Sing together again

As a full time performer and choir director, I too have been personally and professionally affected by the pandemic that is sweeping the world. The safety and well-being of our singers is obviously our first priority, but that doesn't stop the pain of not being able to get together to express our common humanity through music.

That said,  my unique background of over 15 years directing choirs, combined with my professional knowledge of audio engineering and video production has led to an occupational pivot. I am proud to offer my services to prepare and produce quality Virtual Choir videos for ensembles in the US and UK, allowing singers to sing together even when they're apart. 

I agree that this is a far cry from choirs performing for an audience, in person, and live.  But maybe it's the next best thing.

Examples of my work
Cañon City High School's "Encore"
Directed by Todd Albrecht
​
"For Good" from the Broadway Musical "Wicked"
Song by Stephen Schwartz, Arranged by Mac Huff

As one of my earlier projects, I worked hard to fit Mr. Albrecht's vision for this piece, and match his passion for his beloved singers.  The final product is a poignant sendoff for his graduates, and a lovely keepsake for the "Encore" singers while wrapping up the tumultuous 2019-2020 school year.
Monarch High School's "Monarch Singers"
Directed by Kate Klotz
​
"The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key
Arranged by Darmon Meader

Ms. Klotz approached me about putting together a couple videos for her school's virtual graduation. This stunning and complex arrangement of our National Anthem came to life beautifully through this project, despite being a relatively smaller ensemble.
The American School in London's "Concert Choir"
Directed by Lisa Ross and Ben Waltz
​
"The Road Home" by Stephen Paulus

At the point when my sister and her teaching partner reached out about putting this piece together for their virtual graduation, it was the most voices I had ever assembled on one project, and I wasn't sure if my technology could handle it! In the end, it went very smoothly, and the final result for this stunning piece turned out lovely!
The Coal Creek Community Chorus
Directed by Stephen Ross 
​
"Away from the Roll of the Sea"
​by Allister MacGillivray

This was my first ever attempt at putting together a virtual choir, and I did it for the beloved community chorus that I direct. Throughout this project, I taught myself much of the process for creating videos like this.  I'll be forever grateful to my singers for their contribution to this beautiful -- and appropriate for the times -- choral classic.
Cañon City High School's "Encore"
Directed by Todd Albrecht
​
"Raise You Up / Just Be"
from the Broadway Musical "Kinky Boots"
Song by Cindy Lauper, Arranged by Mac Huff

For my second project with Cañon City, we put together this funky song from "Kinky Boots", all about lifting up others and being yourself.  It was fun to match the students' enthusiasm in their individual videos with the overall production. If nothing else, check out the spinning disco wheel at 3:41...  perhaps my finest achievement.
Want more?  Check out my Virtual Choir YouTube Channel for more examples of my work!

Collaborate on a Virtual Choir for
​YOUR Ensemble!

It would be my honor to collaborate with YOU on creating a virtual choir project for your chorus.  The cost of the full production of a video starts at $1,500, though if you have budget constraints (which I, of all people, TOTALLY understand!), I'd encourage you to still reach out to see if we can make it work based on variables such as the number of singers in your ensemble, complexity of the piece you selected, and flexibility of your timeline. 

If we move forward, here is a chronological list of what is offered:
  • You would send me the (legally purchased!) sheet music of the piece you want to produce, with any instructions on how you want the final performance to sound and/or look. If possible, provide a reference recording (or YouTube link of a performance) you'd like this project to  emulate.
  • Based on that I'll produce out MIDI-fied "sing-along tracks" for each section for your singers to use while filming.  These can be distributed to your singers as a video or audio file.
  • I will send you clear step-by-step instructions to pass onto your singers explaining exactly how they should set up and record themselves using the devices they already have access to at home. 
  • You (the director) will vet and "collect" videos from all your singers in a Google Drive or Dropbox folder, which you'll ultimately share with me.
  • I will then separate the video and audio on those files, line up, EQ, edit, tune (if needed), and mix the audio in Logic Pro X, then line up, frame, and edit together all the videos in Final Cut Pro X in an engaging way, then marry the two elements into a final product.  Depending on the number of singers and the vision of the project, the entire production takes 2-4 weeks once I have all the student videos on hand.
  • Throughout the process, I will share updates and drafts of my progress with you.
  • You (the director) are entitled to infinite edits until you are satisfied with the final outcome!  Once completed, the method of distribution is totally up to you.

    Contact me to get started!

    Please include as many details as you might know regarding what piece(s) you may perform, how many singers would be included on a project, your ideal production timeline (all of which can change!), and anything else relevant to our collaboration!  Thank you!

Testamonials

Stephen Ross literally helped me save my program—at least for the seniors who faced such great loss due to Covid-19. His exceptional skill and boundless creativity are only matched by the size of his heart for kids and the enthusiasm he brings for helping them put their best efforts out there into the world for all to see. Stephen meets you and your kids exactly where you and they are, and he works diligently with you to take their work product to a level you and they can ALL be proud to call your own! I can’t thank him enough for all his help and guidance throughout the creative process in creating our Virtual Choir Videos; there just are not enough superlatives! I would choose to work with Stephen Ross again, and again, and again and AGAIN!

Todd Albrecht
Choir Director at Cañon City High School
(Cañon City, CO)


What Stephen offers is above and beyond this typical kind of “service.” His preparatory materials and incredibly clear instructions take out the guess work for the director and students. Despite being in the UK, Stephen was always available for every question that I had and offered quick responses for even the smallest of questions. Working with him was the best decision I made while being completely overwhelmed and overworked during distance-learning. The final video was beautifully produced, and is something my students and I will have forever.  

Lisa Ross
Choir Director at The American School in London
(London, UK)


Working with Stephen was a dream.  He is patient, incredibly talented and knowledgeable about what he is doing.  I was grateful for all of the help and selfishly, I want to keep his talents all to myself, but I know that I must share him with the rest of the choral world. 

Janice Vlachos
Choir Director at Fairview High School
(Boulder, CO)