There will be no in person performances from Milligan University’s symphony orchestra this year. This is one of many changes the school has made due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of accepting the loss, those in the music department decided to record sections of the pieces they would have performed live.
Professor of Music Kellie Brown, who has a doctoral degree in higher education administration, with an emphasis in music administration, described the process saying “For the process, we pick a rehearsal day to do the recording. Students wear black performance attire and black masks. We have a student worker operate the video camera while the orchestra plays several takes of each piece. Dr. Brickle, another member of the music faculty, is good with technology and will complete any post-production work that the videos need.”
The recordings took place in the Walker Auditorium located in lower Seeger Chapel. The orchestra, according to Brown, has been rehearsing a wide variety of pieces since the beginning of the semester. Right now they are focusing on music from Broadway.
“Some examples are ‘Edelweiss’ from The Sound of Music, ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie, and ‘Sabbath Prayer’ from Fiddler on the Roof,” said Brown.
Students have struggled with the adjustments according to Brown.
“It has been difficult for performers all over the world to not get to present their music for a live audience. Nothing can replace that,” said Brown. However, one bonus is that the orchestra will be able to reach a wider audience online.
The recording process went well according to Brown. The only problem the team faced was getting the cleanest recording. However, nothing took more than two takes according to Brown.
With the recording process complete, the videos will soon be ready for viewing.
“The first release of videos will happen at the end of October,” said Brown. “There will be two additional releases, one of sacred music and one of Christmas pieces in November and December. The recordings will be done for these in early November.”