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Duane Cottrell, editor

Seven Essentials for Developing Voices in Choir: Part 1

by Francis Cathlina

Singing in a choral ensemble can ciples: the choral warm-up, posture, cifi c day and time. The singers’ use
create a positive impact in the lives breathing and support, tone, choral of kinesthetic movement can vastly
of its singers, helping them fi nd blend, musical acuity, and the con- help. Some ideas to engage the mu-
community to develop into emo- ductor’s model/gesture. This article sicians include: conducting horizon-

tionally whole human beings. Find- focuses on the first three precepts: tally to engender breath fl ow; using
ing ways to encourage the singers to the choral warm-up, posture, and the arms to visually depict the inha-
view themselves as worthy, talented, breathing and support. By refi ning lation/exhalation process; palpating
and special is important. Their indi- the choral conductor’s knowledge of the larynx for a physical awareness
vidual vocal development can foster these seven essentials, and expand- of its position; or gently massag-
this belief. Consistent support from ing their pedagogical toolboxes to ing the masseter muscles (chewing
the choral director, along with a use in rehearsals, each singer’s tech- muscles) while vocalizing. Titze also
strong understanding of healthy vo- nique can blossom healthfully within states that warming up should be a
calism, can promote the singers’ pos- a choral ensemble. “concert of individuality” where the
itive view of their own voice. This singers are warming up their voices
provides an outlet for self-expression to their optimal individual sound. 2
and encourages high self-esteem The Choral Warm-Up Expect to hear a cacophony of
in the singers—no matter the age. The choral warm-up is one of vocal sounds, especially when warm-
To do this, choir directors must be the greatest tools we have to de- ing up more advanced singers. Work
aware of the challenges their sing- velop voices. Similar to an exercise to further develop the students’ stu-
ers face. Vocal technique—rooted warm-up, it is wise to begin with dio technique during the warm-up
in a scientific understanding of the light exercises over a limited range, at a mezzo forte; the voice func-

voice and backed by historical ped- and then progress toward heavier tions at maximum effi ciency at this
agogy—is imperative in helping the singing loads with greater range. Ti- dynamic level. Do not insist upon
singers navigate the musical com- tze suggests that it should “involve choral blend yet, or the singers will
1
plexities in a rehearsal setting. The a dialogue with one’s body.” This begin holding back their voices from
building of strong voices in choir re- allows the singers to gauge their the start, diminishing their potential
lies on the following seven key prin- instrument’s condition on that spe- for greater vocal colors within the

CHORAL JOURNAL June/July 2021 Volume 61 Number 11 51