Question 1

Are there pieces available to use other than those from GPG Music?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is always the possibility of using a piece from another publishing company, and we're currently establishing partnerships with additional publishing companies to expand the available repertoire. If there is a specific piece of music you wish to have your ensemble record, you'll need to acquire an audio recording of the piece, PDFs of the parts, and a synchronization license from the publisher or composer (whoever holds the copyright) in order for the piece to be used in OVE. Please contact aaron@ourvirtualensemble.com for more information.

Question 2

Will I be left out of the video if I do not rename my video?

Accepted Answer

Please do not worry about being left out of the final production. We ask for participants to rename their videos so sorting them is a little bit easier for us, but we can certainly rename videos on our end. In the review process each video is renamed according to the folder it is uploaded in. As long as the video is uploaded to the correct folder, renaming your video will not be a problem.

Question 3

Who does the editing?

Accepted Answer

A team of editors at GPG Music will take care of all editing for your video.

Question 4

I can't upload my video, what do I do?"

Accepted Answer

Sometimes it can be an issue with your internet. First, please try the following suggestions:   Make sure the device you are uploading from is connected to wifi (if you are attempting to upload from your phone's cellular service it will likely take a long time or fail)
 Check your wifi speed. Google "Wifi Speed Test" and you will be able to run a quick test to see how fast your wifi is. If your upload speed is less than 10 mbs, it may not work to upload your video
 If your internet speed is slow, try restarting your router and modem (most allow you to just unplug them and wait a few seconds). Your internet speed may also be affected by the number of people in your household using the internet, or if your community is densely populated, speeds may be affected by the number of people in your neighborhood at home using their internet.
 Try uploading later at night or early in the morning.
 Is it possible to upload from your school’s wifi? Although it is quite possible you are distance learning, sometimes you can use your school’s wifi from the parking lot. As long as your video is on a device you can move (phone, tablet, laptop) you should be able to go to your school and connect to the wifi to upload the videos.
 Are there any local restaurants or coffee shops near you that you can go to and connect to their wifi? One example is Starbucks, who offers free wifi. Sometimes you can connect to if from the parking lot.   Here is a list of chain stores that offer free wifi: https://www.cnet.com/pictures/chains-with-the-best-free-wifi-ranked/15/   If it is not an issue with the internet, here are some alternative upload options:   Google drive is another place you can upload your videos. Please contact us at support@ourvirtualensemble.com to discuss details of uploading your video using Google Drive.

Question 5

I can't find the video to record to, where (or which one) is the recording video?"

Accepted Answer

You will find the recording video on Stage 5 of the virtual classroom, or on the second page of your student PDF document. If you are using the virtual classroom, you need to visit each of the stages (1-4) before you can get to Stage 5 to record.   Be sure to watch the “How to Record” video on Stage 3 and practice your part with the video on Stage 4 before continuing to Stage 5. Your final video submission will be recorded with the video from Stage 5 as it will instruct you on when to start recording on your recording device and will prompt you to give the countdown for us to easily line up your recording with everyone else. Do not record you final video from Stage 4. Finally, unless specifically asked to, do not submit your Stage 4 practice video.

Question 6

What is the Virtual Classroom?

Accepted Answer

The Virtual Classroom is an interactive webpage that is set up specifically for your ensemble. The Virtual classroom walks your students through the process of learning and practicing their music, has places for instructional videos made by the teacher, and helps the students record and submit their videos.

Question 7

Where is the audio track?

Accepted Answer

You will find the audio-only track to practice with on Stage 2 of the virtual classroom, or linked on the first page of your student PDF document. Use this audio to practice your part. Do not record your video using this audio track. A video to record your final video submission is provided on Stage 5.

Question 8

Can I use my school district’s online education platform to help my students through this process? Examples include Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Blackboard and Canvas."

Accepted Answer

Yes, you certainly can use a different platform for providing your students with all the materials they need to record. Please email aaron@ourvirtualensemble.com to coordinate details.

Question 9

How long does it take for my final video to be edited?

Accepted Answer

From the time we receive all student video submissions, the video editing takes between 10-15 business days, depending on the ensemble size. Contact us to determine an editing timeline for your ensemble!

Question 10

I recorded with a different audio track from the Recording Video, can I submit it?"

Accepted Answer

No, you must watch the Recording Video while you record your submission. Recordings made with another audio track or with a metronome are subject to being muted in the final video or being excluded entirely form the final product.

Question 11

What is the standard video wall?

Accepted Answer

The standard video wall features all students who submitted a video on the screen at the same time for the length of the piece used. Examples of the standard video wall can be found at the bottom of the home page or by clicking the EXAMPLES button at the top of the home page.

Question 12

If you are having issues involving audio/sound quality, here are some suggestions:"

Accepted Answer

Try standing further away from your recording device.
 If you can, try to record with your smartphone. (Most of the newer devices have decent recording microphones)
 Plug in headphones to your recording device and see if this improves your audio quality.
 If you can, go into your recording device’s settings and look for an adjustable audio level. Most devices (especially computers), allow you to adjust the incoming (or input, not output) audio level. If you are able to, turn this level down and see if this improves your sound quality.
 As a last resort: If you’ve previously been successful with other recording projects that use just audio (such as auditions), use that set up. If necessary, you can record just your audio, then record a video of you playing through your piece. We can use the audio-only track you record and layer it over a video-only play-through of the piece. This is only as a last resort option, and you must contact spencer@ourvirtualensemble.com about using this option.

Question 13

What does a custom final video entail?

Accepted Answer

A custom final video provides the opportunity for the director of the ensemble to take part in producing the final video. Once the custom option is selected during checking out, you'll be contacted by our video editor to discuss specific effects, placement of students on the screen, and featuring of sections or individuals during the piece. You'll receive a quote of the video editing cost at the end of the consultation. Editing for a custom video will be billed at the end of the editing process.

Question 14

For Choir Only: Does our whole body need to be in the video or just the bottom 2/3rds?

Accepted Answer

No, your whole body does not need to be in the frame. As the recording instructions specify, place yourself in the frame so that you take up the bottom 2/3rds of the frame.

Question 15

I have students who should not be heard, is there a way to mute their audio?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can always mute a student's audio if desired by the director. Please send a list of student videos that should not feature audio to aaron@ourvirtualensemble.com prior to beginning of the editing process.

Question 16

I have seen videos that include conductors, how does that work?"

Accepted Answer

The conductor of the ensemble will be given the option to record a video of themself conducting to an audio recording of the piece. This video will then be used as the recording tool for the students in the ensemble, our team will remove the audio record on your video and replace it with a fresh audio track of the piece you selected. We then line up the new audio track with your conducting. Your conducting video will be created for your students to watch and listen to while recording. The option to add the conductors video to the final video product is available, the editing costs will apply to the conductor’s video.

Question 17

Why do I need to select how many students will be involved?

Accepted Answer

The overall price of your product is affected by the number of students who participate. The more student videos that are submitted increases the time required to complete the editing of your final video by our video editor. Please be as accurate as possible when estimating how many students will participate.

Question 18

What if I don't know how many of my students will submit videos?

Accepted Answer

Please select the option which indicates the highest number of participants you expect to include in your final video. If your final number of participants drops you into a lower option, we'll reassign your project and — depending on your method of payment — either a) bill your purchase order at the lower cost or b) refund your credit card the difference.

Question 19

I have multiple ensembles I want to do this with, how do I register for them?"

Accepted Answer

For multiple ensembles, you will need to purchase and register for each ensemble individually. Each ensemble will receive its own Virtual Classroom for learning, practicing, and recording their selected piece.

Question 20

I want to have my ensemble work on and record multiple pieces through the OVE throughout the semester, is this possible without paying and registering again?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, when checking out with the product you wish to use, please select the number of pieces your ensemble will perform from the drop down. Selecting multiple pieces will change the overall price of your product in checkout. If choosing multiple pieces, only one piece can be worked on in your Virtual Classroom at a time.

Question 21

What do I get when I make a purchase?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive the following when purchasing a Virtual Ensemble:  • Music selection from GPGmusic.com • PDF copies of the piece(s) selected • Licensing for all GPG Music publications • Backing track with a click-off • Shared registration results and video submission folder • Student video evaluations before entering the editing process • Video editing of your final product (custom videos include an additional cost) • Technical support • 1 virtual performance (final video) of piece(s) selected • Permissions to share your final video

Question 22

Do I need to purchase music from GPG Music?

Accepted Answer

NO! You do not need to purchase any music from the GPG Music website. Making a purchase of a Virtual Ensemble from OVE will provide you with PDF copies of the music you select. If selecting a Concert Band or Orchestra piece from GPG Music, you will also receive a physical copy of the piece in the mail for your ensemble’s library.

Question 23

How long does my ensemble get to use the Virtual Classroom?

Accepted Answer

Your purchase of the Virtual Classroom includes 30 days of use. You can specify when you want to begin using the Classroom, and purchase additional time if your ensemble needs an extended timeline to finish the recording process.

Question 24

Do you have student or director waivers I can show my administration?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have made them easily downloadable! Please find the student waiver and director waiver here.

aaron@ourvirtualensemble.com

5365 Mae Anne Ave., Suite B-14 Reno, Nevada 89523

5365 Mae Anne Ave., Suite B-14
Reno, Nevada 89523