The two choral ensembles recorded Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
Elon Choral Activities was set for an exciting lineup of choral performances during spring 2020. The combined choirs were scheduled to perform a concert of opera choruses, and élan, Elon University’s official a cappella/vocal jazz ensemble, was looking forward to a tribute to Paul Simon.
Then the COVID-19 hit, with classes going virtual and all public performances canceled. That’s when Camerata and élan set about recording Kirby Shaw’s arrangement of Paul Simon’s mega-hit “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
“We continued to meet virtually throughout the rest of the spring semester to learn the parts and have the individual singers video and audio record their parts,” states Director of Choral Activities Stephen A. Futrell.
Futrell notes that Elon alum Joshua Carswell ’11 graciously agreed to perform as our guest soloist. “Josh’s voice is amazing,” Futrell said, inviting all to check him out at http://www.joshuacarswell.com/#home.
Associate Professor of Music Todd Coleman played electric bass and Music Department pianist Christy Wisuthseriwong played piano on the track. Futrell edited the audio and produced the final mix.
“One of the exciting things about Eon Choral Activities is that all of our choral ensembles — Chorale, Camerata, and élan — are open to all Elon students regardless of major,” Futrell said. “It just so happens that Samuel Davidson ’22 sings bass in both Camerata and élan, so it was very natural for him to produce the video editing for us.”