Whether it's for local concert promotions, touring overseas, or just posting on your website, a well-constructed press kit can be an invaluable tool for raising the profile of your ensemble. In our new eBook “Creating the Perfect Press Kit for Your Ensemble”, we discuss how to choose the sample repertoire, take engaging photos, create press releases and more.
Recording at a Studio
Recording studios cost money so it’s important to have a good look at your budget and leave plenty of time to plan. Prior to going to the studio, there are a few things to plan ahead of time:
Research.
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Make some decisions.
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Discuss your goals with the studio.
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Recording on a Low-Budget:
We would all love professional recordings for our press kits, but realistically, most of us do not have the budget or time for them. Here are two quick ways to easily obtain a recording:
1. Record during a performance.What better time to record your ensemble than during a performance? If your ensemble has a regular performance space, assess if there is already a sound booth and technician that you could utilize for your next concert. If you do not have a performance space yet, try to locate one that already has a sound system in place that you have the ability to use. Be aware that a sound technician may charge a fee to work on your recording. If you do not have friends or colleagues that can effectively run a sound booth for free for you, then hiring a technician is a small price to pay to make your recording the best it can be. While it will still not be the quality of an actual recording session track, the technician can still help fix some of the levels along the way and make sure that you don’t have any major problems in your recording. |
2. Snag a competition recording.For youth ensembles, All-State competitions may provide you with the option to receive a recording of the competition performance. Make use of these recordings and keep an online library of them as part of your press kit, website and other social media channels. Double-check that you have the appropriate permissions to post. |
Editing the Audio Recording:
There are easy editing tricks that enhance the way the recording is structured. The first step is to install an audio editing program such as Audacity which is free and easy to use. Once you have the program in place and have reviewed the controls, try these simple edits:
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Sending Your Recordings
Post your videos on YouTube, Vimeo, Soundcloud or other audio/video sharing platforms and link to these in your press kit. Title each piece with the name of the piece, composer, ensemble, and date of recording.
Be sure to e-mail or share the original files. If the file is too large to email, use a file sharing program such as Dropbox to share your video.
Don’t forget to list any professional recordings in your press kit!
Video Recording Don’ts:
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Audio Tips
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Video Tips
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To learn more about taking writing captivating biographies, taking engaging photos, choosing repertoire or compiling press materials, download our Press Kit Guide today!
4 Reasons Your Ensemble Needs a Press Kit
The 5 Essentials of Your Ensemble's Press Kit
Taking Engaging Photos for Your Ensemble's Press Kit
Writing Captivating Biographies for Your Ensemble's Press Kit
Choosing Sample Repertoire for Your Ensemble's Press Kit
Prepare Recordings for Your Ensemble's Press Kit
Press Releases & Posting Your Ensemble's Press Kit