By Tony Beadle, President & CEO
In the face of a tsunami of cancellations with no end in sight, I am proud to say that Rockport Music has proven itself resilient and forward thinking. About two years ago, we made the decision to install a video system in the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Popular internet viewing sites were beginning to offer clips of concerts, interviews, and virtual tours among other things. We perceived this as more than a fad, and that an early investment would give us an enhanced web presence. We started with clips of concerts, interviews, and some livestreaming. Rockport Music staff members became talented videographers, editors, lighting designers, and technical support experts, all in an effort to make our productions budget friendly and sustainable. Little did we realize that in the midst of a pandemic, this nascent adjunct to our activities would become so important. Starting with our Virtual Gala for the community in June, we began adding content for the summer months and will be announcing a fall virtual season very soon.

The virtual concerts typically start with videoing the concert, all done with proper distancing and other Covid-19 protocols. Afterwards, editing begins, an arduous process when you have three raw video tracks to choose from. The tracks are culled for the best shots to keep the concert visually interesting but not distracting. Factors such as weather, sun angle, and time of day are now all important aspects of these events. I am proud of the results that keep getting better and better. While we thirst for the return of live music, it is clear that the virtual concert element is here to stay in some form even when we reopen our doors. Just call me Cecile B. deBeadle!

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