Hello wonderful singers,
We did some solid work in rehearsal last evening. I notice a big difference in our progress when we tackle small sections and take the time to really pick apart the musical details. We are continuing to build skills in literacy, listening, inner hearing, vowels, beat/rhythm, and of course, overall musicality. I hope you can also notice a difference in your own development and in our sound as a choir. We’re getting there!
Rehearsal notes to help with practice for this week:
Baba Yetu
– we worked on m.39-54 and 71-end
– take some time with the text. It does get easier!
– softer/drier [ t ] consonants (no puff of air as you say the letter t)
– there is a youtube link to a pronunciation video on the google doc of resources. Also here for your convenience:
Video 1. There is a slower walkthrough starting about 3.5 minutes into the video, here.
Danny Boy
– review up to m.31. It doesn’t always sound like what you might be expecting for Danny Boy. Careful!
– tricky spots at m. 17-22 and 29-30 are in the shared folder as of this morning
– use your vowel knowledge to sing legato lines – sing “on the vowel”
Hymn of Acxiom
– excellent work on m.66-74
– please use the practice tracks in the shared folder to build confidence with these notes
Soprano
Alto
Tenor
Bass
Cantique
– legato singing is amazing and will make all the difference in our performance
– sing “on the vowel” – don’t allow your tongue or jaw to anticipate the next vowel or consonant. Allow your sound to hang out on the vowel until the last split second!
*Singing “on the vowel” does not mean “holding” with tension. We still want your beautiful free sound!
**It also doesn’t mean that we never squish or chew or combine vowel sounds. We do! Depending on the song!
Skye Boat
– use your metronome to practice, please. If you set it at 120 bpm it will give you a very manageable 8th note click. We will gradually increase the tempo over time.
– keep working on releases – placing consonants and/or breathing in on the rests
– excellent phrasing where the score is marked “no breath” – ex. m. 21-22 with the dotted curved line
Singing in the Rain
– rhythm is steadily improving! Keep working away!
– sop – notice your pick-up to m.9
– tenor – make a note on the bottom of page 3 so you know what’s coming. You are the 3rd of the chord
– TB – m.40 – check your entry please
– Excellent work with rhythmic consonants – ex. m.36 and 38, placing the [ s] on the correct beat
Better to practice while everything is still fresh rather than waiting until Tuesday in the parking lot : )
Looking forward to singing with you on Sunday afternoon!
Krista