8/10/2019 Look - Verb and Noun - a study lesson for choral singers

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Habit #3Lookverb and noun

1. Look (verb) at the director.

It is virtually impossible for a choral group to sing well unless every singer is watchingthe director. Unless the music is memorized, you will obviously need to refer to it whilesinging, but using peripheral vision you can look at your music andthe director. Thereare critical times when you must focus on the director.

1. Entrancesevery time your voice part has an entrance.2. Cut-offsevery time your voice part terminates a phrase.3. Introductions and interludesthere is no need to look at your music during an

instrumental introduction or interludes. Memorize your first (or next) entrance(pitch, syllable, dynamic level, etc.) and then watch the director for your entrance.

4. Changes in the musicwatch the director for tempo changes (abrupt changes,ritard, accelerando), changes in dynamics (crescendo, decrescendo, etc.),

phrasing, and other important cues.

Learn to interpret conducting gestures (which may differ with each director).

2. Be attentive to how you look (noun).

Assume the singers postureThere is a difference between how you should look

while singing and times when you may assume a more passive posture. When the

director calls you to attention, there should be a noticeable adjustment in your posture.

The singers stance enhances proper breath support and is more visually appealing for

the audience. Good posture for singing includes:

When standing:

a. Plant your feet firmly on the ground about shoulderswidth apart, one foot

slightly in front of the other, to give you a sense of foundation. Relax your

knees and keep them unlocked. Your body should feel fluid. Align the body by

lengthening the spine.

b. Keep the chest high but relaxed, sternum lifted. Roll your shoulders upward,

then backward and then drop them down as if they're falling gently into

sockets.

c. Your chin should be level to the floor. The director should see your face, not

the top of your head.d. Maintain the singers stance throughout the entire song. Dont break posture

during the introduction, instrumental interludes, or when your part is tacit.

e. Hold your music up and away from your body and almost parallel to the floor.Use your peripheral vision to see both the music and the director. Use onehand to support the music folder and the other to turn pages.

8/10/2019 Look - Verb and Noun - a study lesson for choral singers

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When sitting:

Try to simulate the proper standing posture: keep the back straight, sit tall and

forward, and hold your music up.

Facial expressionYour face should communicate that you are engaged in something

significant. A smile is not always the appropriate look, although it is a good default

setting.

a. Often, raising the eyebrows will help.

b. Your face should look pleasant and engaged.