Welcome to Sing with Esther!
On this page you’ll find everything you’ll need to practice with your choir. Just a reminder that your choir may be singing one, or both of these songs… so make sure that you practice the right piece!
And remember that these are only for your use with your choir. If you’d like to use them for some other purpose, just reach out – we’d love to hear what you have in mind!
Corner Block (SATB): Intro to the musical, ballad with a funk-hip bridge.
Finale (SSAATTB): Multi-layered mash-up of key songs from the musical; a bit more challenging.
Corner Block
(with percussion)
Finale
(with percussion)
Corner Block
(choir only)
Finale
(choir only)
When you practice by yourself, you can use the sheet music that you’ve already downloaded, the audio reference tracks, and/or the video conductor. Listen to the count-in, and practice doing the “clap” at the beginning so that we can synchronize all of the files later on. (Note: if you would prefer to download the audio reference tracks for your part, hold the shift key while you click the links below.)
Corner Block: Audio reference tracks
Soprano
Alto
Tenor
Bass
Corner Block: Video Conductor
Finale: Audio reference tracks
Soprano 1
Soprano 2
Alto 1
Alto 2
Tenor 1
Tenor 2
Bass
Finale: Video Conductor
**** If your choir is virtual, then read this section. ****
**** If your choir is performing live, then skip this section. This section is ONLY applicable if your choir director has asked you to record a video of yourself singing. ****
You will need to have two devices – a playback device so that you can listen to the reference track, and a recording device to capture your recording. Plug your headphones into your playback device, so that when you are recording your singing, the recording only captures your voice – not the reference track.
Note: Unless your choir director tells you otherwise, there needs to be just one singer in each video! You can practice together, but both of you should record individually.
How to sound (and look) your best:
- Choose your recording space: Record in a quiet room, with the door closed. Turn off anything that might make noise, such as other computers, telephones, fans, air conditioners. If there are unexpected sounds (doorbells, dogs barking, etc) please re-do your recording: we want your singing – not your dog’s!
- Look your best: Make sure that you are not in shadow, and that your face is well lit. Avoid busy backgrounds – plainer is better. Your musical director will let you know about what to wear, and what type of background to have behind you.
- Set up your playback device: Tee up your reference track, and connect your headphones. Many people might find that they sing better when they have only ONE ear covered. Give it a try! (And if you’re using a smartphone, use the Do Not Disturb feature and Silent mode so that the recording isn’t interrupted by ringing or buzzing.)
- Set up your recording device: Use a tripod if you can, to reduce any movement. Frame the camera on your face (landscape orientation), rather than your upper or full body, as this will result in better sound. Record at either 720p or 1080p, ideally in MP4 format; 4K videos result in file sizes that are too large. Don’t forget to set Do Not Disturb and Silent mode.
- Record and Save your performance: First, press “record” on your recording device, and then start playing your reference track. To help synchronize the track, listen to the count-in (“1-2-3-clap”), and then do one “clap” in sync with the instruction. At the end of the song, remain silent, and listen for the prompt to say “stop your recording” before you actually stop your recording. Save your video, and if you like it, you can upload it. Or, if you think you can do better, repeat the process, and choose the recording that you think is best.
- Upload the file: Your choir director will provide instructions on how and where to upload the file.
We can only make the music better with your feedback – please share!
Note: Your comments go directly to the Who is Esther musical team, and is not shared with your Choir Director.
Feedback? Suggestions? Did you enjoy singing?
- Great work! And when Who is Esther is on the stage, your whole choir can sing along. As a small thank you, we’ll send you some neat digital swag – just let us know that you’ve uploaded your performance..
- We’ll also send some “real world” swag for you, as a small thank you.
- We will be recognizing your you and your choir on the official Who is Esther website.
- ACTION: Post your video on your Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and anywhere else you’d like. Please tag it with #SingWithEsther and #WhoIsEsther.
- If you’ve only sung one of the two songs, why not try the other?
- Again, thank you. And we hope your audiences enjoy the new pieces in your repertoire!