Interview with Chad Ohman of Virtual Choir 3

Suite 101 met Chad Ohman of Canada, one of the 2,945 singers who submitted 3,746 videos for Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 3.0, "Water Night".

Saxophonist and vocalist Chad Ohman is one of the 2,945 people from 73 countries who submitted a video for Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 3.0 project: Water Night.

Ohman, a second-year music education major at the University of Alberta, submitted four videos for VC3.0: Tenor 4, Bass 1, 2 and 3. He sat down with Suite101 on April 18, 2012 to talk about VC and music's impact on his life.

Chad Ohman on Discovering Virtual Choir

“It was right after they closed submissions that I heard about Virtual Choir 2.0,” Ohman recalled. A friend who also sang with him in Edmonton's Kokopelli Choir told him about it. When he watched the virtual performance of Whitacre's “Sleep”, he was amazed.

“This is incredible for people to sit in their bedrooms, in their closets, in their cars. Wherever they could find a quiet place and sing. To have their voices come together and make this gorgeous sound that is like a choir sitting in a loft somewhere,” he remarked.

Chad Ohman on the Virtual Choir Community

In December 2011, composer Eric Whitacre announced on his website that the song chosen for Virtual Choir 3.0 was “Water Night” from his Grammy Award-winning album Light and Gold.

“December came along and I started working on “Water Night”,” the dual instrumentalist said. “January came around and then I started helping people because I noticed other people were helping people get their videos together.” He soon met other people who volunteered to answer questions and help singers troubleshoot right up to the final hours of submission. One small group of helpers formed what Eric Whitacre calls the “VC Army”.

“I started meeting these people that were helping,” Ohman commented. “These are some really stellar people. Full, big hearts.”

The VC Community continues to blossom on Skype, Facebook and Google Hangouts. What began as technical and moral support has developed into friendships and in Ohman's case, something more.

“I would never have thought in December that I would meet all of these people.” Ohman reflected. “That I would talk to these great people from all over the country, all over North America and all over the world...and learn so much from them. Nor would I have ever thought in December that I would meet this girl who would eventually fly up here for her spring break.”

“Water Night” World Premiere at Lincoln Arts Center

A total of 3,746 videos were submitted from around the world which were put together into one virtual “performance” that was unveiled on April 2, 2012. The event, which took place at the Lincoln Arts Center in New York, NY, was streamed live all over the world.

Ohman recalled the moment he watched Virtual Choir 3.0 for the first time. “Finally, the video dropped and we were sitting in the Hangout, just in awe,” he reminisced. “We were listening to Eric talk. We were listening to John Corigliano and Chris Anderson – the guy from TED – talk about the idea of Virtual Choir and what it's done to the choral area of music: bring people together and get people to sing who haven't sang in 30 or 40 years. I think that is the coolest thing ever."

“It's allowing people to sing again. It's letting people sing in a group again, especially in areas where they don't have a choir to sing with,” he added.

Chad Ohman On Future Projects

Chad Ohman, along with several members of the VC Army from Canada, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico and Australia continues to work on multi-track projects. The first was a video wishing Eric Whitacre good luck prior to the 2012 Grammy Awards.

Ohman recorded the conductor track and is editing the group's current project, Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium. The experience is teaching him some lessons. “I came to the conclusion that it's not going to sound perfect,” he stated.

“The more videos and the more voices that I've put into it, the better it sounds and the more full it sounds,” he said. “The harmonies come out where they should. If you stop the player and stop it for a second and listen to the separation of voices and the pitches, it sounds really good.

“Then you play the whole thing and then you hear some missed entrances,” he continued. “There's some late exits. There's some esses here and there. I think it's really cool because it adds character to the music.

“That's the whole reason we came together – to sing together. Who cares if it doesn't sound perfect? It's all of us singing together and that's all that matters.”

After some thought, he added. “Music isn't supposed to sound technically perfect. That's why I love performances. Those little tiny mistakes make the music for me. That's what adds personality. That's what adds character to the music.”

Chad Ohman on Lessons Learned from Music

“We could go on about this for a while,” he said with a laugh. “Definitely to be more tolerant of people...as well to be more accepting of people and their beliefs,” he added.

“Music isn't all about competing and who sounds the best," said Ohman. "It's about sharing music, hearing new music, appreciating another group for what they're singing or what they're playing. What they're bringing to the table. What qualities they possess that you don't possess and how you can learn from them and make that a part of what you're doing.”

Upon a moment's reflection, Ohman added, “Music has really changed my life in the people that I've met and what I've learned from them. I can't let that go.”

Post script: Although Chad's career focus has changed since this interview, music continues to play an active role in his life.

Originally published on Suite101.com on April 23, 2012. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Red and White Calgary Comic and Toy Expo 2010 Review

Star Wars shirts, vintage comics and memories abounded for collectors at the 2010 R&W Club Comic & Toy Expo, held Sunday, October 17, 2010 in Calgary, AB.

For one day each year, Calgary’s Red & White Club is transformed into “geek heaven” for fans of vintage comics, toys and collectibles. 2010 marks its 16th year, making this Calgary’s oldest comic expo.

Artist Alley Provided Relaxed Atmosphere to Chat with Guest Artists

This year’s special guests at the Red & White Comic and Toy Expo were comic illustrators Cary Nord and Riley Rossmo. Nord is well recognized for his work for Marvel Comics and Dark Horse Comics. His illustrations have appeared in Ghost Rider: Crossroads, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Conan the Barbarian.

Rossmo has worked for AIT/Planet Lar, IDW Publishing and Image Comics. His credits include Proof and Cowboy Ninja Vikings. He graduated from ACAD and got his start doing generalist illustrator.

“I really love comics and migrated from there to comic books,” he said during a brief chat with Suite 101. His first break in comics was in 2006 for Seven Sons, a graphic novel.

Although he has been to other comic book conventions in Calgary, Seattle, Toronto and San Diego, Rossmo prefers the laidback atmosphere at the R&W Comic & Toy Expo. “I have more time to just relax and talk to people. I don’t have to rush.”

Contests and Giveaways at the Red & White Calgary Comic and Toy Expo

Nineteen fans, representing a diverse mix of shows, comics and ages, entered this year’s costume contest. They paraded around the 13,400 square foot room for all vendors and visitors to see.

Among the entries were Black Canary (Jessica Lowe), Aqua Man (Dave Cunningham) and Wonder Woman (Katie Herrington). This was the second year Herrington and Cunningham attended the show, while 2010 marks Lowe’s third time.

“I planned this since Comic Con,” said Herrington, who began making embellishments and improvements to the original Wonder Woman costume she purchased in the summer. The belt was her pride and joy.

“I found out about this last night,” admitted Bailey Parker, who cosplayed a Timelord from Dr. Who. She spent 18 hours making the ornate headdress out of craft foam and hot glue. Although her costume is a work in progress, it was good to earn an Honorable Mention.

Viking Venom also received an Honorable Mention. Third place went to Batman & Robin, while two Halo marines snagged second place. First place went to young Aurora Quilliams, who portrayed Dalek from Dr. Who.

All of the cosplayers acted for the camera while independent filmmaker Phil Spink (The Godchild) captured the action. Spink also conducted on-site interviews with visitors and vendors.

A variety of door prizes were awarded throughout the day. These were donated by the vendors.

A Treasure Trove of Video Games, Cool Shirts and Old Comics

There was an eclectic mix of comics, toys and collectibles up for grabs at the R&W Comic and Toy Expo, including Pac-Man belt buckles, Kingdom Hearts tee-shirts, mint condition issues of Battle of the Planets and an old LP featuring the original Spock from Star Trek, Leonard Nimoy. Gamers could buy old computer and video games, such as Tetris and Street Fighter, as well as old game systems.

John Quong, owner of the Treasure Cove, has been a vendor at the Comic & Toy Expo since its inception. He left his career in criminal law to take a brief sabbatical to indulge in his passion, comics and toys. “All of a sudden, the two-year sabbatical turned into 23 years in the business,” he chuckled.

His experience has been extremely positive. “This is my love. This is my era. I love dealing with this stuff and the people that know what it is and appreciates it just as much as I do.”

For Sid Olivier, 2010 marks his debut at the Red & White Club Comic & Toy Expo. He sells old collectibles and toys at Where on Earth Did You Get That?, Southern Alberta’s largest antique mall. “I have a personal fascination with what I call the “hunt”. The thrill of the hunt,” he explained. “Making the find has always been a kick. I love the history. I love the research element to it.” One of his unique finds on display was an old Ronald McDonald phone that was given only to store managers.

Although there was a voluminous selection of comics new and old, there was a limited selection of anime and manga merchandise. “We didn’t see much in the way of anime,” remarked Alina Zaitsoff, an anime and manga otaku and first-time attendee at the expo. “A few random figures. The only one that popped out was Vash the Stampede but it was poor quality.”

The Red & White Comic ad Toy Expo – No Hollywood Glitz, Just a Place to Buy Stuff

“A lot of the shows are veering off into celebrities, autographs and photographs and that’s fine,” said Michael Pavlic, one of the organizers of the Calgary Comic and Toy Expo. Pavlic, who owns Purple Gorilla Comics, joined forces with Ben Falconer of Phoenix Comics this year to organize the event after Steve Fuller stepped down.

“There is a demand in this town, in Southern Alberta for folks who want to come and buy some comics and toys. They don’t care about autographs; they don’t care about any of the rest of that stuff. They’re here to buy some swag. That’s what we’re all about.”

Like many avid comic collectors, Pavlic’s love for comics goes beyond being a hobby. “It’s been a lifelong passion, not hobby. Passion.”

Pavlic’s passion for comics was fueled by a childhood memory. “I was visiting my aunt who was at university at the time,” Pavlic explained. “One of her room-mates had a bunch of comic books. He handed them to us and I looked through one. There’s this one image in this issue of Fantastic Four that burned into my brain.”

He never forgot the experience of looking at that one illustration. When he began collecting comics years later, he set off to track down that issue. “It took me eight years to find out which one it was.”

Final attendance figures for 2010 are 850, comprised of 600 adults and 250 kids. In previous years, the Red and White Comic and Toy Expo entertained between 500 – 700 attendees a year. This year’s event, which took place on October 17, 2010 at the Red & White Club featured comic artists Cary Nord and Riley Rossmo. Vendor tables triggered waves of nostalgia with cool shirts, old computer and video games, vintage comics and figurines.

Originally published on Suite101.com on October 21, 2010. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Pets Can Recycle Too!

Environmentally-conscious pet owners are now finding that the three Rs, "Reduce, Recycle, Reuse," can apply to pet equipment and supplies.

The pet supply market is becoming increasingly "green" with pet waste composters, eco-friendly toys, pet beds, clothing and other supplies. Recently, there are a growing number of opportunities for pet owners to recycle pet equipment and supplies such as pet beds, carriers and toys. Here are three recycling options for environmentally-conscious pet owners and their pets.

Donate Pet Supplies and Equipment

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has local branches and humane societies throughout the world. The pet shelters established by the SPCA do accept some used pet supplies and products. Some of the items they do take include blankets, towels, stainless steel food dishes, pet beds, pet carriers (crates), washable toys and unopened pet food. Shelters may accept one specific brand of pet food.

Donors should properly cleanse and sanitize used pet supplies before bringing them to a shelter. These organizations will also accept donations of new pet supplies and equipment, gift cards, unopened cleaning and office supplies.

To find out more about which items are acceptable and which are not, donors can contact their local SPCA, humane society or animal shelter.

Sell Pet Equipment and Supplies to a Pet Consignment Store

Second-hand stores for pets? Yes, they do exist. Some pet thrift stores are run by humane societies. These second-hand pet supply stores accept leashes, beds, dog and cat carriers, toys, cages and training equipment.

Consignment stores and used pet supply boutiques are a fairly new concept. “No one has ever marketed a consignment store to pets, but we feel there is a definite need for it,” said Kimberly Hall, owner of the Haute Hound in the December 2009 article "Haute Hound Pet Boutique Enters Consignment Business". This type of second-hand pet boutique will accept gently-used designer pet accessories, such as clothing, leashes, costumes and jewelry on consignment. They also accept the usual items of food dishes, pet beds and blankets. Items that are not sold after a certain period of time are donated to a local animal shelter.

Sell Used Pet Supplies & Equipment in the Classifieds

Used pet equipment and supplies that are in good condition can be sold through online classified ads such as Ebay, Kijiji and 4pawsexchange.com or print ads in the newspaper or community newsletter. Online classified websites require advertisers to set up an account. Some examples of items that can be sold as second-hand items include bird cages, pet carriers, training equipment, invisible fencing, pet beds, crates and fish tanks.

Pets and their owners can "go green" by recycling pet products and supplies that are in good condition. By donating pet supplies and equipment to a local animal shelter, selling them to a second-hand pet supply store or selling them through a classified ad, items that are still in good condition are kept out of the landfill.

Originally published on Suite101.com on March 12, 2010. Winner of a Suite101 Editor's Choice Award. All rights are reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

On Music Teaching, Second Jobs, Balance and Diversifying

One question that occasionally comes up in a social or business networking setting is "Can you make a living teaching music?" After 12 years of self-employment, this has been a question I have been grappling with this year.

My answer: it depends. For music teacher Kristin Yost in the US, the answer is a resounding YES! She's the author of "How I Made $100,000 My First Year as a Piano Teacher". She has several factors in her favour off the bat though - she teaches in a highly affluent city in a highly affluent state. Combined with her sound business sense and voilà! A viable music studio.

However, what I am realizing, is that for many of my colleagues - myself included - the answer is NO. Secondary, even tertiary streams of supplementary income are needed to make it work.

"Why not," you ask? Private music teachers face limitations in terms of when they can teach. Most students come after school. Depending upon the business licensing by-laws in your area, they may be limited to only teaching part-time, which is hardly sustainable.

Music teachers also face limitations in terms of how much they can teach. Teaching is a wonderful, rewarding and exciting calling. However, it requires a lot of mental and emotional energy.

One colleague said, "By the time we calculate expenses and unpaid time for lesson prep, studio management, and all the extras we do for our students, we really teach for minimum wage." She went on to say, "Teaching piano is a wonderful career if you aren't the primary wage-earner in your family, but if you get sick, you can't teach and if you can't teach, you can't pay the bills."

Ivea Mark of said, "Piano teachers do it for the love of music and teaching and many struggle to make ends meet if they are the sole income earners."

At an event last month, I asked some of my colleagues how their year has been going. Like me, they are running under capacity this year. It's just the way the economy is.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I asked some of my colleagues in the Alberta Piano Teachers' Association what they found as far as teaching and getting a second job. This is a summary of my findings:

1. Many who only teach piano have a spouse who works full-time (not self-employed).

2. Several (like me) have picked up a summer job to pay the bills during the slow teaching months.

3. More teachers than I expected work full-time elsewhere and piano teaching IS their second job.

4. Some of those who mainly teach music have diversified their music services. Some of the things they have done to earn extra money include teaching other subjects, adjudicating, running workshops, performing at every gig they can get, accompanying and so on.

These are some of the jobs that some of my teaching colleagues have picked up to earn extra money:

• Support staff at their local school

• Barista at a local cafe

• Concession staff at the Calgary Stampede

• School teacher

• Administrative staff

• Childcare provider

To these colleagues, they feel that they have achieved a healthy balance. They like the variety of not doing only music.

One, who now is a school teacher full-time and a piano teacher part-time shared this: "Way back when I used to teach piano only, I found it a bit lonely just being at home all the time, and just a 1-on-1 teaching situation, so I decided to recycle my education again to be able to teach in a school classroom setting. No regrets, but having the school teaching job now makes me appreciate my piano teaching even more than ever."

Evangeline Mably has worked at a local cafe. "If you can find one in your area, you might even run into your students," she said. "My students were so excited when they saw me "at work." LOL."

I started walking the path towards diversification when I stopped office temping and spent more time on my freelance writing at Suite101.com and set up a store on Zazzle. However, I learned that online writing is just as volatile as teaching music. I don't want to give up writing, so now I'm just looking at other things to add.

Like my colleagues, I do not want to give up teaching. However, a more balanced and stable lifestyle is what is needed. A balanced mix of teaching, my passive income streams and something that will bring in some extra money now. Time to start checking out the job search sites and tweaking my non-music resume.

Post Script

This topic continues to bring up some thoughtful discussion on the APTA discussion boards. Collen Lindenbach of Music and Play, argues that yes, you can make a living teaching music full-time. Like Kristin Yost, she teaches in commercial space and has several teachers working with her (she is hiring, by the way).

They offer a variety of private and group classes, such as Music for Young Children. Colleen stresses the importance of doing your demographic research, especially ages and finances in your area.

One common thread regarding those who teach music on a part-time basis. They unanimously say that their reduced teaching load enables them to offer a higher level of instruction. They have also noticed less teacher burnout.

Special thanks to my colleagues for sharing their thoughts and experiences on self-employment and how to earn extra money.

On Student Music Reports

To give my students and I a break from music rudiments, I assign them music reports. They are a great way to give students a deeper understanding of the music they are working on and to let them explore areas of special interest. I used to just ask them to research the composers of the pieces they are working on. Now, I've been getting a bit more creative.

Below are some of the topics my students have been researching:

• the story behind a song that they like (this was particularly fun with Christmas songs)

• information about the style or form of the music they are studying

• composer reports

• album reviews

• concert reviews

• performer reports

• music instrument profiles

Some have created some lovely poster boards.

My latest twist has been to tie music to another activity. For instance, two of my students study Aikido. Last week, I asked them to research five points about the samurai Musashi and his concept of rhythm-timing. Another is plays competitive soccer. She's going to research some information about some of the World Cup songs.

I've got a few more ideas up my sleeve. I am thinking of asking them to research music careers, music genres and local musicians.