This virtual choir project was a combined attempt by my whole choral program at learning a piece from beginning to end by themselves at home, using a piece of online learning technology. The students were given a file containing their voice part, as well as a file that showed them how to pronounce all the words in the piece (it is in Italian!) The students were required to practice the song in smaller sections and the software was able to grade them and show them areas where they could improve (if you have ever played Rock Band and sang into the microphone attachment, it is similar to that.)
Throughout this experience, I have learned many things about myself and my students' abilities to overcome difficulties. The software we used was certainly not perfect, and at times it wouldn't allow the students to submit recordings or give the appropriate feedback so the students could improve their vocal lines. The software also had issues with correctly identifying octaves, resulting in some students singing an octave too low. The students, despite these software shortcomings, did a wonderful job learning the piece themselves, and those that struggled were able to attend office hours to get some one-on-one help from me. I hope my students enjoyed learning the song and shooting their videos. I had a blast editing them all together.
I have included the translation and hope everyone enjoys Sogno Di Volare!
Once you have taken flight,
You'll decide,
Gaze towards the sky, you'll know that
That is where your heart will feel at home.
Once you have taken flight,
You'll decide,
Gaze towards the sky, you'll know that
That is where your heart will feel at home.
The great bird will take his first flight toward the sun,
Sweeping over the great Mount Ceceri,
Filling the universe with wonder and glory.
Once you have taken flight,
You'll decide,
Gaze towards the sky, you'll know that
That is where your heart will feel at home.
Man will be lifted by his own creation,
Just like birds, towards the sky...
Filling the universe with wonder and glory.
Once you have taken flight,
You'll decide,
Gaze towards the sky, you'll know that
That is where your heart will feel at home.
Glory!
"Sogno Di Volare"
Composer: Christopher Tin
Lyrics by Leonardo Da Vinci, adapted by Chiara Cortez
Copyright: Tin Works 2016
