Some songs are ideally suited to include some movements to create a bigger impact. For example simply stepping forwards and backwards to the beat in certain sections of the song “One Day more” from Les Miserables creates a lot of drama. Some small movements create a stronger support for your sound and thus create a […]
This is always difficult for an MD as there are so many people in a choir with so many different tastes in songs. No choir member can be happy with all the choice of songs the MD selects and a big reason for choir members leaving is that they don’t like the repertoire. The MD […]
What is the purpose of humming or blowing into a straw that is in or out of a glass of water and does it really help you create a better sound? Singing/humming through a straw is called an SOVT exercise. Semi Occluded Vocal Tract. The purpose of the straw is to create a back pressure […]
An added bonus to singing correctly is that with regular practice your face will change shape for the better, which can only be a good thing as we age. Raising the soft palate for a better sound and resonance will help lift the cheeks creating more definition. As you raise your soft palate feel the […]
Following a summer break the rehearsal schedule for the choir resumes each Wednesday evening, and with almost entirely fresh set of repertoire to prepare for the Winter concert season it is going to be a bust run of rehearsals. This also presents a unique time to join where any new members coming along will not […]
There will always be people in a choir who inspire others for very different reasons: They: have a beautiful voice have a strong and secure voice that is easy to follow and gives confidence always seem to know what they are doing have learnt the songs off by heart encourage new members wear interesting/different clothes […]
Although a lot of choirs are not professional ones it should be everybody’s aim to be as professional as possible. The objective of a rehearsal is to learn the songs as well as having fun and having an opportunity to chat to each other. During a rehearsal the MD has a tough job in keeping […]
As we age the collagen becomes less in our muscles and connective tissue. The tongue is a comparatively large muscle and goes all the way down the throat. With age the tongue drops further back in the throat and makes our speech less clear and articulate. We also hold a lot of tension in the […]
Warms up should warm up the body, the brain, the voice and the breath. You should also make sure you are properly hydrated with lukewarm water or some warm tea. Coffee dehydrates the voice and fizzy drinks can cause you to burp. Do not drink ice cold drinks as that shrinks and tightens the muscles […]
The whole point of a song is to get a meaning across and this happens with the music and the text. Do you know what you are singing about? If the song is in a foreign language make sure you know exactly what the text means as well as working on the correct pronunciation. There […]