will receive an email link to access the concert for unlimited viewing during those dates and times.
