At the 2020 BWC Laity Session, members joined to be salt and light in the world with their rendition of the song, “This Little Light of Mine.” 

The virtual choir used the following directions, which you might want to use to create your own version of this familiar spiritual. 

You will need:

• The audio practice track (voices with backing track) and backing track (instrumental version without voices). These are to be used to practice and to guide your singing during the recording. Use the audio practice track to practice. Sing the song enough that you are able to complete the entire piece confidently. You may need to practice this several times before you attempt recording with the backing track! 
• Lyrics. There are many versions of this famous song. Please sing using these lyrics:

a. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,
this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine;
this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. 

 b. Everywhere I go ...

c. All through the night …

d. Until all are free ... (3 part harmony begins here--pick your part!)

e. This little light of ours ... we're gonna let it shine ...

f. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ...

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. (x3)

• One device to play the backing track. Best option: this should be a computer with either headphones or ear buds. We will not be able to use recordings where we can hear the backtrack.
• Second device to make the recording of your voice only. The latest phones and tablets have great video and audio quality. If you are filming on a phone, Please shoot in landscape orientation (horizontal). 

Recording Process:

1. Set your “device one” (your computer, phone or tablet) to play the audio file through headphones.
2. Set your “device two” (best if it’s a phone) to video recording (someone else should hold the camera steady or use a tripod or use items at hand to prop it up and keep it steady).
3. First tap to start recording (device two).
4. Second tap/play the audio backing track.
5. Sing the whole song.
6. Stay engaged with the music through the end of the music. 
7. Count to four after the music ends before stopping the recording.
8. Repeat the process if you don’t like the results!
9. Submit your video here.

Things to think about when you record:

• Please film in a place with no background noise (cars, pets, appliances, music, air vents, etc.)
• Try to have your camera as close to eye level as possible.
• Prop your camera up on some books or another household object (if you have a tripod even better!) When possible, have someone else hold the camera so that you can be “framed” such that you are visible from your waist up. If you are filming someone else, make sure they are in focus, and close enough to be picked up well by the microphone. Shoot some test footage and review it to make sure you can clearly hear the speaker.
• Keep the background simple (a blank wall is fine).
• Imagine you are singing to a room full of people you love. Smile. Give energy. Connect. Think about what you are singing and let that show in your facial expressions. While you might need to check the beginning of each verse, please sing the rest looking right into the camera.

Thank you for testifying through song about your commitment to sharing God’s love, light, liberation and hope.