VOCALS
WITH ONE VOICE : STRATEGIES FOR SINGING AS A TEAM | Renée Maranan
Singing as part of a team can be one of the most rewarding parts of worship ministry – but it can also be one of the most challenging . With different performance backgrounds , experience and skill levels , vocal attributes , and stylistic preferences , it can be difficult for singers to blend with one another . This article offers some practical tools that worship singers can use to develop better cohesion within the vocal team .
VOLUME Volume is one common reason why vocal teams fail to blend . Some vocalists may sing louder or quieter than others , whether by nature or habit . When singers don ’ t match one another in volume , it can impact the execution of harmonies and also compromise the overall sound quality of the group as a whole .
EXERCISE : ACTIVE LISTENING While singing as a group , actively listen to the singer beside you . Can you hear their voice as well as your own , equally ? If you can ’ t hear the person beside you , it may be because you ’ re singing too loudly or they ’ re singing too quietly . Active listening is a useful way to know when it might be time to work together to adjust your volume levels as individuals and as a group .
VOWELS AND CONSONANTS Articulation is an important aspect of singing that can affect timbre , vocal function , stylization , intelligibility , and more . A cohesive articulation strategy is an effective tool for facilitating a more unified sound within a vocal team .
EXERCISE : INTENTIONAL ARTICULATION Listen to how the group is collectively articulating key phrases and words . Are some singers pronouncing hard consonants , while others are softening them ? Are some singers leaning more towards wide vowels , while others are narrowing ? Are some singers sustaining single vowels while others are sliding into diphthongs ? Depending on the vocal task , there are functional and stylistic reasons for modifying vowels and enunciating consonants in a certain way . A vocal coach may be needed for more in-depth guidance , but a unified articulation strategy is an easy way to create a more unified sound .
ONSETS AND OFFSETS Onsets and offsets can impact rhythm , and this is especially obvious in group singing . When the onsets are not precise , entrances into words and phrases sound less decisive . When offsets are not coordinated , the ends of phrases can sound messy . When certain singers “ scoop ” into or out of phrases while others don ’ t , it can affect pitching . And when certain singers fade out of a sustained note while others hold it out at full volume , it can throw the sound of the group off-balance .
EXERCISE : SING WITH A METRONOME As a group , sing a song with no instrumentation and only a metronome . This can be an effective way of highlighting areas where onsets and offsets need to be more coordinated and precise . The metronome highlights any differences in rhythm , and the absence of instrumentation makes it easier to hear any discrepancies in how singers are starting and ending melody lines , whether it be on straight tones , grace notes , or slides . It may be helpful for someone to act as a conductor , especially if the group needs a visual guide for the rhythm .
HARMONIES Harmony is such a beautiful way to add depth and color to a group ’ s performance , and it ’ s an obvious advantage to singing with a group as opposed to singing alone . But when the harmonies are not executed well , it can end up distracting listeners from the song itself .
EXERCISE : SING THE CHORD One singer can take the lead by singing the “ tonic ” or the do , and then the other singers can enter at their own pace with the mi and sol . Sustain the chord until everyone has had a chance to find their note and hold it long enough for the whole group to hear the chord . When the harmonies have been found and tuned accurately , singers often describe a feeling of the chord “ clicking ” into place . If singers are new to finding harmonies , it might help to have a piano playing the individual notes of the chord as a guide . When the chord has been sung , the lead singer or the pianist can pick a completely different chord and start again . Want to level up ? Add sustained fourths by singing the fa or even major sevenths by singing the ti . You can also swap the major chords for minor chords !
Bottom line : it takes time to cultivate the balance , unity , and cohesion that it takes to sound great as a group of vocalists . But when everyone is committed to the process and to the end goal of serving God together as a team , group singing can create a bond that is truly special – the kind that can only be created through singing joyfully together .
Renée Maranan Renée is a vocal instructor , voice teacher trainer , and life coach , with over 20 years of experience working with singers , vocal instructors , and performers from all over the world . Got a singing question ? Send an email to hello @ reneemaranan . com with “ WM Vocals Question ” in the subject line ! www . ReneeMaranan . com Instagram @ reneemaranan
34 September 2024 Subscribe for Free ...