Tapestry of Style

Tapestry of StyleThe How-Tos of Differentiating Between Pop and Classical and Everything in BetweenIf It Aint BrokeWhy mix it up?Making It SingFamiliar versus New hymnsAppropriate stylistic choicesUsing choir or worship team to teach congregational singingFun in worshipVocal TechniqueThe FundamentalsPostureSitting positionStanding positionChin LiftNeck PositionBreath ManagementBreathe as though you are a 360 degree person and go all the way aroundMore energetic styles of singing require more air which will make you sing louderTongue PositionThis is the one fix that transformed my choirs ability to lead congregational singingMake sure that the tip of the tongue is touching the back of the bottom teeth at all timesWhen trying new styles, its important to remind your singers that they need to keep their tongues forward as they are changing the soundVocal SpaceMany contemporary styles of singing require wide open mouth spaces.Encourage your singers to open their mouths and allow their voices to come outTrying to sing in certain styles without adequate vocal space will feel very uncomfortableVowelsPure vowels are important in any context, no matter what the styleVowel modification is an important tool to have in the singers tool kitKnowing how to modify vowels will encourage your singers to approach new music with same robustness they approach old standardsElements of StyleVowel ModificationRhythmUse of ConsonantsArticulationTraditional Choral StyleAllowing familiar and comfortable to be okayTraditional ElementsWe teach:Clear vowelsRounded or vertical mouth shapeHead voice and Straight toneClean onset of soundClear direction of phrase and legato lineRhythm is very accessibleConsonants (English) are very forward and easily timed together as a groupLet Us Ever Walk With Jesus 802

SwingThe easiest way inDiction ModificationsArticulation ModificationsVocal Space and RegisterDiction ModificationsClosed vowelsWet consonants often become soft or are dropped from the ends of words Singing on consonants occasionally is encouragedConsonants can be used as a percussive effect

Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus 802

Articulation ModificationsRhythm Division of the beat into three, especially on the eighth notesFat notesVocal TechniquesThe fallThe shakeBrightness of toneScoops

Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus 802

Vocal Space and RegisterHead voice vs Chest voice Vocal Space in the upper register is huge which requires a large amount of air so your singers may not be able to sing gigantic phrases and may need to breathe more frequently

Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus 802

20Praise the Lord

21PopJesus doesnt necessarily have to be your boyfriendDiction ModificationsArticulation Modifications Vocal Space and RegisterDiction ModificationColloquialism of textSpreading and Closing the vowelConsonants

There Is Room For All

24Articulation ModificationAccent on beats 1 and 3Use of syncopationRegular rhythmThe noodle

There Is Room For All

26Vocal Space and RegisterEnergy of Tone using the belt voiceMake sure your singers have adequate open spacePractice talking at pitch to find the belt soundPredominance of chest voice

There Is Room For All

28Go Make a Difference

29CountryIts more than old dogs and pick-up trucks.Diction ModificationsArticulation Modifications Diction ModificationDiphthongsSing on the second vowel, not the firstVowel and Consonant modificationsO is often changed to uhT often becomes dIng endings become inSinging on the consonantsR is not just for piratesSinging on M and N for effect is fineSlides and glides into notes are perfectly fine

Swing Low Sweet Chariot

32Articulation ModificationSubtle emphasis on off-beatsStrong beat oneVocal flips or breaks are completely acceptableRegular rhythm

Swing Low Sweet Chariot

34Precious Lord, Take My Hand

35GospelSing it, sister!Diction ModificationsArticulation Modifications Diction ModificationAs with pop and swing, the vowels open to a slightly more spread modification and can close slightly through a moving passageConsonants are sloppyOften the text is repeated a number of times so the clarity of the diction is not as importantSlides and scoops are welcome additions

Just a Closer Walk With Thee

38Articulation ModificationQuarter notes need to be fat Improvisation with the melody is expectedClapping on beats 2 and 4 is welcome and encouragedAdding a slight sway with the body or a side to side motion with the feet is also fine

We Are One

40Concluding ThoughtsIts all about balance.Everything in moderation.Dont be afraid!Listen, always listen.Use the choir or a soloist or a guest group or youth to introduce or encourage a new style of singing.Variety is the spice of life.Use style like salt a little goes a long way. And some styles are like jalapeno peppers.Questions?kimdenis@hotmail.comYou Are Mine