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university’s digital content platform to host the recordings. The grant writers could now describe precisely how these files would be stored and made available to members of the community in perpetuity.
The revised proposal included these new technical details along with two other elements. First, the grant writers would produce a live trip blog that would produce regular updates for followers of the music program back home. Both this blog and the subsequent digital archive would bear the Council’s name. Lastly, a program was offered to the Council, which could take the form of a gallery showing of some of the photo material or a live performance of the some of the trip repertoire.
Shortly before resubmitting the funding request, the grant writers learned that the cost of ground transportation for the documentation would be covered. This reduced the cost of the trip by about $1,000. This price reduction, along with the inclusion of additional technical and programming details, was enough to convince a majority of Council board members to lend their support to the project.
As the trip grew closer, Halliday and Cooper met to outline the desired archival outcome. This included securing the archival space through the University of Montevallo archivist, creating a blog, hashtag, and Facebook page, and outlining artifacts to be collected prior to tour. These would include video and still pictures of rehearsals and benefit concerts, as well as interviews with university administrators, students, and Doyle. Throughout the trip, parents, friends, and colleagues were able to follow the choir through social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, using the hashtag #umcceuro2015. In this way, the documentarian, as well as other travelers, could upload pictures and status updates quickly and easily. Audio recordings were made on a Zoom Handy HD Video Recorder camera; video recordings on a Sony Handycam HD camcorder, and still pictures on a Nikon D3100 DSLR. Interviews prior to the trip were made on an Olympus VN- 8100PC digital voice recorder. Hundreds of photographs and hours of video and audio recordings were taken in order to provide a comprehensive view of the inaugural European tour by the choir.
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These pictures serve as a reminder not only of the beautiful choir performances, but also the remarkable experiences planned for the choir by Sechrist Travel, including an evening dinner cruise along the Vlatava River, a tour of the Hungarian Opera House, and numerous walking tours around the cities that we visited. All of the participants marveled at the sights, smells, and tastes of the various cultures in each of these countries. Many of the travelers had never traveled abroad; some had never flown on an airplane. Documenting the events of this tour will not only serve to supplement university archives of events in the Department of Music, but also allow students to recall the events of this monumental experience.
Most importantly, the choir made beautiful music throughout the tour – 11 concerts in all - from intimate concert halls to enormous, ornate cathedrals. Each concert was video and audio recorded for purposes of archives and recordings for distribution. Doyle prepared beautiful performances of American music that were enthusiastically received by European audiences, including a spiritual arrangement by Moses Hogan performed by Dr. Roderick George, Professor of Voice. Throughout the trip, the music was the centerpiece, from impromptu piano performances in airports to singing in the rain on the streets of Prague. The purpose of the trip was always clear – sharing American music with people of other cultures.
At the conclusion of the trip, some still pictures were combined into a brief slide show, over a recording of the choir singing Jake Runestad’s “I Will Lift Mine Eyes.” This video, along with an oral presentation by Doyle, Halliday, and selected choir members, was shown to University of Montevallo alumni, Faculty Senate, Foundation Board, and other interested parties.
Conclusion
Because of the collaboration between the university and the Montevallo community, this historic trip may be reviewed for years to come. Already, the pictures and audio recordings have been used for recruiting purposes, and for university and department- level marketing efforts. A C.D. of the choir’s live performances is in the final stages of production, and a second trip to Europe is being considered. Having accessibility to the
Jason Cooper is Head of Media Technical Services at Transylvania University.
artifacts from the first tour may be a critical factor in fundraising efforts.
As a traveler on the perimeter of the choral activities that were the centerpiece of the tour, Halliday marveled at the professionalism and enthusiasm of the Concert Choir. The students consistently sang stellar performances, regardless of the hectic itinerary. As ambassadors of the University of Montevallo, they represented both the university and the state of Alabama with the utmost decorum. The mayor and city officials, who greeted delegates from the choir with a private reception, hosted the evening concert in Hodonín. The concert itself was attended by people from the small town and its surrounding area, who responded to the beautiful music with enthusiastic ovations.
Many times since the trip, students have remarked about how thankful they were for the opportunity to experience such a life- changing event. Despite the exhaustive efforts toward fundraising, troubleshooting, hours of rehearsal and multiple performances, there is little question that all involved would go through it again for another chance to see the world through the lens of music.
Becky Halliday is Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Montevallo.
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