VIRTUAL CHOIR
Another jolly session last night – we’re all getting better with the technology I think. Andrew (bass) who is quite experienced at using Zoom has offered some suggestions as to how we can get the most out of it, and you’ll find what he has to say later on in this newsletter. As he says, it’s fun and very uplifting. Thankyou Andrew.
If you have not joined in these sessions because you don’t have a web-cam (of which I gather there is currently a global shortage) I have an old one (+ instruction leaflet) that I don’t use. Let me know if you’d like it.
Looking forward to meeting up again next week. From now on WE THINK the log on details will remain the same week by week. (More details next time.) And don’t forget, you can use your Zoom app to contact anyone else in the choir if you’d like to stay in touch with friends over the week.
NHS BIG CHEER
There will be another rousing cheer and hand clap for the NHS and other front line workers at 8.00 p.m. this evening – Thursday.
MORE JOLLY THINGS
We might be getting a little better with music technology but we’re not quite as good (yet) as this virtual choir known as The Collective which has singers from all round the world. https://youtu.be/qyjyvtMv0YE
THINGS TO DO IN ISOLATION
Shaftesbury Arts Centre are holding a Short Story Competition with a deadline of 3rd May and an Online Art Competition with a deadline of 15th May. Both open to all ages. See attached posters. Details here: http://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/event-directory/
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ZOOM
This is new to so many. At first, some of us are anxious before it all slides into bonhomie and everyone feels more relaxed. Soon we’ll all know what to do.
The building block of a good zoom social experience is connection.
Lit faces, close to the camera and close enough to catch expressions are much more pleasant and friendly.
Individuals are easier to connect with than groups for the simple reason that groups have to put the camera further away for us to see them all.
Use LANDSCAPE MODE - not portrait which results in a thin, pinched, mean string-bean of a person and fills the screen with blocks of black.
Elevate webcams to eye level, and arrange lighting and background, especially if it’s going to get dark during the call.
Mobile Phones OFF. If you must take a call - MUTE YOUR MIC.
Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing and, with luck, see you next Wednesday.
David