PRESTONSBURG — They were not singing in the same place, or even at the same time, but when their voices came together Aug. 3, they were singing in perfect harmony.
The Floyd County Schools’ “Virtual Choir had its debut that day, before faculty and staff members gathered at the Mountain Arts Center for opening day.
The Virtual Choir allows students to record themselves singing on their computers, then blends all of their voices into one performance.
“Last year, we announced the beginning of this technology-based platform for kids to showcase their talents in the arts, and under the leadership of Michael Bell, Floyd County Virtual Arts Program director, the vision has become a reality,” Superintendent Henry Webb said. “We had 210 kids from Floyd County Schools participate in this performance and it is truly amazing to watch. We’ve given KIDS in our district another opportunity to demonstrate how talented they are.”
Bell had the students sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “My Old Kentucky Home” during the last school year, then brought their videos together into one performance. The students range from the fourth grade to the 12th.
Webb said the Internet is allowing the school system to offer opportunities that would otherwise be difficult.
“Being the 17th-largest district in the state gives us some distance challenges, but using technology allows us to overcome those barriers,” Webb said.
The technology is not limited to just music. Later this year, the district plans to put student visual arts on display.
“We’re excited about the next phase of this program, which will be the opening of a virtual art gallery in December, where kids will have an opportunity to have their artwork displayed outside the school walls,” Webb said.
A video of the Virtual Choir’s performance can be found by visiting the Floyd County Schools’ website, http://www.floyd.kyschools.us, and clicking on the “Virtual Arts” link on the right of the page.
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