- Editorial Statement -
Millions
of people the world over participate in the phenomenon of
choral singing. Every school, community and church
choir or chorus, from simple quartet to a hundred voices or
more, is comprised of people who love to sing for the sheer
joy of making music together. Some prefer
Renaissance, some opera, some Broadway. Many are
spiritually motivated, others more socially so. Some
may have had extensive training or coaching - or even may
have sung professionally at one time or another. But
all singers, regardless of background, benefit from
positive reinforcement and regular reminders about:
-
Good vocal technique
-
Healthy habits
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The particulars of singing in different
languages
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Differences in musical styles
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Group dynamics
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Key physical elements of singing
Every
conductor spends some time on these issues, but few can
devote to them more than a small percentage of precious
rehearsal time.
Choral Singer
newsletter can extend that good training beyond the walls
of the rehearsal hall, reinforcing it all the other days of
the week.
Choral singing is a major commitment. Attending
rehearsals, personal study of difficult passages, auditions
for solos – major or incidental - lengthy dress rehearsals,
and multiple performances. This is not an avocation
for the faint-hearted! Singing is an athletic
activity, requiring both mental and physical agility and
strength.
A singer - in whatever stage of musical development he or
she may be - who is operating at peak performance, is a
happy singer. That is, singing with confidence and
understanding - without fear, without strain, and without
fatigue. And, from the director’s point of view, it goes
without saying that a happy singer is making the best
possible contribution to the group.
We are committed to all the singers who want to be the best
they can be, and all the conductors who seek to show them
the way.