LeftNav NNT
  • Home
  • Auditions
  • About Us
    • About Our Chorus
    • Our Leadership
    • Gallery
    • Schedule
    • Contact Us
  • Hire Us
  • Sponsors
  • Donate
  • Singing & Covid-19
  • Home
  • Auditions
  • About Us
    • About Our Chorus
    • Our Leadership
    • Gallery
    • Schedule
    • Contact Us
  • Hire Us
  • Sponsors
  • Donate
  • Singing & Covid-19
LeftNav NNT

High Notes

LIFE-AFFIRMING BENEFITS OF SINGING - VOCALIZING PROMOTES WELL BEING    [By Patty Mills]

1/2/2021

0 Comments

 
“Singing fortifies health, widens culture, refines the intelligence, enriches the imagination, makes for happiness and endows life with an added zest” — American Academy of Teachers of Singing

​If you sing in the shower or sing along with the radio, consider taking this raw vocal skill to new heights. Music – the “universal language” not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigor to see us through even the most stress-filled life commitments. Good vocal technique goes beyond the basics to include both physical and vocal warm-ups, proper nutrition, adequate rest and emotional commitment. An experienced vocal teacher will explore all aspects of posture, abdominal and chest development, tone production and breath control. What health club can promise these benefits?
  • Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.
  • Singing strengthens concentration and memory.
  • Singing develops the lungs and promotes superior posture.
  • Singing broadens expressive communication.
  • Singing adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.
  • Singing animates the body, mind and spirit.
  • Singing enables the performer to delve into characterization/acting.
  • Singing stimulates insight into prose and poetry and piques interests in the inner meaning of words.
  • Singing enriches one’s ability to appreciate the art of great singers.
  • Singing is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old.
  • Singing is therapeutic both emotionally and physically.
Solo singing is easy to develop with the assistance of a well-trained vocal coach. Performing opportunities include church/band soloist, cabaret artist, or enjoying your newly developed skill exclusively for self-satisfaction. Opportunities to group singing abound from choirs to classical ensembles, Madrigal troupes, doo-wop, a cappella and more. If you commit to a performing ensemble, be sure the group shares the same emotionally and health-enriching goals you have set for yourself.

Whether or not you become a world-class singer is not important. Sharing the joy of singing will enrich your life far beyond the notes and music. Add a healthy, new dimension to your life – try SINGING!

About the AuthorPatty Mills was an active member of the YankeeMaid Chorus for many years. Most recently she was very involved in marketing and public relations for the chorus. To that end, she wrote this article for publication in the Fairfield/New Haven Counties edition of “Music Notes.”
0 Comments

It's as simple as breathing...

5/13/2016

0 Comments

 
I thought I knew how to breathe. Since I've been able to keep myself alive for a few decades, breathing was one thing I thought I'd mastered!  But, sometimes breathing isn't so simple.

I've been working on Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen for our Sweet! Harmony workshops.  I run out of breath while singing the long passages, then take a loud, too-long breath that still leaves me feeling breathless for the next passage.  

I think I just learned something that will help.  At rehearsal on Thursday, we warmed up with this exercise Jamie learned from the wonderful Darlene Rogers.  Breathing exercises are a great way to strengthen your singing muscles.  More breath support will allow you to sing better and with more control.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth:
  • in for 4 counts, out for 4 counts; repeat 5 times
  • in for 2 counts, out for 2 counts; repeat 10 times
  • in for 1 count, out for 1 count; repeat 20 times
  • pant for 40 counts
  • in for 1 count, out for 1 count; repeat 20 times
  • in for 2 counts, out for 2 counts; repeat 10 times​
  • in for 4 counts, out for 4 counts; repeat 5 times
Be careful not to 'stack air' or you'll hyperventilate.  Make sure you breathe out all air you take in.
Each chorus member was challenged to do this exercise at least once a day (or more) before next rehearsal.

This is just an example of why I love our chorus. I learn something new each time we meet.
​See you on the risers!
Sumiko
0 Comments

Welcome, Richard Light!

4/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Note-Ably North Texas feels like we won the lottery this week!  Richard Light has agreed to be our new music director.  Richard was voted in enthusiastically &  unanimously.  We can't wait to have the benefit of Richard's vast expertise.  Richard will officially start in June.
We welcome Melissa Purdin back to the risers!

See you on the risers,
Sumiko
​
PS. I love our rehearsal space at Blue House Too, Allen, TX!  Beautiful and convenient in the Watters Creek mall.
0 Comments

    Author

    NNT Blog posts are written by members of our chorus or sourced from Published Materials. 

    Archives

    January 2021
    May 2016
    April 2016

    Categories

    All
    Announcements
    Education
    Rehearsal
    Technique

    RSS Feed

​Note-Ably North Texas Chorus is a non-profit organization.
Our affiliations:


Proud member of
Picture
Member organization of
Picture