"Straight-tone" singing is a widely used -- and necessary -- vocal color among professional choristers, but there is still a lot of resistance to it among classically trained singers.
I am currently thinking about the irony of being asked to produce These sounds in college choir – without any guidance -in a style that was literally in direct opposition to what we were Being trained to do in our individual lessons -and literally were required to perform well and execute for our grades, recitals, and degree programs. Crazy
it also reminds me of Justin Petersen‘s recent article about tonal singing versus vowel singing.
Yeah, it's kind of bonkers, and an ill-conceived idea for sure. I think some of our peers *did* figure out how to do the choral thing effectively, or at least they appeared to, but I remember most people struggling, especially sopranos.
I liked Justin's tone vs vowel article. I think it's possible for both priorities to exist, especially in a style like choral singing where, yes, you need clarity of text, but you also need to work toward a collective tonal goal. So you need clear, focused vowels that enable you to tune, but not the kind that allow you to cut over the texture, as in solo singing -- because in a choral setting, YOU are the texture, or at least part of it. Of course, there are many other factors, too.
Like, the least they could have done was tell us was that it required a completely different technical approach?? But it was just presented as "sing regular, but without vibrato." Like, what??
I am currently thinking about the irony of being asked to produce These sounds in college choir – without any guidance -in a style that was literally in direct opposition to what we were Being trained to do in our individual lessons -and literally were required to perform well and execute for our grades, recitals, and degree programs. Crazy
it also reminds me of Justin Petersen‘s recent article about tonal singing versus vowel singing.
Yeah, it's kind of bonkers, and an ill-conceived idea for sure. I think some of our peers *did* figure out how to do the choral thing effectively, or at least they appeared to, but I remember most people struggling, especially sopranos.
I liked Justin's tone vs vowel article. I think it's possible for both priorities to exist, especially in a style like choral singing where, yes, you need clarity of text, but you also need to work toward a collective tonal goal. So you need clear, focused vowels that enable you to tune, but not the kind that allow you to cut over the texture, as in solo singing -- because in a choral setting, YOU are the texture, or at least part of it. Of course, there are many other factors, too.
Like, the least they could have done was tell us was that it required a completely different technical approach?? But it was just presented as "sing regular, but without vibrato." Like, what??
Re-read this. Still such a great article. You are such a good writer
Thank you! I will admit that I enjoy revisiting this particular piece of writing every year. 🤣
Yay for Expert Content! :-)
Yes, ma'am!
I'm not sure what you mean by this? I'd love to hear more specific thoughts!