Philippine Normal UniversityCollege of EducationDepartment of Elementary EducationTaft Avenue, Manila

Written Report in CEC-E2Literature for Child and Adolescents

SPEECH CHOIR

Submitted to: Prof. Gerry Areta

Submitted by:Ramos, Camille Grace C.II-6 BEEd

Speech Choir It is also called choral speaking, has a hallowed tradition. The first plays put on by the Greeks featured choruses of speakers. Today, speech choir is a popular teaching as well as a performing art. It operates like a musical choir minus the music, instead of singing, speech choirs perform spoken-word pieces like poems.

2 TYPES OF SPEECH CHOIR1. Conventional Speech Choir-it is also called traditional -it does not require to use costumes, props, nor choreography.-the choir just simply speaks or reads a literary piece2. Dynamic Speech Choir-it is also called theatrical-it is the reverse of the conventional speech choir

Elements of a Speech Choir1. MembersThe speech choir is typically the same size of a singing choir having anywhere from 12 to 100 members or more. However, most schools and competitions features choir of 25 to 40 members. The group is typically are divided into groups based on the members natural voices or speaking voices.

2. PiecesSelections are typically poems or poetic passages, such as from Greek dramas or Shakespeares plays. The conductor gives some thought to the passage, breaking into parts. Facial expressions and intonation are also carefully planned so all the members can practice in unison. Solo parts for specific members can add dramatic effect.

3. ChoreographyChoreography of movement is not necessary component for speech choir. Many successful competition choirs recite their pieces while standing in place with their hands at their sides, attention directed solely at the conductor.

*However, in Greek tradition, speech choirs marched from side to side in alternating patterns called strophe and antistrophe.

Thus, movement is a part of the rich history of speech choir and some conductors choose to choreograph elaborate movement to accompany their pieces.

4. CostumingAs with any other performance art, thought should be put into how the speech choir will dress. Costumes can be as simple as matching outfits or robes, such as a vocal choir would wear, or elaborate theatrical garb.

*Plain uniforms allow the audience to concentrate on facial expressions and allow the choir to recite several very different pieces in one performance.

*Themed costume for a single piece can highlight its meaning or help to differentiate between voice groups.5. Voice Quality The ability to combine successfully the light, medium, and dark voices in the choir . it is the ability to communicate through voice, reactions to thoughts or emotions.

6. Number of VoicesThe ability to add or subtract whole sections, banks, smaller groups, or solo speakers to increase or diminish the power or richness of the sound to better express the meaning.

7. PitchPitch refers to the variations of the voice on the musical scale and is generally referred to as the inflection. Children generally have little problem with pitch because they use it naturally and freely.

8. Power Ability to use volume, force, or loudness as emphasis in appropriate places to better express feeling and meaning. A power build should be related to the elements of a sentence and growing emotion.

9. Phrasing and rhythm Ability to use phrasing and rhythm as reinforcements for each other. Each much blend to better express the meaning of the verse.

10. TempoTempo refers to the rate of speed at which a reading progresses. The ability to balance the rhythm of a piece and the tempo of performance. Tempo should relate to the central beat of the poem. If it is too fast or too slow.

11. StagingThe ability to successfully organize and position the choir on stage or risers for the performance effect. The ability to stage entrances and exits which enhance the mood of the poem and the performance. The ability to costume speakers in a way which also enhances the performance as a whole.

What are the things to be remembered in doing speech choir?

*Speech choir requires technical skills that must be honed and remembered in both rehearsal and performance. These are the following:

1.BreathingThe most important part of any performing art, from playing an instrument to acting in a play is BREATHING. While we breath involuntarily all the time, many green performers forget to breath while on stage. Mark your speech choir piece like a sheet of music, noting where it makes sense to take a breath, so you dont interrupt the word flow but have enough breath to make it through the line. Breathing in performance links you with your whole group, calms your nerves, and gives your performance life.

2.Articulation and DictionThe audience wants to hear what you have to say. If you dont articulate, all they will hear is a bunch of mush. By practicing your articulation and diction, your words will be clear and vibrant. Strive to make every word lucid and colourful.

*Diction is a learned skill; articulate strongly in rehearsal and in your everyday life. People will notice how well you command language.

3.Connection to the groupA speech choir is a living organism made up on individuals, never forget that. You are not performing a monologue, you are a part of a group performance. Onstage, the choir is your family. Connecting with them will eliminate any stage fright. If anything unexpected happens, the group must respond and correct together.

4.The TextThe text is your guide; its what the audience came to see and hear you perform. Performing the texts requires you to know the text inside and out. Once you know what you are saying, add color and meaning to the words. Let the audience see what you are saying. Let your personal reaction to the words sprinkle meaning on the performance.