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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 […]
choral education
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 […]
Why Rhythm Is Foundational in Sight-Reading
by Stuart Hunt The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines music as “the art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.“1 To that is often added, something like the following: Sounds and silences organized in time. A pattern of regular or irregular pulses, some stronger some […]
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 […]
One of the Inverse Relationships in Beginning Chorus Class
By Odell Zeigler, IV “It doesn’t matter whether you are pursuing success in business, sports, the arts, or life in general: the bridge between wishing and accomplishing is discipline.” – Harvey Mackay I believe the above quote can serve as our epigraph for this blog and our overall commitment to fostering and developing music literacy […]
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, […]