FAQ – Dancing Folk

Whilst we’re no longer receiving new submissions for the Dancing Folk project, we’re leaving up the FAQ page in case it helps anyone else planning a project like this.

If you have any questions about the Dancing Folk project or would like to learn more about Jeff Moore’s music, please email us at dancingfolk2020@gmail.com

What parts are available ?

There are parts for full orchestra (advanced), string orchestra (intermediate and easier) and piano ensemble (multi-level).

I am a string player; what part should I pick?

Youth orchestra string participants can choose between the professional (difficult), dominant (intermediate) or subdominant (easier) parts. This is entirely your decision. What can you play the best and what do you feel most comfortable with? Please consult with your youth orchestra conductor for verification on this. Professional players should choose the professional part.

I am a wind or brass player; what part should I pick?

For wind and brass players there are no difficult, intermediate or easier parts. You will choose between playing a 1st or a 2nd part. Please select whichever part you play most in your current youth orchestra. If you feel you can play one better than another, select that. You can consult with your youth orchestra conductor for verification on this.

I am a pianist; what part should I pick?

Pianists can chose between advanced, intermediate and beginner parts (approximately equivalent to ABRSM grade 8, grade 5 and grade 2). You can play whichever part you feel most comfortable with.

What do I need?

You’ll need one device to record on (probably your phone or a camcorder) and one device to listen on (maybe your computer or a second phone).

You’ll also need to see your music – so print out the parts yourself at home, or use an iPad or tablet if that works for you.

Use headphones or earbuds to listen to the track while you record – you need to

Check your setup – Make sure your recording device is not hand held. Prop it up or use a stand.

Have a go at recording and make sure the sound level is good. If there’s distortion (sometimes called ‘clipping’) you might want to step back a little from the device, and if it’s hard to hear all the detail then make sure you’re not too far away. And check what the video looks like too. Are you in shot or have you accidentally recorded a picture of your pet cat…?

Using a DAW such as Logic or Garageband?
If you want to record on dedicated sound equipment you should know we’ll be using a sample rate of 44.1kHz. Please don’t add EQ or reverb at your end – we’ll be able to do that when we edit out virtual performance.

How should I practise?

Please practise using the MP3 file and the click track provided. These can be downloaded from our website. The more you practise with the click track, the easier your recording will be.

For players choosing the subdominant parts we have helpful tutor videos for you to follow. Please see our materials page for more information. If you wish to record with this and not the click track, please make sure you use headphones with the video so we only hear your part on the recording.

What should I tune to?

Please ensure all instruments are tuned to A440. If you are unsure about this, contact your youth orchestra conductor or us. We’re here to help.

What should wear?

Whatever you would like, we suggest smart causal or something fun!

How do I submit my recording?

Head over to our ‘upload page’ for more information.