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WARM-UPS
I know that some members wonder why we have warm-ups before the start of
a rehearsal, especially exercises. I have come to realise the importance of
them over the years. When I hear outstanding choirs around the world, I
discover that such exercises are a vital part of the warm-up and of the
rehearsal.
Erkki Pohyola who founded the tremendous Tapiola Choir form Finland
writes:
‘Every rehearsal should
open with loosening-up exercises, a sort of ad hoc aerobics session to
smooth out the tensions brought in from work and from living. The relaxation
process is in its own way a part of the search for the right mood.’
Doreen Rao, one of North America’s most celebrated master teacher and
internationally acclaimed choral conductor states:
‘The singing voice is developed through vocalisation. Vocalisation or
warm-up is a special time set aside for concentrating on the way the body
produces singing tone. The 4 main components of vocal technique are
1 Exercise – to develop a responsive and co-ordinated body;
2 Posture – to create a balanced and even body position for singing;
3 Breathing – to exercise healthy and efficient vocal respiration;
4 Tone – to sustain clear and resonant vowel colour.’
And to make warm-ups interesting I am constantly thinking up new ideas
covering these four points. As I work regularly now with you, and with
The Amici Singers,
I use a number of these new ideas with
other choirs and in the many workshops that I take.
Posture is so important to all musicians. You may be interested to know
that during the rehearsal on April 8th
I stood on two boxes that were now quite level.
That was enough for me to be very aware of this imbalance and in fact it was
quite uncomfortable especially with my back. I was glad to stand on the
floor for the
Eine
Kleine Nachtmusik. But all was well for the
evening concert, thanks to the ingenuity of Bill White.
So the exercises are aimed at relieving tension in face, mouth, neck,
shoulders, body and to heighten awareness of upper body and to develop an
increased energy level.
YOU AND YOUR MATURING VOICE!
- The Larynx descends slowly during
our lives
- In infancy our vocal folds
(cords) are 6-8mm long
- In men this grows to 17-23mm and
in women 12-17mm – remember the longer a string, pipe etc., the lower the
sound
- Before puberty the efficiency of
the lungs is similar for boys and girls
- Though young adults have up to
four times more lung power than 4/5 year olds, this power can deteriorate
with poor use of the diaphragm – bad breathing technique
- Growth affects pitch, loudness
and quality. Pitch becomes more stable throughout mid-life
- However, development of loudness
and quality cannot be forecast. Loudness is determined by breathing and
one’s technique. Quality is now being studied by voice scientists, but it
is still largely a matter of judgement
- Trained voices deteriorate less
noticeably than untrained ones. Dietrich Fisher-Dieskau stopped singing at
68. Giovanni performed in Puccini’s Turandot at 81
- Older people tend to have trouble
hearing higher frequencies which affects the way they perceive their own
and other people’s voices. So choir, please trust me. If I say to someone
‘you’re singing too loud’ or ‘you’re tone is back in the throat’ or ‘you
are closing up’ do not take offence. I am trying to help and prolong your
singing life and your enjoyment of singing and of music
- Mood swings affect the voice as
we grow older. Losing enthusiasm and joy of life has a negative affect on
the voice.
- Some singers give up between
50-60 because they believe that their voices are deteriorating. But this
is often due to bad habits and negative attitudes
SOME TIPS FOR A HEALTHY VOICE
- Plenty of sleep
- Plenty of water to lubricate –
during rehearsals as well
- Watch dehydration from coffee and
alcohol
- Healthy diet – the voice can be
affected by middle age spread. This puts an extra load in the abdominal
wall – exercise and a healthy diet will help overcome this problem. ‘I was
always a ferocious animal in eating. You don’t become chubby, believe me,
on air and water.’ – Luciano Pavorotti in interview talking about his new
diet.
- Think positively – be determined
and enthusiastic. Carry this into learning new music which you may not
enjoy. You may end up enjoying it
- Posture – think tall when
standing, do not sit with crossed legs and be alert
- Exercise for elasticity and
strength. Do your own daily exercises and certainly do not rely and the
Wednesday night short exercises
- Avoid oversinging and forcing
your voice. In choir you should always sing with and blend with the others
and never be in competition
- Keep your voice in regular
training. Do some of our warm-up exercises every day – when driving –when
washing etc’, even in the loo. Humming (some of the music you are
studying) is a great activity
- Exercise your face muscles
- Keep your mind open and alert –
learn something new everyday
- Balance activity and rest
Help Sheet on Italian words you may come across
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