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throat and a higher larynx position. Then the voice quality NOTES
needs to quickly adjust to a moderately-low larynx with no
constriction in the throat and a reduction of airfl ow from 1 Kim Steinhauer, Mary Klimek, and Jo Estill, The Estill Voice
the “s” to the subsequent vowel. Model: Theory and Translation (Pittsburgh, PA: Estill Voice
The last speech sound, “ng,” will need to be louder than International, 2017), 146.
the preceding vowel sound in order to match the perceived
intensity of the vowel. This can be accomplished by sing-
ing the vowel in a thin fold, or more head voice, and then
the “ng” in a thicker vocal fold body-cover, or more chest
voice. Another option could be to narrow the aryepiglottic
sphincter to add intensity in the “ng.” Sometimes the an-
swer is also to make the consonant longer in duration.
Conductor-teachers can begin to incorporate these
ideas into score preparation and the choir’s daily warm-

up. Eventually a scaffolded process can be developed to
integrate these concepts in varied voice qualities. This can
help conductor-teachers move toward a more comprehen-
sive approach to teaching voice quality. It can help sing-
ers explore expressivity from a more holistic view. These
ideas can easily be incorporated into in-person or online
teaching. Visit www.brianwinnie.com to learn more about
the integration of these concepts into a choral rehearsal.
For further professional development in voice science, visit
estillvoice.com or voicescienceworks.org. These websites in-
clude a wonderful list of additional resources.

Bibliography

Bauer, Matt. “Articulatory Conflict and Laryngeal
Height.” ICPhS, 2011.

Laino, Allan Zester. “Choral Consonants: Developing
a Balanced Approach to Articulation and Resonance.”
(DMA diss. University of Maryland, 2015).

Simpson, Adrian P. and Erika Brandt. “Detecting Larynx
Movement in Non-pulmonic Consonants Using Dual-
Channel Electroglottography.” ICPhS, 2019.

Waring, Fred. Tone Syllables (Delaware Water Gap, PA:
Shawnee Press, 1945).

Winnie, Brian J. “The Horse Before the Cart: Redefi n-
ing the Choral Warm-Up.” Choral Journal 60, no. 9 (April
2020): 28-39.

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