Page 8 - Voice for Life Songbook 1

Warm-ups
It is advisable to begin every rehearsal with a warm-up.The chief purposes of this process, in the words of voice specialists Brenda Smith and Robert T Salatoff, are namely:
1) to adjust the voice from speaking to singing
2) to align the body and free the breathing mechanism for the act of singing 3) to create a physical awareness of the vocal mechanism being used correctly 4) to stretch gently and exercise the skeletal muscles used in phonation
As singers often arrive at a rehearsal from other activities with their minds on other things, the warm-up also helps focus their thoughts and channel their energies ready for the rehearsal.
Structuring a warm-up
A warm-up usually consists of a series of short physical, mental and vocal activities.When planning a session it is helpful to follow the pattern below:
1) Relaxation
2) Posture
3) Breathing
4) Tone and resonance
5) Rangeandflexibility
The exercises listed below are intended as an introductory guide.There are many books that give more detailed advice as well as additional examples of warm-up activities. Many choir trainers will develop their own exercises: it is good to take an imaginative and varied approach to the warming up process in order to keep singers interested and stimulated.
Relaxation
Healthy singing requires a balance between physical relaxation and activity. Many different muscle groups are engaged in the act of singing, but any tension in the body has a detrimental effect on the voice.To release any tension in the body, start with gentle stretches and sighing. If appropriate you could ask choir members to massage each other’s shoulders. Other suggestions are listed below.
􏰀 Stretchupwithonehand,thentheother,asiftryingtopickapplesfromthebranchofahightree.
􏰀 Starting from a standing position, slowly bend from the waist until you are doubled over.
Allow your head and hands to hang loosely. Keep the knees slightly bent and sway from side to side. Take several deep breaths in, and sigh out before slowly standing up.
􏰀 Tread on the spot with toes remaining on the ground to loosen ankles and knees.
􏰀 Tenseeverypartofthebody,startingwiththetoesandmovinguptotheface;holdfortenseconds,
then release.
􏰀 Place the hands on your hips and keep them still as you twist from the torso to the right and left. Hold for seven seconds in each direction.
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