That thing I did one time...
MHS Choral Workshop
MHS Choral WorkshopAKA A Short History of Everything I Wish
Someone Taught Me in High School
C
Top Ten Things I wish I knew In High SchoolThat would have made
me a MUCH better singer.
C
1. Preparation is respect. Respect is kindness.Time is a great
equalizer, and we all have the same amount, regardless of race,
gender, class, sexual orientation, geography, or socioeconomic
backgroundWhen you perform, you are trading someones precious time
for an expectation of enjoyment. DO NOT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY.
2. Actually know what your instrument is!The biggest difference
between the voice and other instruments is that we cannot touch all
the components of it. I mean, we could, but then we would be dead.
Having an understanding of the mechanisms at play within the
production of your soundfrom your lungs, to your vocal chords,
etc.is absolutely essential to proper technique and
performance.
And most people know jack about any of that. (Well change that
today.)
3. This is messy work. Enjoy that. Perfection is a lie. Get over
it.
You areunlike those darned pianistslimited by your age.
Life happens in performance.
4. Know what youre singing about and whyThis goes back to number
1.
It is the artists job to remind humanity how to feel. Kathleen
Kaun
Make mistakes, sing off pitch, but for the love of all that is
holy, do not bore me.
5. Dont limit yourselfThis is a mental game, and your own
personal beliefs will affect your abilities a performer. Do you
believe that youre a bad choral singer? You are. Do you believe
that you can ONLY sing classical music? Thats true. Are you a
musical theater junkie who can/will never sing anything else? Yep.
BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THAT WAY.
6. If it doesnt light you on fire, why do it?Everyone here is
trying to figure out what theyre passionate about. If this isnt
your thing, that is not a problem! Go ahead and try something else.
But, if this is your thing, then you owe it to yourself to work at
it with extreme discipline.
8. OMG TAKE CARE OF YOURSELFDrink WaterDo some yogaStay
sanePractice good vocal hygieneSleep is not optional
9. There is room for all of usThat clich about being in
competition with yourself is entirely true. Drama does not serve
you, but kindness always does.
10. There is always time to be kind. AlwaysMy one and only rule
for my own students and in settings like this is: You do not have
to be best friends. I do not expect you to hold hands and sing
Kumbaya, and I dont even expect you to like each other, but I do
expect you to be on one anothers team.
Basic Anatomy for Singers
C
HAPPY VIDEO TIME!
Posture
C
Breath
C
Resonance
C
Basic Vocal Hygeine
C
Problems
C
