Down to the River - Virtual Choir

If you would like to know how to make one of these:

The 36 voices you hear were all recorded separately at different times and in different locations. Each woman had only the melody playing in her ear and then sang the part that she wanted, no music was written out. All videos were recorded using cell phones. I'm so thankful for each of these women and their willingness to make my vision a reality (when I started this project, I had no idea something like this had already been done by the talented Eric Whitacre). To my sweet and patient husband, thank you for making the execution of this video a possibility.

[Antilles]

Sometimes YouTube actually recommends something worthwhile. I feel that's a bit of an understatement with this video!

[silvias]

Can we just take a moment and reflect that every woman is beautiful?

[LilCraftyNook]

I didn’t even notice at first that this was 2 years ago!! I thought “somebody got creative “ thinking about COVID times now but of course it’s terribly creative always!!!

[SundayMorningDevotional]

As an old 77-year-old Georgian who grew up singing that song, I must say you all blessed my heart... and restored my confidence that good things always overcome the bad.

[mtnmage]

Thank you for doing this. My 6yo non-verbal autistic son has been trying to sing along with you all, even sitting next to the TV to pretend he is among you. It has helped a lot in his development of speech. I just wanted to let you know that your work, and a few other similar choirs, have helped a disabled child.

[robertwyatt]

"Social distancing" will not diminish the human spirit.

[rossshin]

These terrible days, of sickness, death, 20 hours shifts at the hospitals, quarantine and economic disaster, it's been so incredibly touching and Heart lifting to hear you all singing for the Lord to save us! I'm sharing It and Hope God Will help us all! I'm from northern Italy, in One of the most hit regions of the whole Europe. Please God, give us strenght!

[Barnickal]

Every Sunday, since last March, we watch virtual choirs over breakfast. Yours is one of our favourites. Every week, a little family in London, England is watching you guys and you're making our lives better. Thank you. I hope you're all well and happy.

[DylanYuhi]

3:00 "You think it was ok?" It was wonderful!!!

[mousetreehouse]

This is just amazing.
Berlin, Germany?
Brazil?
California?
Kentucky?
Ohio?
and many other places I'm missing...and they got the rhythm and such perfectly? Did they "practice"? Well, however they did it, they pulled it off - beautifully!

[hyflyer]

Absolutely awesome. Just goes to show that we don't need 'social distancing', we need 'physical distancing'! Technology is allowing us to maintain social interaction.

[_CitricBase]

I absolutely love the approach you took in allowing them to sing what they wanted rather than actual sheet music to go from. This piece still ended up sounding BEAUTIFUL even though they each did what they wanted to personally. Really shows off each of their musical knowledge and their abilities to adapt. Such a creative perspective! These ladies have truly lovely voices, I come back to listen to this every few months or so when I randomly think of the song and it never stops sending chills down my arms and spine. Thank you so much for posting this, you’re doing us all a great favor.

[mamalarson]

3 things I need to say about this;
1. I LOVE Jesus
2. I LOVE this song
3. I Adore all my sister in Christ represented here....thank you for such encouragment!!!

[anniearmitage]

Worshipping our Dear Lord is truly beautiful.
Jesus is coming back very very soon.
Are you ready? Get right with God and live forever in his glorious presence.
God bless you.

[marilyngross]

My mother loved the movie "O Brother, where art thou", where she heard this song for the first time. She purchased the songbook, gave it to me, and I taught it to my Choir. I heard this virtual rendition and enjoyed it tremendously, because it is now a lovely memory of my mother. Blessings to all who were a part of the production!

[FragranceofaFlower]

Wow, youtube just played this song, and I have never played it before! During quarantine, I went for a walk with a couple of church sisters, and as we sat down at this secluded place, randomly this man with a bike waved at us, and then came to where we were sitting. He came to us pretending he was singing in a concert and sang this song to us, and then mentioned he came because he left his slippers, but never come to collect the random sandal that was on the floor, we also sang back to Him, Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and How great thou art, he joined in with How Great thou art, and then he left, and didn't even come for the sandal that was on the floor, I believe it was an angel!

We can still give joy and praise during this difficult time :D Keep singing praises to God, shalom

[taralynneethier-southard]

NOW THAT LOOKS LIKE A BLAST!!! Makes me miss singing in choir.

[BMarPiano]

This is great - would love to see your virtual choir do more of these!

[weepat]

Tiffany, the first (and last) to be on screen, asks if someone thought it was okay; it was much more than okay. Beautiful. Thanks to all who were involved in putting this video together.

[wdaub]

To answer the question at the end, THAT WAS OUTSTANDING.