Hybrid

How to Hybrid?

Getting Started
Using Zoom FAQ
How to connect?
Music

Who can join hybrid rehearsals?

Anyone unable to be physically present at rehearsal may join in over Zoom. This includes members who have been unable to vaccinate, those who may have to quarantine or travel, or members who still prefer to stay home. We ask that anyone who is able to attend rehearsal to be present in-person. This will make hybrid rehearsals a better experience for those who need to stay at home, and will create a better final concert experience for you and our audience.

If I only attend hybrid rehearsals, can I still participate in the concert?

Yes! Our concert and dress rehearsal will be outdoors. You may participate fully in the concert, or only on the pieces you feel most comfortable with. If you wish to attend hybrid rehearsals, but prefer not to sing on the concert, you may still volunteer in other ways for the concert/fundraiser.

Do I still need to pay dues if only doing hybrid rehearsals?

Yes, please! Membership dues help pay for the purchasing and copying of music, salaries for our accompanist and director, and any other expenses for concerts. If joining us for hybrid rehearsals, please complete the online membership information form and pay your dues on the Chorus Members page of the website. If you would like to give beyond your dues to help support this difficult season, you can do so here.

What do I need to have?

To participate in our hybrid rehearsals, you will need the following:

an internet connection
a camera on a device connected to the internet - for example:
- the camera on your phone or tablet
- a camera built into your laptop computer
- an external webcam connected to your desktop computer
a microphone - for example:
- the microphone on your phone or tablet
- a microphone built into your laptop computer
- a microphone that is built into an external webcam
- a microphone that is connected to a headset or headphones
- an external microphone that connects via USB or audio cable
headphones or earbuds (optional)
the Zoom client or app (you do not need to create a Zoom account)
- Android app
- iPhone or iPad app
- Computer client (top download button only, OR will download and install when you attend your first rehearsal)
- using the web client: you can connect to Zoom right in your browser without downloading anything, but there are some limitations - including not being able to see more than one person at a time - and it may not function in all browsers
the sheet music saved onto your device or printed at home (see the Music tab above)

Would you like to join us virtually?

How will these Hybrid rehearsals work?

We will have a camera set up in the choir room as if you were seated with the rest of the choir, facing the director. Most of the time during actual rehearsing, your microphone will need to be muted. Technology and internet connections aren't quite advanced enough for us to sing at the same time, unmuted, without delays and latency. But you will be able to hear those present at rehearsal as if they were seated around you. If you have a question or need something, unmute your microphone and speak up, just as you would if you were present.

Will rehearsals be recorded, like when we did the virtual choir?

No, sorry. We will not be recording each rehearsal this time. If you need to miss a hybrid rehearsal, it will be just like being absent if you were attending in-person.

Do I have to sing out loud?

Singing out loud and participating in the rehearsal is the best way to learn the music and feel included. However, you will be muted and there will be no one there to make sure you're singing out. That said, being muted also means that any mistakes you make will not be heard. You may need to spend extra time on your own with the rehearsal tracks, and speak up if you are having difficulty. If you choose to participate in the concert, you can limit yourself to the pieces you feel most confident on or challenge yourself to do them all.

Where can I get Zoom?

Android app
iPhone or iPad app
Computer client (top download button only, OR will download and install when you attend your first rehearsal)
using the web client: you can connect to Zoom right in your browser without downloading anything, but there are some limitations - including not being able to see more than one person at a time - and it may not function in all browsers

Is an account necessary?

You do not need to create an account in order to connect to a Zoom meeting or rehearsal scheduled by someone else. Accounts are free, however, if you would like to set up a profile with your photo or if you would like to use it to create meetings of your own.

How do I connect to a rehearsal on Zoom?

See the "How to connect?" tab above.

I've never used Zoom before - any tips or guides?

Sure thing! The layout is pretty easy to navigate, but here are some guides and other things to note.

Zoom Quick Reference Guide created by Custom Guides
Zoom Quick Start Guide put out by National Louis University
How to display participants in Gallery View

Once you're in Zoom for rehearsal, take a moment to familiarize yourself with some things.

There is a text-based chat window that you can open and close.
You can mute and unmute your microphone, as well as turn your camera on and off. (If on the computer, a shortcut to unmute yourself only while talking is to push and hold the space bar on your keyboard, much a push-to-talk button on a walkie-talkie.)
The "Reactions" button allows you to place a "clap" or a "thumbs up" icon on the video of yourself to express these things even if muted.
The "Participants" button opens a window that shows the names of everyone in attendance. This is also where you can find more options for nonverbal communication. Raise your hand, yes/no, go slower or faster, you've stepped away from the computer, and more are all here.

Adjusting Zoom's audio settings for rehearsals

Zoom has great audio enhancements, which is one reason why it is so popular for video conferencing. However, we aren't always talking in our rehearsals. What's good for hearing discussion in a meeting isn't always good for hearing dynamic changes and musicality in rehearsals. In your audio settings, you need to uncheck "Automatically adjust volume", and then click "Advanced" and make sure that the setting for "Enable original sound" is turned on if you ever think you may sing for the group. Here is a video walk-through to help.

Troubleshooting:

How do I get to rehearsal?

If you are connecting via the Zoom app, open it on your computer or device and click the "Join" button to join our rehearsal. If you are connecting using Zoom's web client in your internet browser, go to join.zoom.us. Then enter in our Meeting ID (our rehearsal room address) and the Passcode to get in. Be sure to join the audio if prompted.

Meeting ID: 825 6770 9171
Passcode: GCCHybrid

Alternately, you can click this link to be taken directly into rehearsal using the app. (It will prompt you to download the app if you do not have it installed. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82567709171?pwd=T0lxWnJMbFczbmxNb0Flenkwa1Z6dz09

Help! I'm having trouble.

The connection info will be the same from week to week. If you are having trouble joining rehearsal, ensure that you have it typed in correctly, or try the direct link above. If that still doesn't work, try restarting your computer or device.
More help can be found in these Zoom support articles.

I don't see anyone, or it's making me wait.

If you don't see anyone else yet in the Zoom rehearsal room, we may just be running a few minutes late. As long as you're connected, everything is fine. If you are told that you are in the waiting room, that means that we had to enable it for security. You will be let into rehearsal shortly. We will try to keep the room open, however, so that no one needs to monitor for people coming in late.

Full connection info:

Ryan Lakanen (she/her) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: GCC Hybrid Rehearsal
Time: Jan 31, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Mon, until Apr 25, 2022, 13 occurrence(s)
Jan 31, 2022 07:00 PM
Feb 7, 2022 07:00 PM
Feb 14, 2022 07:00 PM
Feb 21, 2022 07:00 PM
Feb 28, 2022 07:00 PM
Mar 7, 2022 07:00 PM
Mar 14, 2022 07:00 PM
Mar 21, 2022 07:00 PM
Mar 28, 2022 07:00 PM
Apr 4, 2022 07:00 PM
Apr 11, 2022 07:00 PM
Apr 18, 2022 07:00 PM
Apr 25, 2022 07:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYoce6vrjIrHdXkkt_sJ6y1RhxsB-D4tTEC/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqz0tHdScsR6GRpwQGY_oKO3ziFhcgqdllxTxPDN5NBqnBOpaIZAyNIzE

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82567709171?pwd=T0lxWnJMbFczbmxNb0Flenkwa1Z6dz09

Meeting ID: 825 6770 9171
Passcode: GCCHybrid
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,82567709171#,,,,*378334122# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,82567709171#,,,,*378334122# US (New York)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 825 6770 9171
Passcode: 378334122
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keml6kfWZa

Where do I get the sheet music?

Sheet music can be found in the Chorus' Google Drive. You can download the PDF files on your computer or device to use digitally, or you may print them out. If you prefer to have the music printed out, but do not have the means to do so, please let us know. You must have access to the sheet music either digitally or printed for rehearsals.

NOTE: Any music provided that is not in the public domain or licensed for distribution should be removed from your device and any printed copies disposed of upon finishing final production. We will let you know which pieces these are. Please do not share them with others outside of the Germantown Community Chorus.

Are there recordings to listen to for practicing on my own?

Certainly! These are located in the same Google Drive directory. As with the sheet music, please do not share those that are not public domain or licensed for distribution with others outside of the Germantown Community Chorus.

Rehearse at Home

Get Sheet Music