Summer 2021
Summers are for reconnecting with my musician-self! Here is some of what I was up to in the summer of 2021. There are some live recordings with friends, some solo and multi-track recordings on my own, and a piano piece just for fun.
Multi-track vocals
As a choral director, I live for vocal harmony. I’m partial to a cappella or lightly accompanied songs, especially those that address topics such as racial inequity, mental health advocacy, women’s rights, or other social justice issues. I find that some of my favorite songs to sing are those that I have taught or will teach to my students—and that the songs that work well for my students are, in fact, simply great songs.
Spire (from iZotope on iOS mobile platforms) is my preferred multi-track recording app.
Solo vocals
I recorded many of these songs for my students to use as backing tracks when they recorded their performances for the 2020-2021 school year. I used Spire to import the instrumental track created by my friends and colleagues and then recorded the vocals on separate tracks.
piano: Tabb Dendy
WORKING tracks | piano: Tabb Dendy • guitar: Spencer Lutvak & Michael ‘21 • drums: Aaron ‘21 • instrumental audio editing: John Otten
Banjo covers
One of my favorite musical endeavors is learning a new instrument. A few years ago, I picked up the banjo and fell quickly in love. I find great joy in making banjo covers of songs that have no business being played on a banjo.