BOULDER, Colo. — Boulder-based Face Vocal Band has toured the world, performed at Red Rocks, and was rehearsing for their debut at Carnegie Hall in March when the novel Coronavirus pandemic changed everything. Now, just like everyone, the five members of Face are homebound. But they are still working to bring people together through music.
“We were going to do a piece with 300 people at Carnegie Hall,” said Face member Cody Qualls. “So, we decided to take that piece and invite the singers from Carnegie, singers from our school, the Face Academy of Music, to make this mass virtual choir,” he said.
Face received more than 250 submissions of people singing in their homes, as well as videos with inspirational messages. Face member Stephen Ross said they asked people to record themselves singing on their phones, while a background vocal track played in their ear. The submissions were edited together along with Face’s vocals to create the final 5-minute video.
“I did the marrying of the audio and to hear 250 voices with our voices, it was really moving,” said Face member Forest Kelly.
For an a capella band that thrives on live performances, as opposed to recording and releasing songs, the closure of performing arts venues is especially difficult.
“Of course, we want to be back with people again, but not a second sooner than its safe,” said Ross.
Face member Mark Megibow admitted singing alone isn’t as fun as singing together, but he’s been impressed by the entertainers who have tried to continue performing.
“I love the fact that so many artists are not giving up right now, and wallowing in the misery, which would be easy to do,” he said.
The “From Now On” video will debut on Face’s Facebook page Friday night. Face member Ryan Driver said he hopes it will give fans something to enjoy while they can’t go to concerts, and encourage people to stay connected.
“We’re absolutely trying to use music as a connection, which has always been our goal.”