Choral Caffeine: Wish List

Are you looking for a way to encourage members of the choir to take ownership of their sound while simultaneously reducing your chances of ending up in a rubber room?

 

Barbara Retzko can help.  In her article “Perhaps Wishing Will Make It So” (ChorTeach, Volume 4, Issue 2), Barb discusses how posting her “Wish List” on the whiteboard in her rehearsal space led to an improved choral sound.

 

“Soon I realized that the singers were buying into the idea of making those wishes come true. I could ask a question about sections of the repertoire, and student responses would come straight from the board and with a better understanding of what it was I was looking for in rehearsals and performances. As a fun gift, one of the sophomores created a poster for display in the choir room. I reference it in almost every rehearsal. It has become a successful teaching tool! What would be on your choral rehearsal wish list?”

 

          Retzko’s Wish List

                    Listen carefully around you

                    NO diphthongs

                    Take in more air than you need

                    Warm tone quality

                    Breath energy always

                    Pure vowels

                    Secure rhythms

                    Breathe to the end of a phrase and beyond

                    Don’t over-sing

                    Know how important you are to the entire choir!

 

(For additional articles on a dazzling array of choral topics, visit ChorTeach.)