I am very blessed because I have an amazing vocal teacher. I go to vocal lesson 2x a week. It's a bit expensive but to me, it's worth it. We've been using the Sing at First Sight Book. I am on book two now. The vocal teacher said that we needed to build the foundation before getting really deep into the vocal technique. Choral singing is a bit more complicated than singing as a soloist. In my situation, I also have to learn correct Latin and Spanish pronunciation because of the music that the advanced choir that I want to join sings. I really like it. I sing in a church choir that welcomes everyone. I think that the choir director should teach the choir how to read music. The scores are a bit challenging and there are all levels there. He spends so much time going over and over the same scores, season after season. I also think that he caters too much to the advanced singers and doesn't pay enough attention to the struggling singers who can't read music. As a result, the one vocalist next to me didn't understand that there was a repeat in the middle of this one particular song. She was completely lost and confused. As a result, she ended up not singing the song at the church service. I took a break from that choir because I began to feel a bit salty. In my humble opinion, I want to share my thoughts on the mistakes that I feel that some choir directors do that make a vocalist salty, which will inevitably lead to dropouts. 1. Not encouraging enough 2. Cares more about better singers and pays more attention to them. 3. Invites singers of all levels to join the choir but then expects those singers to sing music that is way too advanced for singers who can't even r 4. Doesn't test each vocalist to inform that vocalist of his or her vocal range (not all vocalists know which position they are). 5. Has a schola group for "his" picks but then doesn't allow anyone to try out for it nor does he explain what the requirements are to get into it. 6. Has poor boundaries with the choir (i.e. vocalists talking while he's conducting, constant lateness). 5. Too many rehearsals moving at a snails pace. 6. Not explaining the importance of singing straight toned. I got really fed up and frustrated and sent the choir director an email telling him in a polite way that I didn't feel that this choir was not a choir where I could learn and grow. I told him that I'm not coming back. I then changed my mind and am now having ambivalent feelings. I didn't disrespect him, nor did I point out how I truly feel. I did point out that I was not happy with a group of vocalists were strolling in later and later every week for rehearsals and that they were having conversations while he was conducting which was very distracting.
Breath marks (curved apostrophes) above the staff are helpful. My voice teacher had me mark them. She also would mark with an arc over places where I might tend to want to breathe but it would sound better otherwise. She also would put a breath mark in parentheses where I had an option to breathe if I needed to. Memorize as best as you can so you can pay attention to the director. Listen while you're singing. Can you hear the singers next to you? Pronunciation and enunciation are important, too. There is a reason the teacher/director (as in a sanctuary or auditorium) will step back into where the audience sits. The quality of your notes is important. So are your words. Your audience needs to be able to understand every word. Pay attention to the vowels and consonants, word endings and connections. Marking these are important. I remember when I was young and we all were told exactly when to cut off the "s" at the end of words so the audience wouldn't hear a hiss.😊 When I directed choirs I was so particular about this. One funny thing (to me, anyway) was having a song that had some fast segments where it was a bit difficult to pronounce the words clearly. I came upon a solution. The woman next to me mentioned having the same difficulty. Sing it with a lilt and a clipped accent (thinking of Brigadoon)! Not exaggerated but just enough to make it work. I sang it like that for her and we laughed but it worked! The funny thing was that it was a song in a Christmas cantata. Brigadoon at Christmas?!? 😁 I was in my late 30s then. Dr. Hale, with my "eclectic" music education (not my word, but that of a Minister of Music), synesthesia, creative imagination, and sense of humor, working with choirs of all ages has been an adventure! I'm 68 now.
@@RogerHale @RogerHale I passed 🤩 now preparing for the step 2 which is singing with the group in 10days. the choir in question are Stella Choir from tangier, Morocco. I am already a big fan of them so if I officially join will be a dream. Thanks again🤗
I am very blessed because I have an amazing vocal teacher. I go to vocal lesson 2x a week. It's a bit expensive but to me, it's worth it. We've been using the Sing at First Sight Book. I am on book two now. The vocal teacher said that we needed to build the foundation before getting really deep into the vocal technique. Choral singing is a bit more complicated than singing as a soloist. In my situation, I also have to learn correct Latin and Spanish pronunciation because of the music that the advanced choir that I want to join sings. I really like it. I sing in a church choir that welcomes everyone. I think that the choir director should teach the choir how to read music. The scores are a bit challenging and there are all levels there. He spends so much time going over and over the same scores, season after season. I also think that he caters too much to the advanced singers and doesn't pay enough attention to the struggling singers who can't read music. As a result, the one vocalist next to me didn't understand that there was a repeat in the middle of this one particular song. She was completely lost and confused. As a result, she ended up not singing the song at the church service. I took a break from that choir because I began to feel a bit salty. In my humble opinion, I want to share my thoughts on the mistakes that I feel that some choir directors do that make a vocalist salty, which will inevitably lead to dropouts. 1. Not encouraging enough 2. Cares more about better singers and pays more attention to them. 3. Invites singers of all levels to join the choir but then expects those singers to sing music that is way too advanced for singers who can't even read music let alone sight sing. 4. Doesn't test each vocalist to inform that vocalist of his or her vocal range (not all vocalists know which position they are). 5. Has a schola group for "his" picks but then doesn't allow anyone to try out for it nor does he explain what the requirements are to get into it. 6. Has poor boundaries with the choir (i.e. vocalists talking while he's conducting, constant lateness). 5. Too many rehearsals moving at a snails pace. 6. Not explaining the importance of singing straight toned. I got really fed up and frustrated and sent the choir director an email telling him in a polite way that I didn't feel that this choir was not a choir where I could learn and grow. I told him that I'm not coming back. I then changed my mind and am now having ambivalent feelings. I didn't disrespect him, nor did I point out how I truly feel. I did point out that I was not happy with a group of vocalists were strolling in later and later every week for rehearsals and that they were having conversations while he was conducting which was very distracting. Lastly, there is an advanced singer in that choir who cannot sing straight toned. She has beautiful pitch and can sight sing. Her vibrato is unnatural and is very heavy. She stands out from everyone else. Yet, the choir director loves her singing 🤷♀️. Uh...he may love her singing but that vibrato will ultimately sink her should the day come when she tries out for an advanced choir. She really stands out.
@angelamwatts You put a lot of thought and effort into this comment. I completely understand your frustration and I have seen these behaviors in choirs myself. I encourage you to try to share your concerns with the director. Be direct and don’t hold back but be respectful and use your “I” statements. “I feel like they disrespect you when they talk during rehearsal. It also distracts those of us who are trying to learn.” Hopefully, he will listen to you and get better control of his choir members and lead a more productive rehearsal.
@lindahines7294 I am not worried about it. It's very frustrating but it's okay. I figure that the best thing to do is to be charitable about it and just focus on doing the best that I can do. I took a break from that choir but I'm going to go back and just go with the flow and keep my opinions to myself. It's his choir, take it or leave it. I have my heart set on a more advanced choir.
If you have suggestions that you want to add to this list, Please comment below!
I am very blessed because I have an amazing vocal teacher. I go to vocal lesson 2x a week. It's a bit expensive but to me, it's worth it. We've been using the Sing at First Sight Book. I am on book two now. The vocal teacher said that we needed to build the foundation before getting really deep into the vocal technique. Choral singing is a bit more complicated than singing as a soloist. In my situation, I also have to learn correct Latin and Spanish pronunciation because of the music that the advanced choir that I want to join sings. I really like it.
I sing in a church choir that welcomes everyone. I think that the choir director should teach the choir how to read music. The scores are a bit challenging and there are all levels there. He spends so much time going over and over the same scores, season after season. I also think that he caters too much to the advanced singers and doesn't pay enough attention to the struggling singers who can't read music. As a result, the one vocalist next to me didn't understand that there was a repeat in the middle of this one particular song. She was completely lost and confused. As a result, she ended up not singing the song at the church service. I took a break from that choir because I began to feel a bit salty.
In my humble opinion, I want to share my thoughts on the mistakes that I feel that some choir directors do that make a vocalist salty, which will inevitably lead to dropouts.
1. Not encouraging enough
2. Cares more about better singers and pays more attention to them.
3. Invites singers of all levels to join the choir but then expects those singers to sing music that is way too advanced for singers who can't even r
4. Doesn't test each vocalist to inform that vocalist of his or her vocal range (not all vocalists know which position they are).
5. Has a schola group for "his" picks but then doesn't allow anyone to try out for it nor does he explain what the requirements are to get into it.
6. Has poor boundaries with the choir (i.e. vocalists talking while he's conducting, constant lateness).
5. Too many rehearsals moving at a snails pace.
6. Not explaining the importance of singing straight toned.
I got really fed up and frustrated and sent the choir director an email telling him in a polite way that I didn't feel that this choir was not a choir where I could learn and grow. I told him that I'm not coming back. I then changed my mind and am now having ambivalent feelings. I didn't disrespect him, nor did I point out how I truly feel. I did point out that I was not happy with a group of vocalists were strolling in later and later every week for rehearsals and that they were having conversations while he was conducting which was very distracting.
you are amazing!
Thanks Sophie!
Another great video, thanks Dr. Hale!
Thanks Bryce!
Great tips, Dr Hale. Thank you and God bless.
You’re welcome ☺️
This is precious material, maestro! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you Luisa!
Thanks for the videos. They're so good and useful!
You're very welcome!
Great advice...thank you😊
You’re welcome
Thank you sir
All the best
Breath marks (curved apostrophes) above the staff are helpful. My voice teacher had me mark them. She also would mark with an arc over places where I might tend to want to breathe but it would sound better otherwise. She also would put a breath mark in parentheses where I had an option to breathe if I needed to.
Memorize as best as you can so you can pay attention to the director. Listen while you're singing. Can you hear the singers next to you?
Pronunciation and enunciation are important, too. There is a reason the teacher/director (as in a sanctuary or auditorium) will step back into where the audience sits. The quality of your notes is important. So are your words. Your audience needs to be able to understand every word. Pay attention to the vowels and consonants, word endings and connections. Marking these are important.
I remember when I was young and we all were told exactly when to cut off the "s" at the end of words so the audience wouldn't hear a hiss.😊
When I directed choirs I was so particular about this. One funny thing (to me, anyway) was having a song that had some fast segments where it was a bit difficult to pronounce the words clearly. I came upon a solution. The woman next to me mentioned having the same difficulty. Sing it with a lilt and a clipped accent (thinking of Brigadoon)! Not exaggerated but just enough to make it work. I sang it like that for her and we laughed but it worked! The funny thing was that it was a song in a Christmas cantata. Brigadoon at Christmas?!? 😁 I was in my late 30s then.
Dr. Hale, with my "eclectic" music education (not my word, but that of a Minister of Music), synesthesia, creative imagination, and sense of humor, working with choirs of all ages has been an adventure! I'm 68 now.
Wow, thanks for the great suggestions Margaret.
I wish I get accepted 🥺 I just had a test and will know the result this weekend
Good luck let me know!
@@RogerHale @RogerHale I passed 🤩 now preparing for the step 2 which is singing with the group in 10days. the choir in question are Stella Choir from tangier, Morocco. I am already a big fan of them so if I officially join will be a dream. Thanks again🤗
@@majidmenouar2444congratulations!
@@RogerHale ♥️
I am very blessed because I have an amazing vocal teacher. I go to vocal lesson 2x a week. It's a bit expensive but to me, it's worth it. We've been using the Sing at First Sight Book. I am on book two now. The vocal teacher said that we needed to build the foundation before getting really deep into the vocal technique. Choral singing is a bit more complicated than singing as a soloist. In my situation, I also have to learn correct Latin and Spanish pronunciation because of the music that the advanced choir that I want to join sings. I really like it.
I sing in a church choir that welcomes everyone. I think that the choir director should teach the choir how to read music. The scores are a bit challenging and there are all levels there. He spends so much time going over and over the same scores, season after season. I also think that he caters too much to the advanced singers and doesn't pay enough attention to the struggling singers who can't read music. As a result, the one vocalist next to me didn't understand that there was a repeat in the middle of this one particular song. She was completely lost and confused. As a result, she ended up not singing the song at the church service. I took a break from that choir because I began to feel a bit salty.
In my humble opinion, I want to share my thoughts on the mistakes that I feel that some choir directors do that make a vocalist salty, which will inevitably lead to dropouts.
1. Not encouraging enough
2. Cares more about better singers and pays more attention to them.
3. Invites singers of all levels to join the choir but then expects those singers to sing music that is way too advanced for singers who can't even read music let alone sight sing.
4. Doesn't test each vocalist to inform that vocalist of his or her vocal range (not all vocalists know which position they are).
5. Has a schola group for "his" picks but then doesn't allow anyone to try out for it nor does he explain what the requirements are to get into it.
6. Has poor boundaries with the choir (i.e. vocalists talking while he's conducting, constant lateness).
5. Too many rehearsals moving at a snails pace.
6. Not explaining the importance of singing straight toned.
I got really fed up and frustrated and sent the choir director an email telling him in a polite way that I didn't feel that this choir was not a choir where I could learn and grow. I told him that I'm not coming back. I then changed my mind and am now having ambivalent feelings. I didn't disrespect him, nor did I point out how I truly feel. I did point out that I was not happy with a group of vocalists were strolling in later and later every week for rehearsals and that they were having conversations while he was conducting which was very distracting.
Lastly, there is an advanced singer in that choir who cannot sing straight toned. She has beautiful pitch and can sight sing. Her vibrato is unnatural and is very heavy. She stands out from everyone else. Yet, the choir director loves her singing 🤷♀️. Uh...he may love her singing but that vibrato will ultimately sink her should the day come when she tries out for an advanced choir. She really stands out.
@angelamwatts
You put a lot of thought and effort into this comment. I completely understand your frustration and I have seen these behaviors in choirs myself. I encourage you to try to share your concerns with the director. Be direct and don’t hold back but be respectful and use your “I” statements. “I feel like they disrespect you when they talk during rehearsal. It also distracts those of us who are trying to learn.”
Hopefully, he will listen to you and get better control of his choir members and lead a more productive rehearsal.
@angelamwatts
If he doesn’t take your comments as an opportunity to improve his methods, there is not much more you can do.
@lindahines7294 I am not worried about it. It's very frustrating but it's okay. I figure that the best thing to do is to be charitable about it and just focus on doing the best that I can do. I took a break from that choir but I'm going to go back and just go with the flow and keep my opinions to myself. It's his choir, take it or leave it. I have my heart set on a more advanced choir.