Tag: performing

  • The Benefits of Singing With An Orchestra

     

    Calgary Children's Choir

    The Calgary Children’s Choir has been very fortunate over the years to have performed with a variety of musicians both locally and internationally. It is of the utmost benefit to young minds to be as exposed to as many kinds of performances as possible. From our concerts with local musicians, to our yearly participation in Alberta Ballet’s Nutcracker, we have had several wonderful opportunities to perform with orchestras. Here are three benefits of singing with an orchestra:

    #1. Everybody is necessary:
    Although there can be many different people involved in a concert, every single member of an orchestra, or a choir, is essential to that performance. Understanding this kind of teamwork is important to one’s growth as a musician. Even if you are only one part of the entire performance, you are still an essential aspect. Performing with other musicians is a great joy, and it can be highly beneficial, both physically and mentally.

    #2. Seemingly disparate parts make up a whole:
    It is always amazing to hear how the radically different sounds of a trombone, and a violin can sound so wonderful together. Orchestras are composed of a myriad of different sounds, and it is an excellent skill to be able to determine by ear which instrument makes which sound. Performing with an orchestra enables singers to become adept at picking out different sounds, and focusing on them, at hearing subtle differences, and understanding how the disparate sounds work together. These abilities have numerous non-musical applications, like memory retention, problem-solving skills, and the ability to focus intently.

    #3. Focus is key :
    With so many elements involved in a performance, it can be easy to become distracted. This is why focus is an essential skill a singer must develop. By learning to focus on the subtle instructions a conductor gives, or the variations in sound being produced by all of the different musicians in an orchestra as well as the singers around you, a singer can truly hone this important skill. Focus is an incredibly valuable skill outside of performance, as our world becomes increasingly filled with distractions.

    What are some other benefits of singing with an orchestra? Tell us in the comments below!

    = Calgary Children's Choir

  • Organization In Choir – Concert Readiness

    Calgary Children's Choir Uniform

    Concerts are some of the most important events for our choir during the year. Here are several tips to make sure you are organized and ready for a concert!

    #1. Make sure your uniform is ready:
    Our uniforms are an important aspect of our presentation as a choir, so you need to ensure that your uniform is concert ready. When you get your uniform at the beginning of the year, the first thing you should do, is check that it fits properly. And since children grow at an astounding rate, you need to check that your uniform fits, at least one week before the first concert! You also need to make sure that the uniform is clean, and is worn properly. We have a uniform guideline with photos in our Members Portal.

    #2. Make sure you have your music learned:
    Learning your music is an essential aspect of concert readiness. Performing is not just about singing the words and the notes that we’ve learned. It is about responding to the conductor, and the voices around you, as well as the energy from the audience, and delivering a ‘musical moment’. Each performance of a piece is different, because of these nuanced factors. Having your music learned before the concert, ensures that you can respond to each of these subtle aspects, and deliver something spectacular!

    #3. Make sure you are punctual: 
    Arriving for a concert on time is essential. We always have an earlier call time than our performance, but this doesn’t mean you should be late. The call time is important for the choristers to have time before a performance, together, to make sure that everything feels settled, and calm before the concert. At our Christmas concert, we also take our class photos, and if you’re late, you won’t be in the photo!

     

    How do you organize yourself so you’ll be ready for a concert? Tell us in the comments below!

    = Calgary Children's Choir