In ChoralEd Episode 16 Vicki Bailey shares some vocal exercises for the development of ensemble cohesion. Ms. Bailey suggests the use of kinesthetic movement as a means to enhance an ensemble’s collective musical experience. Kinesthetic activities to internalize the pulse include gently tapping the shoulder of a neighbor or walking in tempo. Additional kinesthetic activities […]
ChoralEd: Vocal Exercises, Episode 14-15
In episode 14 and 15 of ChoralEd we continue our series on vocal exercises with a discussion of vocal warm-ups for tone development and mental activation. In Episode 14, Heather Orr discusses her incorporation of vocal exercises for tone development. In conjunction with each vocal exercise, Mrs. Orr frequently incorporates kinesthetic movement. In general, the […]
ChoralEd: Vocal Exercises – Posture, Breath, and Relaxation
In ChoralEd Episode 12 and 13, Dr. Roger Hale and Angelica Brooks discuss vocal exercises for posture, breathing, and relaxation. In Episode 12, Dr. Hale describes the anatomical features of our posture and breath. This technical discussion is accompanied by exercises that improve student awareness of the head, neck, spine, body, and breath. In Episode […]
ChoralEd: Suggestions for Implementing Vocal Exercises
In Episode 11, ChoralEd begins a new series on vocal exercises. For the first episode of the series, ChoralEd host Micah Bland shares some general considerations for incorporating vocal exercises in the choral rehearsal. In rehearsal, the vocal warm-up should not be taken for granted. Vocal exercises provide conductors with a dedicated time in rehearsal […]
ChoralEd: Correcting Challenging Vocal Tones
Choral directors that teach young singers regularly encounter vocal tones that require correction. In pursuit of choral excellence and the vocal health of the student, it’s important to properly train these voices. The following are some suggested strategies to implement when working with challenging vocal tones. Breathy/Airy Tone Before making corrections to a breathy tone, […]
ChoralEd: Developing Choral Tone, Part 2
Choral directors have unique opinions about choral tone. In part 2 of our choral tone discussion, ChoralEd talks with Dr. Merrin Guice Gill and Dr. Sean Pullen about their approaches to choral tone. Episode 8: Choral Tone, Part 3 – Dr. Merrin Guice Gill For Dr. Guice Gill, choral tone changes based on the style, […]