We are so proud of the work our students have accomplished during virtual learning. We are highlighting the 2020 CHS Holiday Spectacular produced by music teacher, David Graessle.
Putting on a virtual show is much different than in-person presentations. The two most notable differences are the lack of our performance stage, and social distancing requires that our students are separated.
Technology makes creating a show possible
Several technologies produced The CHS Holiday Spectacular, including the students and teachers record and film separately, then the footage is combined to complete the show.
- Soundtrap, an online recording software,
- Final Cut video editing software, and
- Screencastify, an online screen recorder.
Producing the song The First Noel
Students recorded other acts in class. We converted the music room into a video studio with cameras, lights, microphones, and a green screen, which then became various backgrounds. Performances included students singing and playing holiday songs on the ukulele.
Silent Night
During Silent Night, multiple students played only sections of the song, which were later combined and edited to form a complete piece.
Teachers and Administration Join In
Teachers also got involved by being filmed independently and singing karaoke to Jingle Bell Rock. The footage was combined so that many teachers were on-screen, singing together, and some dancing elves.
Vice Principal Evan Toth sang and recorded a piano song from home, and In-School Suspension teacher Dan Silvestro even made an appearance as Santa Claus.
Even though virtual performances cannot replace in-person shows, they offer students and staff opportunities to be creative in different ways. Technology brought us together. The 2020 CHS Holiday Spectacular is a unique, organic performance that we will enjoy for years to come.
