Stick Time: Spaced Out Singers

With the exception of that which can be quantified – such as tempo and intonation – there are probably as many variables in choral music than there are absolutes.

 

Consider, for instance, formations.  Many of us are continually experimenting with the order in which our choirs stand during performance.  Yet, what works for one piece may not work at all for another.  Attendant to the issue of formation is also the matter of spacing; some choirs are pressed shoulder-to-shoulder while others appear to be spread across an entire city block.  The possibilities seem endless.

 

In this performance from the 2013 ACDA National Conference, the choir is performing a poly-choral work, which would seem to necessitate a division of the two choirs.  They also utilize the whole of the stage to allow some space between each singer.

 

Have you considered formation and spacing for this new choral season?