The choir director is like the conductor of an orchestra or the coach of a football team. He is the absolute leader of the choir and has the expertise and knowledge to select music, interpret the music, guide the musicians and direct a diverse group of voices to yield a pleasing sound for the audience. Just as a football coach uses hand signals to communicate actions he wants his team to make, the choir director uses hand signals throughout a song to show you how to sing a particular note. For instance, the director may wave his hands at a certain pace to demonstrate how fast to sing the notes or he may gradually pull his hands apart if he wants you to slowly increase your volume. During performances it is important to keep your eyes on the director and watch out for his hand signals.
A choir brings together many different types of voices to produce a congruent and pleasant sound. The best way to achieve this sound is by singing together during consistent rehearsals. For some choirs, rehearsals take place once per day. For others, rehearsals occur once per week. The important thing to remember is when the director sets the rehearsal time, every choir member should be present in order for the rehearsal to be productive. Choir practice is also a time to receive one-on-one instruction from the choir director. If you are having trouble learning your part, your director can help. If you are selected for a solo, the director can give you tips to make it the best it can be. Being present for choir rehearsal can make you a better choir member all around.
If you decide to join a choir, you have to learn the music. Although the director will teach the music during rehearsal, you should practice the music on your own to strengthen your individual part. If each individual choir member knows her part, the harmony will be perfect when everyone sings together.
A choir is made up of various voice parts or sections according to the vocal range of each member. The typical voice parts are:
Soprano--Usually comprised of female voices with the highest range.
Alto--Usually comprised of female voices with a lower range than soprano.
Tenor--Usually comprised of the highest male voices and lowest female voices.
Bass--Usually comprised of male voices with the lowest range.
The number of voice parts or sections varies with every choir. However, each section must sing the given notes exactly the same way, as if it were one voice. This means the same notes, the same tone and the same inflections. Once a section is singing as one, they are ready to harmonize with the rest of the choir.
Even the most melodious voice can sound poorly if the breathing is not correct. Too little breathing keeps the choir member from being ready to sing each note and can cause her to go sharp or flat. Too much breathing makes the music sound sloppy. If each choir member can learn to breathe correctly, the music will fill the room and the optimal sound will be achieved. Correct breathing begins with inhaling or getting air into your body quickly. To actually sing the note without become sharp or flat, you must have a controlled, sustained and smooth exhale. You should also practice singing from your diaphragm and maintain upright posture. Following is a good exercise to help you with your breathing:
Inhale 2 3 4, Hold 2 3 4 Exhale 2 3 4 and Wait 2 3 Again.
Inhale 2 3 4, Hold 2 3 4 Exhale 2 3 4 and Wait 2 3 Last Time.
Inhale 2 3 4, Hold 2 3 4 Exhale 2 3 4 and Wait 2 3 4.
No matter what genre you are singing, it is important to enjoy the music. When you are pleased with what you are singing that joy shows on your face and reveals itself in your sound. When an audience member sees the happy faces of choir members and hears the sound of happy voices it makes her happy. Feeling the music cannot be taught by the director. It is an emotion the choir member must allow to fill her heart when singing the music.