Digital help for bands wishing to produce virtual videos

Are you envious of some of the virtual performances that have been posted on websites and social media and in internet contests over the past year?

Would you like to learn how to put together your own online band video?

Well, SBBA could have the answer for you. It has launched a new digital support initiative that is being made possible through funding from Creative Scotland.

The project comprises a series of online videos on the SBBA YouTube channel for those youth and senior bands who are looking to overcome the barriers associated with the technical difficulties of producing a virtual performance.

“The videos will run in April and May,” explained SBBA education officer John Boax. “They will be of special interest to those bands who have been deterred from trying to create a virtual performance because of their lack of skills and experience in producing an online musical performance and their perceived fear of using the appropriate technology.”

The sessions are being hosted by two tutors who are experienced in delivering virtual band performances: Iona Crosby and Keven Anderson.

Music teacher Iona put together the online performance of the Perth and Kinross Percussion Ensemble which won the prize for the most entertaining programme in last year’s Scottish Virtual Youth Brass Band Festival. Keven is a cyber security expert who has produced many online videos for Lochgelly Band.

The twin-video presentations will cover the initial task of how to plan your virtual band before moving on to knitting the individual players’ audio and videos together and completing the finished product.

The first two videos this month will feature Iona talking about creating a click track and using GarageBand to mix and master the audio and then how Final Cut Pro enables you to edit the videos into the final polished product. You can view the sessions here: Video 1 https://youtu.be/ZpIKoTUBj5Q and Video 2 https://youtu.be/abQM_TzIX9k

Keven’s tutorial, to be broadcast next month, will also include recommendations and demonstrations of what free software is available.

“This exciting project is ideal for any band looking to get on board the digital experience or for someone who can pass on the knowledge gained as a workshop deliverer,” John Boax added.