As Christmas draws nearer, I think we’re all aware of the island holiday traditions that we’re not able to participate in this year. From the Whaler’s concert to singing at neighbor’s houses to Christmas Eve services at the church, we miss many of the moments that make the season here on the island.
 
With that in mind, we want to invite you all to help us re-imagine one of our cherished island rituals: the lighting of candles and singing of “Silent Night” on Christmas Eve. There are directions below for people who want to sing parts, people who just want to sing melody, and people who don’t sing at all but would like to participate. We also have options for the tech-challenged, including a short Zoom recording sessions facilitated by Ben.
 
We’d love voices from the whole Chebeague community, even those not living on island currently. We’ll take your contributions and mix them into a community-wide Silent Night that will be shared at the church’s online Christmas Eve service and then with the whole community as well.
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If you’re interested in participating, read on for the directions. We’ll need your recordings by 5 PM on Sunday, December 20th. If you have questions or need help troubleshooting, please feel free to contact Ben at [email protected].

- Ben Yosua-Davis, Herb Maine, Chip Emery
 

Directions

I Don’t Sing!

1. No worries! Just take a picture of you and your family holding candles and email it to [email protected]  

​I Want To Attend A Zoom Recording Session (It takes ten minutes or less!)

Reserve your slot for a Zoom recording session here.

1. Download and the print the sheet music here. (Or simply make sure it’s up on your screen.)
2. Download your chosen music track here. (e.g. Melody-only, alto, tenor, bass, etc.)
3. Log onto your session at this link. You may have to wait for a bit in the waiting room until the previous person is done singing, so be patient!
4. Bring to your session: your music, your laptop, a candle, and a set of earbuds/headphones.
5. If you have a group of people who want to sing it together, you may have to record your audio and video separately. Let Ben know in advance so he can help you!

 

I Can’t Attend a Zoom Recording Session

Pick a part to sing - melody (soprano), or one of the harmony tracks

1. Go here to download the sheet music and here to download a master track with your part labeled. (e.g. Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass.) 
2. Practice your part, singing along with the track.
3. Make a recording. 

 
To record your audio and video at the same time: (You'll need two devices) 
Step One: Plug a set of earbuds/headphones into your device and make sure you have the master track downloaded and ready to play.
 
Step Two: Using your second device, record a video yourself holding a candle and singing to the track with your earbuds in. (You may want to have someone else record you so that your hands are free.)
 
Step Three: Upload your track here or email it to [email protected].
 
To record your audio and video separately. (You'll need two devices)
 Step One: Plug a set of earbuds/headphones into one device and make sure you have the master track downloaded and ready to play.
 
Step Two: Using your second device, record yourself singing (audio track only) while the audio track plays over your headphones on the separate device.
 
Step Three: Record a video of you holding a candle and singing Silent Night. You can sing out loud or just lip sync. 
 
Step Four: Upload both the video and audio here or email it to [email protected]. Mark your video with the words “No audio.”