Andrew Walker Leads First Diocese of Central Florida Virtual Choir

BY ERIK GUZMAN

It was early December of 2020. COVID cases were surging. Months earlier, the decision was made that the 52nd Annual Diocesan Convention would be all virtual. In addition to remote attendance and voting, The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer's vision for the canonically required Those resources were delivered to Walker as quickly as possible – on Dec. 22. The deadline for vocalist submissions was Jan. 6. But an additional concern remained: How many would be available to volunteer their time over the holidays? meeting went beyond Since the cost protecting hundreds of the project of delegates from a superspreader event. The Convention would was directly tied to the number of vocalists, the budget have production value and showcase the parishes, ministries itself limited Walker and the diocesan staff when identifying and members of the Diocese of Central Florida. A simple Zoom singers to invite. Emails flew. Calls were made. In the end, 28 meeting wasn’t going to cut it. vocalists participated. With only two months until the event on Feb. 6, 2021, planning Singers could record their audio and video on cell phones, and preproduction were underway, but there were still a lot of tablets or laptops, then upload the files for Walker’s review. He unknowns. One particularly challenging task yet to be tackled said, “There was not a single person amongst them about whom was the bishop’s directive to form a virtual choir featuring I had to say anything other than ‘Great voice!’ or ‘Wonderful vocalists from across the diocese singing the closing anthem, voice!’ or ‘Oh my goodness, she’s only 12 years old!’ It was a very John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” good selection of voices from the diocese.” Andrew Walker, director of music at St. Michael’s While Walker worked with Arts Laureate on the Episcopal Church in Orlando, rose to the audio and video, the diocesan staff collected challenge. After being commissioned by the photos to be incorporated into the final virtual bishop, Walker adjusted his schedule and made choir video. the virtual choir his top priority. “It absolutely Art Laureate delivered the first draft of the required some immediate action,” Walker video on Jan. 28, and after a few minor edits, recalled. “I knew I could take care of the organ it was presented to Brewer for his approval accompaniment and provide for the guide tracks on Feb. 2. The team incorporated the bishop’s without involving anybody else, which would input, and the first Diocese of Central Florida halve the time. I could do the bass part and the Virtual Choir was ready for the Convention with alto part myself.” After finding a soprano and a tenor, Walker Andrew Walker three days to spare! Since the Convention, Walker has received a worked in his backyard studio to complete the guide tracks that number of compliments on his work. “I try and back them up,” remote vocalists would use to record their parts. Walker added Walker explained. “I say, ‘Hey, listen, all I did was the guide tracks. video of himself conducting and sent the guide tracks to Arts The final manipulation of all the various video elements – that Laureate, a team specializing in producing virtual ensemble was done by a professional company.’” videos at VirtualChoir.net. Walker may not have personally edited the final video, but Arts Laureate then prepared everything Walker needed to invite his role in making it a success (and hitting the deadline) is singers and facilitate their video submissions, including recording indisputable. instructions, guide videos and a link to upload recordings.