Eastern Kentucky University
Breathing New Life into Choral Breath Management
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Joyce Hall Wolf
Abstract
The anatomy and physiology of the singer’s body is, obviously, the same in a choral performance as it is in a solo performance. Yet, the solo singer receives much technical training while repertoire and choral-blend issues often overshadow technical training of the choral singer. This study by a vocal pedagogy student explored the use of systematic exercises for improved vocal technique in choral singing. Exercises originally intended for individual lessons with solo singers were applied and used for choral warm-ups/technique with a non-auditioned SATB college choir. This poster presenter spent rehearsal time with a resident college choir focusing on greater understanding of the physiology of breathing and employing specific vocal exercises. The exercises employ the Bel Canto Method of appoggio in singing. This technique stresses breath management through lateral rib movement with diaphragmatic descent, lung expansion, and stability of the body. The benefits for the choral ensemble include stable breath management and stamina for long phrases, evenness of the rate of vibrato (slight pitch fluctuation which is found in freely-produced, healthy singing), clearer diction (leading to more expressive performance), and greater ease in singing through the changing points or passaggi of the voice (commonly and erroneously called “breaks”). The improvement in sound is obvious to the trained ear and the layperson alike. Additionally, choral students participated in selfadjudication that also indicated the success of the application of these breath techniques. The resulting improved singing by the ensemble showed that correct breath techniques enhanced all technical warm-ups and improved performance of repertoire.
Breathing New Life into Choral Breath Management
The anatomy and physiology of the singer’s body is, obviously, the same in a choral performance as it is in a solo performance. Yet, the solo singer receives much technical training while repertoire and choral-blend issues often overshadow technical training of the choral singer. This study by a vocal pedagogy student explored the use of systematic exercises for improved vocal technique in choral singing. Exercises originally intended for individual lessons with solo singers were applied and used for choral warm-ups/technique with a non-auditioned SATB college choir. This poster presenter spent rehearsal time with a resident college choir focusing on greater understanding of the physiology of breathing and employing specific vocal exercises. The exercises employ the Bel Canto Method of appoggio in singing. This technique stresses breath management through lateral rib movement with diaphragmatic descent, lung expansion, and stability of the body. The benefits for the choral ensemble include stable breath management and stamina for long phrases, evenness of the rate of vibrato (slight pitch fluctuation which is found in freely-produced, healthy singing), clearer diction (leading to more expressive performance), and greater ease in singing through the changing points or passaggi of the voice (commonly and erroneously called “breaks”). The improvement in sound is obvious to the trained ear and the layperson alike. Additionally, choral students participated in selfadjudication that also indicated the success of the application of these breath techniques. The resulting improved singing by the ensemble showed that correct breath techniques enhanced all technical warm-ups and improved performance of repertoire.