me, my dad and dementia #12: hey mikey, he likes it!
A small miracle happened the other day. My father came over to “talk to me about the music for this term”. I was worried but ready to quickly acquiesce and […]
Choral singing – Keep your voice healthy
All too often singers develop problems with their voices which could have been prevented by a little knowledge applied at the right time. Today I’m going to try to provide […]
Choral singing – surviving the Long Concert
Most choir directors know better, but every once in a while they go a little crazy and put together a program that has the choir members singing at the extremes […]
Choral singing – what about the text?
Have you ever gone to a choir concert that seemed uninspired and lifeless? Chances are you have, even if the sound was well blended and perfectly on pitch. Today we’re […]
Blending the choir – part 2
Achieving a good choral sound can be a challenge, particularly in an amateur choir. Many of the voices are underdeveloped, or the singers have had little formal training since leaving […]
Blending the choir – part 1
Many people who listen to our choir comment on how each section sounds like one voice. This is not by accident, or good luck, but is a tribute to the […]
Choral singing – How to have a productive rehearsal
If you have been singing very long at all you have experienced at least one rehearsal which frustrated you because of its lack of accomplishment. Today we’re going to take […]
Choral singing – Tone Production
Tone Production What makes a good tone? Generally, in Western culture a good vocal tone is considered to be one which is full, clear, and audible. A good vocal tone […]
Choral singing – Breath Management in Singing
Breath Management in Singing by David L. Jones Alan Lindquest once told me to take a thimble full of breath and put it in the lower back. It is important […]
Choral singing – Extending your vocal range (lower)
I am often asked how I sing so low. (I am a bass.) The short answer is that I just open my mouth and sing the notes. Of course, there […]