Instructions for Today's '20 Beautiful Children' Recording Session

Thank you for volunteering to be a part of this project.  Because we will have a short time to accomplish a lot tomorrow, here are some things you need to know to help us be prepared.

• Please arrive no later than 4:30 if possible.  We must begin on time. 
• Wear “street clothes.”  Do not dress “up” or make other preparations other than what you were planning to (if you put on makeup for Frosty Follies early, that’s fine) – I want you to look like regular kids, as you might show up to school, on a regular day.
• If you arrive at any time later than 4:30, please enter the theater lobby VERY quietly – recording may already be taking place. 
  
• Use the CD you’ve been given.  There are instructions on track 1, the full song on track 2, and the part you need to practice on track 3.  
  
• When you practice, use your own voice, don’t “push” to imitate mine.
  
• The “Choir” section begins at “Why can’t we just take away the bullets?” and goes to the end of the song.
  
• Everyone who is participating can sing in the “Choir” section.  We will practice and perform this first. 
  
• After we have recorded the “Choir” section, we will record soloists, one at a time, at center stage.  Soloists will sing from “Where’s my sister, why’s she missing” to the end.
  
• If you are not the soloist on stage, please remain COMPLETELY SILENT – the microphones will pick up ANY talking, shifting in seats, or moving around, even in the lobby. 
  
• Give your best performance, but remember, we can always do another take of any soloist. 
  
• DO NOT APPLAUD for soloists, unless Mr. Dave gives permission.
  
• There will be at least 3 video cameras recording the session for use in the YouTube video.  You’ll feel like the paparazzi are on top of you, but do your best to just sing out to the theater, ignoring the cameras.  They may also take candid shots of you in your seats.  Just be yourself. 
  

Please understand that this song may bring up strong emotions in you.  This is normal.  If you are performing, just keep going.  It’s ok.

The purpose of this song is to:

• Raise money for the victims of this tragedy
  
• Help people who listen grieve in a way that only music seems to allow
  
• Give YOU – a young person who may have felt you had no way to help the people who’ve been hurt – a way to make a REAL and LASTING DIFFERENCE in the lives of people who need it most.  Your participation in this project is a gift that can make a huge difference in someone else’s life.  You are doing God’s work. 
  

Finally, I expect the video to be edited and the final music to be mastered shortly after Christmas.  It will be up to our entire community to share the word and get people to support the victims by downloading the song for the donation of their choice.  Here’s what you can do:

All information will be posted through my website: shinyheadmusic.com  Bookmark it.

On Facebook, “like” facebook.com/shinyheadmusic and encourage everyone you know to do so also.

When the YouTube video and the donate-to-download song are put online, you’ll be notified on Facebook and at shinyheadmusic.com.  SHARE the links with everyone, and encourage all your friends to also share it.  Share it more than once – maybe once a day - The more you encourage others to view, listen, and give, the more difference we can make.

You all have my gratitude and my love.  – Mr. Dave