Make Concerts at Home Special!
Though we miss performing for audiences in-person, we still want to help make your AYS concert at home a night to remember. Attending a virtual concert at home has many perks, including lounging on a comfy couch! Here are a few things we recommend to make your virtual concert at home fun:
- Hi-low fashion: dress in your favorite concert-going outfit OR lounge in your comfiest clothes
- Try a new Mocktail or Cocktail recipe, like this one.
- Clap whenever you want!
- Add comments to the chat on YouTube. Let us know from where in the world you are viewing!
- Invite friends and family to watch the concert together. Call or Zoom each other afterward to chat about your favorite parts.
- Share your viewing experience with the AYS community by posting a picture on social media! Tag us at @AYSymphony.
YouTube Technology Recommendations
Pre-Concert Livestream
- Set a reminder for the concert on your YouTube account by clicking here. Once on the AYS YouTube page, click on “Set Reminder” and YouTube will notify you when the concert is about to be LIVE in your time zone.
Note: If you don’t have a YouTube account you can still watch the concert!
- Have a plan for how you will watch the concert. First, decide which device you will be using for video and audio. Next, choose where to set it up to ensure you are comfortable during the concert. We also recommend doing a test before the concert begins. You can try another one of our YouTube videos as a test. Go to our channel by clicking here- www.youtube.com/aysymphony.
Video Quality
- For a more immersive experience, we recommend watching virtual concerts on a desktop computer or TV screen using Google Chrome. Select the full-screen icon in the bottom right corner of the video.
- The speed of your internet connection will determine your video quality. If you are experiencing low quality or grainy footage, your internet connection may be slow. Try refreshing your browser and turning wifi off on any other unused devices.
- Within the limits of your internet speed, you can control the video resolution by clicking on the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the video. After clicking, select a video quality other than “Auto.”
Sound Quality
- We work hard to bring you the best sound quality for all concerts! Use your best headphones if watching the concert alone. If watching in a group, connect your device to a great bluetooth speaker for optimal quality.
- If you can’t hear the video, here’s what we recommend:
- Check the volume on your device. Then check the volume on YouTube by clicking on the microphone in the bottom left corner.
- If that does not work, check that the correct speaker or headphones are successfully paired with or connected to your device.
Zoom Technology Recommendations
Viewing Instructions:
If you don’t have a Zoom account, please create one here in order to join. Once you’ve done so, click on the “Join Performance” button in your confirmation email to be transported to the Zoom waiting room.
We recommend watching from a desktop or laptop and updating to the latest Zoom software update (5.4.6). If you join from a phone or tablet, you will first need to download the Zoom app.
Having trouble logging on?
If you have any troubles logging onto the Zoom call, please email info@aysymphony.org and leave your phone number in the email. We will have staff members available to assist you with any issues.
Chat Instructions:
To locate the chat function, please click once on the “Chat” text at the bottom center of your Zoom screen. The chat dialog box will appear and you can message everyone in the room.
To message “AYS Staff” privately, click on the blue “Everyone” text, then toggle down and select the “AYS Staff”. Your message will now be private.
Audio Issues?
Check both the volume level on your computer or device as well as the Zoom audio settings in the lower-left corner of the Zoom window. Also check that your computer or device has not accidentally paired with an unused Bluetooth speaker or headset in your home. If you intend to play audio via Bluetooth, check that your speaker or headset has paired successfully with your computer or device, resetting the connection if needed.
Video Issues?
Video quality adjusts automatically to the speed of your internet connection. If you continue to experience grainy or low-quality video playback, your internet connection may have been interrupted. Try refreshing your WiFi, and keep other streaming content to a minimum in any open tabs and apps. If the issue persists, try a different device, restart your router, or check your ISP speed here.
AYS Commitment to Health & Safety
AYS is committed to the health and safety of our musicians, staff, audience members, and all people and has established a COVID-19 acknowledgement and event guidelines that all people who interact with us in-person must abide by. Read the ways we plan to uphold health and safety when interacting in person below:
- AYS Director of Orchestra Operations completed COVID-19 Compliance Officer training and will be the on-site COVID-19 Compliance Officer for all in-person events throughout the pandemic.
- Frequent cleaning and disinfecting will be done of all high-traffic/high touch point areas.
- Adequate time will be planned during the events to allow for proper cleaning and decontamination.
- Personnel are advised to stay home if any symptoms related to COVID-19 are experienced.
- AYS staff, volunteers, musicians, vendors, partners, and anyone entering the spaces will be temperature checked and screened upon arrival before being allowed to enter work spaces.
- A minimum of 6 feet distance will be maintained between each person at the events.
- A minimum of 8 feet distancing will be maintained for music-related productions, for brass and wind sections, singers, and engineering controls.
- Face coverings/masks will be provided by AYS as needed.
- Face coverings will be worn by everyone at the events.
- Signs and posters will be posted at all spaces, reminding participants of health and safety protocol.
