Lydians in Cyberspace “Is my mic on?” “I can’t see everyone” “Wait, is that Auntie Marlene?” *waves* * overlapping voices, laughter* * A television blares the signal for the end of the news hour in the middle of vocalises – someone hadn’t been singing or muting their mic* With the acceptance of the reality of the pandemic, after some time, the urge to be together and check-in with each other meant a need to pivot. Zoom was the platform of choice. For many of the choristers, steel, and myself it was assumed that this platform and undertaking would be a one off, as we didn’t properly get to say our ‘see you in a while’ s to our friends – in fact, this struck in the middle of the Music Festival. After that first week of sectional check-in, it was apparent f rom the questions of if there would be others and how soon or frequent, that this would definitely be ‘a thing.’ Sectionals gave way to full ensemble
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A run-down of the Lydians in Choral #PandemicPivot f rom a proud facilitator
check-ins. We were joined by Lydians abroad on occasion. Teachers, students, and others whose professions already had them in meetings via video conference willingly added this activity to their screen time roster. It was also very heartwarming to witness/hear stories of the techsavvy helping those who were not so inclined, to take part. Stories of new smartphone purchases, lovingly exasperated young helpers, and especially excited children “you all makin’ mommy use video chat now, so we getting to see her. Thank you so much!” Big shout out to Marlene and Adele of the altos, and Pat Whittle and Aunty Jo of the Sopranos. Naturally, after 2 sessions, came the dreaded question: “Carl, I’ve been seeing some groups on YouTube, and one even you were in, that was doing virtual choirs. When do we try that?” *resists urge to rub at temples at murmurs of agreement and videos of nodding assent*
