Prior to introducing new repertoire to an ensemble, choral directors should carefully evaluate their selections for potential vocal challenges as they prepare for the rehearsal process. To identify potential vocal challenges choral directors should look at and sing through each voice part and consider the following questions. Where did I have trouble? Where will my students have trouble? Additionally, choral directors should listen to recordings of their selected work performed by singers the same age and ability as their ensemble. While listening, educators should identify the moments in the song where these ensembles struggled and create a plan to address these challenges in their own rehearsal.
Identifying potential vocal challenges can be a difficult task for choral directors as every work is unique. However, there are several common issues that directors should consider. These include,1) Range and tessitura
2) Length of phrase
3) Intonation during unison and octave singing
4) Large leaps and unusual intervals
5) Ascending melodic contour
6) Unaccompanied music
7) Music in a foreign language
8) Choice of consonant
For a full discussion of each of these elements watch ChoralEd Episode 35 on YouTube.
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