WAIMEA — Across the big screen at Waimea Theatre, voices from around the nation blended together to create a single sound entitled “We Are The World From Kaua‘i.”
In the seats, about 30 local musicians watched themselves blend into a collective virtual choir, some for the first time ever. Many had sung together before in multiple projects throughout the years, but hadn’t gotten together as a choir since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a really fun experience, and it was very different from singing in a choir the way we are accustom to,” said singer Pam Varma. “In this case, each one of us sang at home alone.”
Another singer, Wendy Elsasser, said it took about five or six takes to successfully tape her two different parts, but said it was a good experience.
“Most people only had themselves, but I was fortunate to have my husband help me. A lot of people didn’t have someone smiling to help keep you going,” said Elsasser.“Some people even after hearing their voice didn’t want to sing. They don’t like it. They didn’t like their sound.”
“This was my fourth virtual choir during this pandemic. The first one I did I posted about 25 takes and a bit of swearing,” said Varma, laughing.“How we look, how we stand, all the technical aspects, if you flab, all the steps you have to go through to start over and get everything set up if you have to redo the video.”
Director Randy Leonard said bringing together the community and inspiring the joy of music was exactly what he wanted to accomplish with the project.
“I came up with this concept shortly after the (COVID-related) shutdown around March 13,” said Leonard. “I was thinking all these people are going to miss singing with each other and doing stuff. “
Once everything was filmed, Leonard partnered with Chris Sweitzer of Wild Wood Studio to compile the project into one video, an experience he said was fascinating.
“They know their piece in a vacuum. All they know is that they heard the piano accompany,” said Sweitzer. “They see a video of Randy the conductor waving his hands and conducting it.”
Leonard is the former creative director of “Kaua‘i Voices,” a nonprofit that has been in operation since 2011 and continues on its mission.
He says this new project, “Sing Out Kauai” is a chance to try something new and different.
“Watch out, “Sing Out Kaua‘i” are in development stages right now, and it’s a great opportunity for choral singers and vocalists to join our future independent projects,” said Leonard.
Leonard said the “We Are The Word from Kaua‘i” virtual video can be viewed on YouTube.
