Camden Hyman’s arrival at Indiana Wesleyan University nearly didn’t happen, as he recalls it now, mainly because the school didn’t have any audio technology classes.
But his recent work on an upcoming highly visible national exhibit has him changing his tune.
Hyman has worked with Dylan Thomas, CEO and Co-founder of CREATR, to record vocal tracks of the university’s Chorale ensemble for the audio portion of a fully immersive experience titled “All Creation Sings” at Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. Opening weekend is set for April 18-21.
“This week alone, IWU has provided me with the experience of recording for a major project and working with lots of professionals on Fusion,” Hyman said. “I have taken a few classes in this subject, and I can, with complete honesty, say that I have learned way more this week from my experiences than I ever would have in a class.”
“All Creation Sings” is a four-act, 25-minute exhibit that illuminates the worship experience with video, narration, and music. Much like the Lume art exhibits that have gained popularity at art museums throughout the United States, the “All Creation Sings” program is inspired by Psalm 148. The four acts touch on various aspects of worship covered in the Bible.
Hyman and the Chorale’s involvement in the project was serendipitous in some ways. Thomas attended the university’s "Society of World Changers” induction in March. In fact, he sat right in front of the Chorale, which performed several songs during the convocation. A follow-up conversation with Chorale Master Davy Chinn sealed the deal on working together on the project.
“I jumped at the chance as the timing is indeed providential,” Chinn said. “Chorale spent a few days in Baker Recital Hall recording the vocal lines and working, via Microsoft Teams, with the project composer Harrison Wood.
“Working directly with the composer has been a special treat as he has been able to walk us through his vision for the sound and has been able to add and alter parts on the fly as we record.”
Chorale student Jadyn Mucher said the experience was a great opportunity for Chorale members to share their vocal gifts with a much wider audience.
“For me personally, I have been reminded of the gift of worship and how we can reflect it in many ways,” Mucher said. “I have never been a part of a recording session like this, so having exposure to it has been so insightful.”
Hyman remembers being somewhat “intimidated” at first, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience with a production of this caliber.
“I have had a blast with this project,” he said. ““This has been an all-around amazing experience and all of us in Chorale are hoping it’s not the last time we get to work with Harrison and Dylan!”