Festival Video Performances

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | Uncategorized

I know many of you are ready to make your videos for your Festival performance. You will make one video for each piece. In other words, stop the recording between pieces.

Introduce yourself with first and last name. Also include this information:
*Event
^Level
+Required piece Title
+Choice piece Title

All of this information is under “Repertoire” on my website:

* The Event is under “Title” and begins with “NFMC Federation Festival Performance...”
Solo = Piano Solo
LFO Solo = Lynn Freeman Olson Piano Solo
Hymn = Piano Hymn
Sacred Music = Sacred Music Piano Solo

^ The Level is under “Difficulty”

+ Whether the piece is Required or Choice is listed under “Genre” 

Below are some tips and instructions for how to make your video. Please read and follow these for best results!

1. "Dress up" in good clothing for the video, just as you would playing for the judge in person. Dress or skirt and blouse for girls, shirts with a collar and a tie and dress slacks for boys would look great. ;-)
2. Video recording must be made with one fixed camera angle/location, focused such that the performer and keyboard is visible at all times.  
3. Entrants should introduce themselves and include title of composition before each piece is performed. The following is an example of what the student will say.  “I am Nancy Schoen, playing Piano Solo Level Pre-Primary. My Choice piece is Fuzzy Baby Bird.”         
4. Each piece will be uploaded as an individual video file. Save the video file with student name and title, e.g. Nancy Schoen Fuzzy Baby Bird.        
5. No editing or enhancement of videos is allowed.           
6. Check videos for sound quality prior to uploading. 
7. I have created a link to Dropbox to upload your videos. (But I will be sending you a link to upload, as just clicking here has not been successful for some.)

Omaha Federation Festival Dropbox https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tzezou6o437jfqe/AACa6l8oNat25XzssjCyiKjYa?dl=0

Bellevue Federation Festival Dropbox https://www.dropbox.com/sh/o80gjk4b94r9y32/AAAn_7RICOIh_B8wAxrP735Qa?dl=0

If you are not sure which Festival you have entered, find your name on the registration on the website Calendar on March 13 (Omaha) or March 27 (Bellevue).

Now, read on for some great tips on making your performance videos!

Tips For Submitting your Digital Festival Video
Device
● A tablet or smartphone is all you need. (See Setup below)
● If the audio quality is subpar/muffled consider an external microphone.
● A simple tripod to ensure stability is be a good option.

Lighting
● Use natural light if possible or warm lamp light, but be careful about combining them.
● Only set up light in front of the student. Backlighting washes out the shot.

Setup
● Set up device horizontally (landscape orientation).  
● Be sure to capture the student, their hands, and the instrument.
● Treat the camera as if it were the judge.

Execution
● Remember the goal is to capture an honest and natural performance.

Test
● Run a technical dress rehearsal with everything in place.
● Test the dynamic extremes of the pieces.

Recording guidelines
● Each individual piece will be recorded in one continuous take. Meaning, no stopping or starting the video during piece is allowed.

Treat as a live festival
● Dress appropriately and follow festival etiquette.
● Keep playing from start to finish.
● Smile at the camera after your hands are back in your lap following the end of your piece.