Running a Warm-up
Would you like to try running a warm-up for the group during one of our rehearsals? It can be a lot of fun to have some variety and share the planning workload for rehearsal – so why not try giving it a go!
We typically budget approximately 10-15 minutes for our warm ups, and there are several functions or targets of a vocal group warm-up exercise to keep in mind:
Circulation
Warm up the circulation and get blood to the muscle, especially to the brain! Include some kind of physical movement to re-energize our bodies. We may feel tired from a day’s work and travelling, but increased blood flow improves our attentiveness and awareness. Some simple stretches and breathing actions are a big help! (e.g: “Pick an apple, etc.)
Voices
Warm up the vocal system, including the breathing, vocal and posture muscles that have probably only been used for speaking during the day! Get a good posture for singing. Try starting with some simple phrases and move it up and down the scale to gradually let each person open up their full range. It adds to the fun if we can practice doing some simple harmony as well. Examples are:
- 5 note scales, up or down, whatever syllables you choose (keep it simple!)
- arpeggios over less than an octave (maybe change vowel sounds, explore consonants)
- eg a canon (such as Tallis), or the harmony chorus from ‘Hey Jude’, or whatever!
- if you are ambitious, try working in intervals, dynamics, and/or tone transitions (choral, edge)!!
Ears:
Finally, warm up the system that we (mostly subconsciously) use for feedback on our vocal production and tuning of our own voice with others – our HEARING!
Do something that requires singers to listen to each other and match pitches or harmonies. Help our brains remember what the singing voices sound like together.
Most of all, try to create a fun atmosphere of being and working together. If possible, let’s have a laugh doing it!! Laughing is great as a breathing exercise!