Tag: singing

  • How To Practice Singing Over A Break

    #1. Use Your Voice:

    The most important thing you can do for your voice over a break is to continue singing – every day if possible. It can be easy to stop singing as much during a break, and choristers often find that their range is not quite as large when they come back from a break. This is easy to mitigate, by continuing to sing, even if it’s just in the car, or the shower!

    #2. Work On Musicianship Skills:

    One of the most important skills for a singer is musicianship skills – improving your ear, and ability to understand the relationship between different pitches. There are many ways to do this, from ear-training websites, to practicing by yourself with a piano (or a piano app!)

    #3. Use Your Break To Discover:

    There are so many different genres of music, as well as different fields of study within music. A break is a great way to discover what other aspects of music interest you – whether it be learning more about music history, or music theory, exploring composition or improvisation, or even learning more about a genre of music you aren’t as familiar with – like jazz, or Baroque music. There are hundreds of years of music history, from all over the world, so use your break to discover what else is out there!

    How else can you use a break well? Tell us in the comments below!

  • 5 Misconceptions About Choir

    5 Misconceptions About Choir

    #1. It’s too hard:

    It’s true, singing can be hard work, physically, mentally, and emotionally. But this is why choir is great – you don’t have to go it alone. In choir there is always someone willing to help you, whether it’s staying in tune, reading your music, or keeping in time with the accompaniment. Choir is a great place to learn, and to be surrounded by others who are learning too!

    #2. You have to already be good at singing to join:

    While there are some groups that are auditioned, and some groups do require prior singing knowledge, that’s not true of every group. We are pleased to be a non-auditioned choir, because we believe that everyone can be taught to sing, and most of all that anyone who enjoys singing should be able to do it!
    But don’t be scared off if you do find a choir that requires an audition – often the audition process is really just to find out more about your instrument – your range, and timbre, and what you know about music already. Many choirs are ‘teaching choirs’, so just because it says there’s an audition, it doesn’t mean you won’t get in, if you don’t know much about singing yet!

    #3. You have to sing and dance and act:

    While there are some groups who sing and dance (show choirs or glee clubs generally), most classical choirs do not sing and dance. While there are some pieces that have movement, or we may decide stylistically to add some movement, generally choir is about sound production above all else, so singing is the number one objective of a choir.

    #4. It costs a lot of money:

    Choral programs can sometimes be expensive, because there are many elements that make up choral programs – conductors, accompanists, music fees, rehearsal space rental, and uniform costs are just a few. Still, the CCC is proud to offer a low cost program, for exceptional instruction, with no mandatory fundraising. We believe in accessibility, which means that we also offer scholarships, and options for choristers who need some extra help.

    #5. Choirs only sing old, boring music:

    There are many choirs who sing classical music, but that’s not the only repertoire that they sing. As well, just because a choir sings using ‘classical’ technique, that doesn’t mean that they only sing classical repertoire.
    The CCC has sung many classical pieces, but we’re also big fans of folk music, pop music, jazz, and modern music. We also love supporting local musicians and composers, and we have even performed songs written and arranged by our own choristers! You can check out our YouTube Channel to hear examples of the many different kinds of music we sing!

    What are some other misconceptions about choir? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • What Is The Best Age To Start Singing?

    What Is The Best Age To Start Singing?

    The obvious answer to this question is – as soon as possible! Babies start ‘singing’ as soon as they’re able to vocalize – experimenting with their instrument, and exploring the range and versatility of their voice!
    For the purposes of this blog post though we’ll discuss the best age to start formal instruction in singing:

    #1. Early childhood music education:

    There is quite a bit of research that shows that the earlier a child is exposed to music education, the more benefits they receive from that education.
    At the CCC we start our Music Makers program as young as 3 years old. We begin our musical instruction by introducing children to basic musical concepts, such as rhythm, pitch, and the diatonic scale through a mix of games, group singing, and movement. The goal of these classes, is to develop an inherent understanding of music, through fun and enjoyment of learning, without the pressure of performance.

    #2. Choir versus singing lessons:

    Choir and singing lessons are often viewed as an ‘either/or’ proposition, but at the CCC, we don’t believe that division is necessary – each type of instruction can benefit the other! We believe that choir is the best place for younger voices to begin, since there’s less pressure to focus on projection, and more importance is placed on blended sound. The human voice doesn’t fully mature until our mid to late 20’s – so putting too much pressure on young voices can harm them prematurely.
    In both choir and voice lessons, instruction includes introduction to basic music theory, and music history elements, good vocal health, musicianship skills (ear training), and application of this knowledge to repertoire. Both choir and singing lessons teach confidence, project management (in preparation for concerts and festivals), and organization.
    Choir focuses more on blended sound, harmonization, and excellent listening skills, while voice lessons focus more on projected sound, presentation and storytelling, and working closely with the accompaniment.
    We recommend that children interested in singing should begin their musical education in choir, and wait to start singing lessons until they are in their tween/teen years.

    #3. Singing for community:

    Voice lessons aren’t for everyone. Many people are nervous about performing by themselves, particularly as their voices change and develop in their young teenage years.
    This is why we believe in the power of choir! Singing with others is an excellent way to boost self-confidence, to develop a sense of community and teamwork, and becoming more attuned to your body and mind through singing!
    The sooner you start singing with others, the more time you have to enjoy! Many of our choristers have made life-long friendships with other choristers, and have developed a love of music that will extend throughout their entire lives!

    Do you have any other questions about when to start singing? Let us know in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Imperfection In Singing

    Imperfection In Singing

    Singing is difficult for many reasons, but one of the hardest things to deal with is how personal our voices are to every individual singer. Each voice is unique to that person, and as such, singers have an extra level of difficulty to deal with when learning how to use their instruments. Here are three ways to deal with imperfection in singing.

    #1. Mistakes are expected:

    Making a mistake in singing, or having your voice not respond in the way you’d like shouldn’t be considered a source of embarrassment. Our voices don’t come out of a manufacturing plant, or a production line, as many other instruments do. Our instruments are also not only affected by weather, and temperature, but also by the food we consume, and even how we’re feeling each day. This means that from day to day our voices can sound different. ‘Mistakes’ or variations in our voices are not only expected, but natural, which is why we spend a lot of time discussing how to manage our voices, instead of trying to control them.

    #2. Something new:

    Sometimes, what seems like an imperfection actually becomes a part of something new. Take pitch bending for example. In Classical music, singing in tune, with a high degree of accuracy is essential. ‘Scooping’ (dragging sound from one note to another) is not regarded as good technique. However, in pop music, and much of jazz, scooping, or pitch bending is considered essential, and is a skill to be developed in its own right! What is regarded as imperfection in one style, can be essential in another style!

    #3. Individuality:

    The individuality, and unique quality of our voices, which can sometimes feel imperfect, because they do not conform to any one sound, actually contribute to making our music feel more human. There is plenty of research to show how positively humans are conditioned to react to the sound of human voices, even from the womb.
    This means that the very imperfections, which we sometimes criticize ourselves for, are the very things that set our instruments apart from others, as well as what makes people so intrigued by, and musically responsive to, the human voice.

    What are some other tips to helps us with imperfection in singing? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • The Importance of Music Theory In Singing

    The Importance of Music Theory In Singing

    Music theory is often a chorister’s least favourite part of choir. But learning to read and understand the technical aspects of music, though difficult, is ultimately extremely rewarding.

    #1. Musicianship:

    Singing requires an excellent understanding of the relationship between notes, because unlike other instruments, singers do not have keys, or strings, to manipulate to elicit the appropriate pitch. Instead, singers must have a clear understanding of pitch in their brain, and then employ a wide variety of other techniques in order to produce the correct pitch. Understanding the fundamental aspects of music theory is essential in developing good musicianship skills, and will enable singers to excel.

    #2. Mimicry:

    Unfortunately mimicry is often what happens when singers don’t learn music theory fundamentals. ‘Learning to sing’ via mimicry (which is enabled by the ubiquitous nature of YouTube and similar platforms) is incredibly limiting, and does not allow singers to learn anything about music outside the context of the song they’re mimicking. Without the crutch of the piece they’ve learned to mimic, singers who learn in this way, flounder, and have difficulty succeeding.

    #3. Improvisation:

    Improvisation is the ability to take a musical idea, and make it your own. It is a feature common in jazz music, and more popular music, although there are aspects of it in classical music – particularly in the Baroque style. Although improvisation is technically ‘making something up’, those musicians who truly excel at improvisation and composition, are ones who have an incredibly detailed knowledge of music theory. They excel at ‘making things up’ because they know how the rules of music work, and thus know which rules can be ‘broken’ in a way that sounds interesting and creative. Singers interested in improv or composition must have a solid knowledge of music theory!

    What are some other reasons music theory is important in singing? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • 3 Tips To Protect Your Singing Voice

    3 Tips To Protect Your Singing Voice Calgary Children's Choir

    The human voice, though one of the most powerful instruments, is also an extremely delicate instrument, and can be adversely affected by any number of seemingly innocuous forces. Here are three tips to help you protect your singing voice:

    #1. No screaming:

    This is, hopefully obvious, but people frequently misuse their voices; by raising their voice, by not supporting their sound, or even by talking too much. There are a number of ways to misuse the voice, but in general people know when they’re doing it. So if you know you’re going to be talking a lot, make sure to hydrate really well the day before. And if you must scream, make sure you support that scream with excellent breath management techniques.

    #2. Coughing:

    Although coughing can sometimes feel helpful, and can sometimes feel involuntary, excessive coughing, or even clearing your throat can be wearing on your voice. As much as possible, try to swallow if your throat feels irritated, instead of coughing. You can also try a throat lozenge, or some tea with honey!

    #3. Sing!

    Using our voice regularly, and with good technique is one of the best ways to protect our instruments! By making use of your voice habitually, you will condition it, as well as the important muscles used in good breath management, to work well for you. Singers who frequently sing have improved breath flow, posture, and even improved circulation. Protect your singing voice by using it!

    How else can you protect your singing voice? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • How To Deal With Comparison in Choir

    How To Deal With Comparison In Choir

    Singing in a choir means singing with other people, of different ages, abilities, and interests. This can be wonderful for many reasons, but it can also cause us to compare our voice to others, and find ourselves lacking. Here are three ideas for how to deal with comparison in choir:

    #1. Don’t compare apples to oranges:

    Comparing your voice to someone else is inevitable, but unfair to yourself. Unlike every other instrument, which are made to industry standards, and often manufactured from pre-set specifications (check out a Steinway piano factory here), human voices are incredibly unique. In fact, they’re so unique that they can be used to identify individuals, much the way fingerprints are used in biometric scanners. The quality and tone of your voice can even change on a daily basis, due to illness or even changes in hormone levels. So comparing your voice to someone else’s is an exercise in frustration, because they will naturally be quite different.

    #2. Choir composition:

    Because our choirs are composed of singers at all different levels of music education, it makes sense that you might hear some voices that sound ‘better’ than yours. Instead of hearing someone who’s musical education is more advanced than yours, and feeling despair, use this as inspiration!
    One of the reasons we have mixed age choirs is so that our choristers can learn from each other. If you know someone near you understands music better than you do, and has more control over their instrument, be sure to watch how they learn, or ask them for help! Your fellow choristers can often offer insights that will be very beneficial to you, since they are also learning!

    #3. Subjectivity:

    Beauty is entirely subjective, and so too is the perceived beauty of an individual’s voice. Some people love Adele’s dark, huskier sound, while others prefer Mariah Carey’s lighter coloratura. Just because you don’t find a particular voice tone or colour beautiful, doesn’t mean everyone else does. Remembering this when you find yourself comparing your voice to another voice will be helpful. In the same way that someone who is short cannot magically wish themselves tall, you can’t wish the natural sound of your voice away – and you never know who might be wishing they had your voice, instead of the other way around!

    What are some other tips for dealing with comparison in choir? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • 3 Unusual Reasons We Love Singing

    3 Unusual Reasons We Love Singing

    Singing is wonderful for a number of reasons, but here are three slightly unusual reasons why we love to sing!

    #1. It’s hard!

    This may seem like an odd reason to love something, but the truth is that singing is difficult. It’s difficult physically; from breath management, to core support, and projection. Singing is difficult mentally – from learning songs in different languages, to text analysis and memorization, and it’s also difficult psychologically, in how we think about our unique voice and sound.

    But engaging in difficult activities is wonderful for us, and gives us something to strive for. The feeling of accomplishment, and confidence that comes from tackling a difficult subject and succeeding cannot be overstated! So even though singing is hard – we love it!

    #2. It teaches us to think about our body differently:

    Because we cannot see the parts of our body that allow us to sing, the way other instrumentalists can look at and manipulate their instruments, singer have to think about their body in a very different way. We teach singers to cast their ‘mind’s eye’ inwards, and to create pictures in their head of what their diaphragm, esophagus, and larynx look like. We also focus on teaching choristers how to make minute adjustments to their mouths, tongue, and lips to create the sound we want.

    This incredible focus inwards on our bodies, changes our relationship with our bodies – making us more attuned to slight misalignment, and to the subtle nuanced messages our bodies relay to us.

    #3. Singing gives us other life skills:

    When we learn how to sing, and to sing well, we aren’t just learning about music and vocalizing. We are learning a variety of other skills that can have a host of benefits in areas other than music.

    From presenting information, to meeting deadlines, learning to project our voices, organize our time, and to discipline ourselves towards a goal, singing gives us many skills which will be essential in other areas of our lives.

     

    What are some other unusual reasons you love singing? Tell us in the comments!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Constructive Criticism In Choir

    Constructive Criticism In Choir

    Getting feedback on your performance is a common aspect of almost every endeavour. While it can be a bit uncomfortable to receive feedback about something as personal as your voice, and your singing, constructive criticism is an essential aspect of singing, and particularly singing in a choir. Here are three things to remember about constructive criticism in choir:

    #1. Singing is not about perfection:

    Singing, and music in general, is a very subjective experience. Like many art forms, there is no simple formula for getting it ‘right’, because ‘right’ is different from performance to performance. There will never be a perfect performance, because perfection is an impossibility. There will always be something to be improved.

    Instead of viewing this as negative, re-frame this idea as positive. There will always be something to work on, some aspect of the performance to improve. The beauty of this is that there is no ‘finish line’, the work is never done. It also means that each performance can have a different quality, making each experience individual and unique.

    #2. Choirs receive feedback as a group:

    Because choirs are, by their very nature a group endeavour, constructive criticism is almost always delivered to the group at large, or by section. It is very rare, and frankly not entirely helpful for an individual to be singled out and criticized. After all, when the choir is successful we don’t praise individuals, we praise the group. The same is true for feedback.
    It can feel very true that there is safety in numbers, but there is something solidifying and unifying about receiving constructive criticism as a group – it reinforces the sense of team, and community, and also makes any criticism feel less personal, and more constructive.

    #3. Feedback can come from your peers:

    One of the best ways we have of learning is from our peers. When we sing in a choir we have the voices of many people around us to instruct us. Their feedback doesn’t even need to be conscious or spoken. If you can tell that your sound isn’t quite matching that of your peers, listen and adapt your sound to try and match.

    In the CCC we also teach theory, and use solfege to help our singers learn to sight read. All of our choristers are more than happy to help those around them, who may not have as good a grasp on music theory or solfege as they do. This sort of peer feedback is essential in making sure that we help one another to grow as a group!

    How else is constructive criticism delivered in a choral setting? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Singers As Storytellers

    Singers As Storytellers

    The voice is a wonderful and singular instrument because of its unique ability to convey story. Composers have used variations in tempo, dynamics, melody, harmony and rhythm to convey a story, but singers have the added layer of text, and are thus uniquely equipped to also be storytellers. Here are 3 things singers must consider as storytellers:

    #1. Compassion:
    It’s essential for singers to be compassionate, because they are often telling stories of lives they haven’t lived. Conveying the experiences of others, especially when you have not shared those experiences yourself, requires a maturity, and a deep sense of empathy. Shifting your personal perspective to allow for the ideas and opinions of others to receive equal weight is an important aspect of the singer as a storyteller, especially since the stories singers are telling can be hundreds of years old; from a different time, and place.

    #2. Narrative:
    Telling a story that is sung requires both a compelling understanding of the text, but an even deeper understanding of how to use the music, and the human voice to convey all meanings of that text. A singer must use dynamics, tempo, inflection, enunciation, and emphasis to help them weave the text with the music to convey the true narrative.

    #3. Community:
    The best stories are the ones that truly resonate with a large group of people. Shared experiences shape our sense of community, and help us determine what holds shard meaning for us. Singers don’t necessarily need to have a community already, but they do need to consider the creation of one as they sing – including everyone, being open and honest, and sometimes vulnerable. Singers must be considerate of how their story will impact others; not everyone reacts to a story in the same way. Creating a safe space for storytelling through community is an important job.

    What else must singers consider as storytellers? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • How To Sing Well In Chillier Weather

    How To Sing Well In Chillier Weather

    We all know how difficult it can be during the colder months in Canada – everything takes longer, and sometimes it’s so cold, it’s dangerous to be out in the elements for too long. This kind of weather has a direct impact on singers as well, so here are three tips to help you sing well during those cold winter months:

    #1. Dress for Success:

    Dressing for the weather just seems like common sense, but there are a few extra things you can do to help your voice out. Anytime your body shivers, you are creating tension, which directly impacts your sound. Make sure you’re wearing enough layers so that your body doesn’t need to shiver to create warmth. Protect your neck with a scarf, and try to cover your mouth and nose if it’s really cold outsie.

    #2. Nourish Yourself:

    It can be easy to forget to eat well, since we often turn to more comfortable food fare during the winter months. It’s especially important before a concert to ensure that you’re giving your body the best food and drink possible, so that you can be at your best. Hydration is especially important during winter months, since we often have to exert ourselves more, and the city is so dry in the winter. Make sure you’re drinking enough water!

    #3. Warm-up Well:

    It’s important to always warm-up before singing, but this becomes especially important during the winter months. Because of the dry air, and the cold air, our bodies produce more mucus, and dries our throat out. Give yourself an extra few minutes to warm up, and make sure to hydrate as you sing!

    How else can you prepare yourself to sing well in chillier weather? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • 3 Myths About Singing

    3 Myths About Singing

    There are many misconceptions floating around about singing, which is unfortunate because it makes many people unwilling to partake in all that singing has to offer. Here are three common myths about singing:

    #1. Tone deafness:
    People often claim to be ‘tone deaf’ when what they really mean is that they have problems with pitch perception. True tone deafness is referred to as ‘Congenital Amusia‘ and is classified as a learning disability affecting ~ 4% of the population. Those who are truly tone deaf cannot enjoy music in the same way most people can, because their inability to differentiate between pitches, means that music sounds quite tedious to them.
    For the rest of the population who feels they don’t have good pitch perception, these problems can often be corrected with time, patience, and lessons in musicianship. Don’t allow problems with pitch to deter you from singing!

    #2. Singing as a ‘gift’:
    Equally as common as the myth surrounding ‘tone deafness’ is the idea that you either are a good singer, or you aren’t. While there are certainly some people who seem to have an innately beautiful sound with very little effort, there are just as many wonderful singers today who worked hard for the beautiful sound they produce. This idea that someone is either good, or not good, is particularly harmful because it doesn’t give people a chance to learn. Singing is an innately personal instrument to learn, because our bodies are our instruments, we even change our language to reflect this. We often say ‘you are a good singer’, but we tell other instrumentalists, ‘you play the piano well.’ Singing, as with every other instrument, is something to be learned, and learning is a process that involves time, passion, and commitment.

    #3. Singers are divas:
    *sigh*
    While there are certainly some difficult personalities in the world of popular music, the myth that all singers are divas is nonsense.
    This myth has several reasons for being so persistent. First, because a singer’s instrument is their body, they spend an inordinate amount of time thinking, and caring for their body. This can involve sleeping more than average, drinking and eating (or not drinking and eating) specific food and beverages, etc… Singers are also usually unable to weather sickness in the way that other instrumentalists are, since illness directly affects our instrument.
    Another reasons singers may be unfairly considered divas is because our instrument involves a great deal of positive psychology to function at its best. Singers need to think about their instrument differently than other musicians, and this can be interpreted as ‘diva’ behaviour because it is different.

    What are some other common myths about singing? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • How To Practice Choral Music By Yourself

    How to Practice Choral Music By Yourself Calgary Children's Choir

    Practicing your choir music at home by yourself can feel counterproductive, especially since choir is inherently a group activity. Still, practicing at home will help you to learn your music faster, feel more confident in your line, and let you enjoy your choir rehearsals even more! Here are 3 tips to help you practice your choral music by yourself:

     

    #1. Acapella:

    For those choristers who don’t feel fully confident reading music yet, practicing by yourself at home can feel much more difficult. If you don’t have a piano, it can be hard to pick the notes out on another instrument as well. This is why acapella practice can be so helpful, and it’s why learning solfege is so helpful. By singing your line by yourself without the aid of another instrument, you can begin to feel more confident about the way the note relate to one another, instead of trying to pick them out from the accompaniment.

    #2. Singing with a recording:

    There are so many apps and websites now that feature recordings that it can quite easy to find a version of the piece you’re trying to practice. Singing your line against a full choir recording can be an excellent way to improve your musicianship as well! Here’s a tip – if you lose your line, don’t stop the recording and start again. Instead, try and follow along in the music, until you can pick out your line again – this way you’ll get in some ear training too!

    If you can’t find a recording online, you can always ask your choir conductor if you could record at rehearsal so that you can take it home for practice. Many choirs create such recordings to aid in at-home practice as well!

    #3. Memorization:

    This is one of the easier aspects of practicing by yourself at home, since it can be completely silent. Many choirs want choristers to memorize their music, so that the performers can be more responsive, and musical at a concert. There are many different techniques to help you memorize your music more effectively. You can read more here.

     

    What are some other tips for practicing choral music by yourself? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Italy Tour – Travel and Rome!

    Hello, it has been a very long day for all of us here in Italy!

    First things first, at 9 AM on the 2nd of July we met at the Calgary International Airport, bright eyed and exited to fly to Italy!
    Except first we had to fly to Toronto and wait a bit, having some dinner while we did so. Then, at 8:00(ish) their time, we hopped on another flight! This one going direct to Rome!
    Don’t we look awake!

    Picture1

    Eight hours later we arrived, collected our things, and set out with Adrianna, our lovely guide. Please bear in mind, we had now been travelling, more or less constantly awake, for at least 15 hours. But it was only noon in Italy! So we headed to our lovely hotel, found some delicious lunch from local places, and settled in for an hour or so. I am told there are some who did not sleep during this time. I was not one of them.

    Picture2

    At 3:30, 21 hours into our day, we met back in the lobby to go into central Rome and have a walking tour. It was nominally supposed to take us to a number of different fountains, including the famous Trevi fountain. I would give you play-by-play details, but it was just so phenomenal. Every corner you turned, every side street you took, led you to another breathtaking piece of artistry. We learned to drink from ancient roman fountains, and even managed to sneak quickly into the Pantheon since there were no lines! We even sang a little, just to enjoy the sound of our voices in the ancientness streets.

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    By about the time we were ready to drop, we arrived at a perfect place to! Dinner was lovely, even if most of us were too tired to properly enjoy it, and the gelato for dessert was phenomenal.

    At long last, around 26 hours from when we first collected together, we made our way back to the coach to take us home to sleep for the night. And sleep we shall.

    In fact, I’m off to do that right now.

    Sweet dreams, and ci vediamo domani (see you tomorrow)!

    Victoria GM

  • Singing In Sacred Spaces

    sacred-space-singing

    We are very excited about many aspects of our upcoming summer tour to Italy, the food, the weather, the art; but we are perhaps most excited for the amazing performance opportunities afforded to us. During our travels we will be singing in a variety of sacred spaces, in Rome, Venice, Lucca, and others!

    interieur-st-pierre-vatican

    One of these amazing performance opportunities, will be the Calgary Children’s Choir participation in Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Perhaps one of the most iconic sacred spaces in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica was finished its second construction in 1626 and is considered one of the most beautiful architectural spaces in the Renaissance style. The Basilica, and the colonnade, and plaza outside were designed by several prominent artists: Michaelangeo, Bernini, Maderno, and Bramante.

    san-pietro

    Singing in sacred spaces is different than singing in a concert hall or theatre. Sacred spaces require a solemnity, and a respect for the purpose of the space, whether you personally subscribe to those beliefs or not.
    Often in sacred spaces, a particular set of music is required; as will be the case during the CCC’s performance at St. Peter’s. We will be singing Mass, which includes music that has been set to a very specific set of liturgical texts. Our performance will also be acapella, a common requirement of singing in sacred spaces.

    Most poignant of all, singing in a sacred space, especially one as old and as iconic as St. Peter’s Basilica, reminds us of all those who have used the space before us. Sacred spaces, such as churches, basilicas, and cathedrals are communal places, gathering spaces for the community to come together and share a common set of values and beliefs. In a sacred space as old and as iconic as St. Peter’s, it is remarkable to think of the many hundreds of thousands who visited, or gathered in worship at the Basilica. This will surely have a profound effect on our performance this summer.

    Which performance are you most excited about for our July tour to Italy? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Mentorship In Choir

    mentorship-in-choir

    Choir is wonderful for a myriad of reasons, but one of the best reasons is the community it creates. This is not just a community among peers, but among singers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This creates a wonderful place to develop leadership skills. Here are three ways in which mentorship plays a huge role in our choir community:

    #1. Learning Music:
    Because we are not an auditioned choir, we accept singers at all stages of their musical development. Sometimes this can be challenging for those without any musical experience, so we encourage our choristers to help out anyone they observe to be struggling. This can mean, helping them to follow along in the music, helping with pronunciation of the song is in a different language, teaching them how to organize their music, or listening carefully to their own part! Learning from our peers is just as important as learning from our director!

    #2. Modelling Behavior:
    At the CCC we have a buddy system, where one of our younger Calgary Junior Choir members is matched with an older child in the Calgary Children’s Choir. This is a mutually beneficial relationship, where the younger chorister learns the behavior expected from our choristers, and the older child has the responsibility of modelling that behavior. We have always been impressed with how our choristers have risen to the occasion. Having an older chorister to look up to, encourages our younger singers to keep going, so one day they can be the older buddy!

    #3. Moral Support:
    Part of this supportive choir community, means that there is always someone on whom you can rely. This moral support is imperative in creating kind, generous choristers, who in turn can help others who need it. This is a positive feedback loop, where we encourage our choristers to help out those around them when needed, and then if they ever need support, we can give it back to them. Understanding that support from your choir family is unconditional helps us to create a wonderful, welcoming CCC community!

    How else is mentorship in choir important? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • How Singing Can Help You Learn More About Language

    language

    Singing can help with learning in a myriad of ways, but one of the most subtle aspects of singing is in the acquisition of language. Here are three ways in which singing can help you learn more about language:

    #1. Libretto:
    Since the language often contained in vocal pieces is commonly in the form of libretto, there is a great deal a singer can learn from language by viewing it in the context of poetry instead of prose. Libretto often takes into account cadence, and emphasis, rhythm and pulse. This causes a singer to think about language differently than most people, because a singer needs to choose which words to emphasize, and which to de-emphasize. Singers also need to interpret what can sometimes be obscure phrases – poetry is after all, subjective. Textual analysis is an essential skill for singers, and can offer so many subtleties to the acquisition of language.

    #2. Placement:
    Singers spend a rather astounding amount of time thinking about their mouths. This is important because it means we are able to think not only about producing words and sound, but about how those sounds are produced. Elements of language that most people ignore, such as diphthongs, vowel modification, voiced and unvoiced consonants, and projection are the bread and butter of a singer’s life. Thus, a singer spends an inordinate amount of time thinking about where in the mouth, language is placed, and how to modify that placement to create the best vocal sound.

    #3. Pronunciation:
    Pronunciation is extremely important to a singer, because of the subtleties of vocal production and its changing relationship with pitch frequencies. Pronunciation becomes even more important when a singer is performing a piece in a language other than their native tongue. Where a sound is placed in English, for example, is quite a bit different than where sounds are placed in French. Additionally, many languages have sounds that aren’t found in other languages. Learning how to create these sounds is a difficult task, but an incredibly important skill for a singer!

    How else can singing help in the acquisition of language? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Silent Singing

    silent-singing

    Singers are often thought to be ‘delicate’ compared to other musicians. But because our body is our instrument, we have to take special care of it. This means that we cannot practice in the same way, or for the same amount of time that other musicians practice. Still, there are many ways to practice our music, that don’t actually involve singing.

    Silent singing is one of these methods, and can be practiced in a variety of ways:

    • listening to a recording while following along with the sheet music
    • language study
    • repetition of a specific passage

    #1. Different perspective:
    Silent practice affords the singer a new perspective on the music. Instead of focusing on vocal production, singers can focus on breathing, placement, their interpretation of the music, the subtleties of language, and much more! Silent practice is beneficial not just when a singer is sick, or their voice is fatigued, but it is an important aspect of practice to highlight other areas of singing!

    #2. Language practice:
    Language is such an important aspect of music. Even if a piece is written in a singer’s native tongue, there are a myriad of differences between singing language and speaking language. Silent singing allows singers to practice these subtle differences in a focused an deliberate manner!

    #3. Anytime, anywhere:
    One of the greatest benefits of silent singing is that it can be done almost anytime and anywhere! With headphones on the bus, in a coffee shop, even at the library! This ability to practice in virtually any environment, at any time, means singers can practice just as much as any other musician, just in a different manner.

    How else can silent singing benefit us? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • The Importance of Singing Earnestly

    the-importance-of-singing-earnestly

    To be earnest, is to show depth in sincerity and feeling, and in a world of increasing cynicism and negativity, it is an exceptionally important characteristic.

    Though singing is sometimes considered a vain pursuit, nothing could be further from the truth. In order to truly convey the emotional range and depth of a musical piece, a singer’s ego must be completely subsumed. This is even more true in a choir, where there is no one important singer; just many voices, blending to sound as one.

    Singing earnestly requires complete commitment to the piece of music, and to communicating the emotional breadth of that piece. To be earnest, requires a certain vulnerability, that be hard to access while in our difficult teenage years, and even more difficult to access during a performance, when we are acutely aware that all eyes are on us.

    Still, the ability to sing with earnestness, is what allows us to truly connect to music. It gives us permission to put aside what we are personally feeling in order to communicate the emotion conveyed in the piece. Singing earnestly allows us to show how much we enjoy and are moved by music, without fear of judgement, or reproach. Earnestness, while it can feel vulnerable, is instead, the most freeing of emotions, and is an essential aspect of truly moving music.

    Why do you think it’s important to sing earnestly? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • The Benefits of Auditioning

    the-benefits-of-auditioning

    Here at the CCC, we do not audition choristers for entry into the choir for several reasons. We firmly believe that anyone can, and should sing! Our motto is, ‘Singing For the Joy of It’, and we are happy to include everyone. Still, we do audition for solos, or small groups, and encourage our choristers to prepare auditions for school, or other artistic pursuits, because there are many benefits to auditioning:

    #1. Preparation:
    Auditioning teaches you how to prepare yourself. You cannot expect to just stand up, sight-read a piece, and earn a solo. That’s just not how it works. Singing by oneself is a completely different experience than singing as part of a group, and it needs to be prepared differently. In much the same way one prepares for a work interview, or a presentation at a conference, one must prepare a piece for audition, considering tone quality, intonation, and projection, as well as presentation, and emotive qualities. These are all essential life skills!

    #2. Managing Emotions:
    A certain level of emotionality is expected during an audition. Music is after all, a highly emotional pursuit, and singers are expected to emote while they perform. Still, emotions like nervousness, fear, and anxiety are all common when getting up to do an audition. Learning how to manage these emotions is not only an essential skill for singing, but is an important life skill. How choristers handle these emotions, are as unique as the choristers themselves, and no one way will work for every singer. Learning what works best for you, and for your audition is best.

    #3. Confidence:
    Confidence is important, and it’s not like a switch that you can turn on or off. Confidence is built upon, layer by layer, and experience by experience. Knowing that you are able to do something, and do it well, is a learned behavior. It starts by first taking a chance, preparing and managing yourself well, and then analyzing not only how you could make it better next time, but acknowledging what you did well! By accumulating these experiences, and by having the respect and support of your fellow choristers, your confidence will grow!

    How else can auditioning benefit you? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • 3 Ways In Which Choir Makes You More Adventurous!

    Calgary Children's Choir

    Choir is an excellent place to test out uncertain waters. It is safe, and communal, and supportive, and it’s a great place to become more adventurous!

    #1. Weird warmups:
    Singing makes many demands of us, and nowhere is this more true than when it comes to strange warmups. We are often tasked with creating sounds rarely heard by human ears, making odd faces, windmilling our arms, wandering around whilst our eyes are closed, singing on various vowels, all of which can feel slightly disconcerting. All of these strange activities help make us better singers, but participating in something that makes us feel slightly uncomfortable, can also help us discover how to push through our own self-imposed limitations.

    #2. Meeting new people:
    Choir is an excellent way to meet new people, because it is, by definition, a group activity! It is also an activity in which new people are constantly being introduced. The CCC accepts new members all year, so there are often new friends to be made, and we regularly work with local musicians, composers, and sometimes other members of the Calgary arts community, like dancers, puppeteers, and actors! Constantly being introduced to new people is an adventure in and of itself, and a great way to become more adventurous!

    #3. Travel:
    We are very fortunate that we get to travel every few years as a choir (including a tour to Italy this summer!) Travel is almost always a rewarding experience, but traveling with the choir is a different kind of reward. It teaches us how to be independent, how to be problem-solvers, how to communicate in other languages and how to enjoy other different cultures. It opens our eyes, and our minds to different experiences, and ways of life.

    How else can choir make you more adventurous? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Fear In Singing

    Fear In Singing

    Fear is a common emotional response in singing, and it’s a difficult emotion to combat. Here are three ways to re-frame fear in singing:

    #1. Fear can be positive:
    Fear as a human emotion, is actually there for good reason. It prevents us from things that may harm us. While singing is not actually harmful, the social fear of rejection is often what our body and mind object to. But fear of singing can also serve a useful purpose, in telling us how important music is to us. Fear before a concert can help us realize how important doing a good job is to us. It can also tell us if we haven’t prepared well.

    #2. Using Your Instrument:
    Many peoples’ fears in music come from a lack of control. We are afraid to sing, because we are uncertain about what sound might come out of our mouths. We are afraid of poor tone, of voice cracks, of running out of air, and a myriad of other problems. And yet, the only way to mitigate these problems is to use our voices. In every other instrument there is the expectation of a learning process, and yet with our voices we believe we either have a good voice, or we don’t. This is a fallacy. Allow yourself time and space to learn to use your instrument properly, and you will start to see great results!

    #3. Support:
    One of the best ways to get over a fear of singing, is through a positive support system. An introduction to singing through choir is a great way to accomplish this. Because choir is a community of like-minded people, whose voices are stronger together, singing in a choir takes a great deal of pressure off of the individual. Choir is also social, and we are much more likely to try new, and difficult things, if we feel we have strong social support behind us!

    How else can you combat fear in singing? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Collaboration In Choir

    Calgary Children's Choir

    Choir is, by definition, an exercise in collaboration. It is inherently collective; a shared experience, and it can help choristers to develop the essential skill of collaboration, both personally and musically.

    #1. Working together:
    This may seem self evident, but working together within a choral setting is fundamental. This isn’t just a musical point as well. Choristers learn in choir that sometimes external differences must be put aside in order to aid in the musical experience. Choristers must work together within their section, the sections must work together to create blended sound, and choristers must collaborate with their conductor to ensure that their voices are unified.

    #2. Working with other choirs:
    Collaborating with other choirs is a unique experience, because while there are many similarities, there can also be great differences between choral groups, and synthesizing those differences can be an excellent learning experience. Not every choral experience is the same, just as every conductor is not the same. Acknowledging similarities, and understanding, appreciating, and most importantly respecting differences are not just essential characteristics in music, but in life as well!

    #3. Working with other musicians:
    We are very fortunate in the CCC to have the opportunity to work with many other instrumentalists, whether we’re doing a larger work with orchestra, or working with one or two other musicians. Collaborating with other musicians is an important aspect of musical education, because it allows our young singers to understand the differences in sound. Balance, blend, and timbre change greatly when there are new instruments, and listening for these differences, and adjusting your own sound to accommodate these differences are important skills!

    How else is collaboration important in choir? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Welcome to 2017!

    2017

    Happy New Year! Welcome to 2017!

    We are very excited to start 2017, because we have so many wonderful things happening in this new singing season.

    -Rehearsals begin again on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017!

    -At the end of January we will be heading out to Camp Horizon once more for a Winter Retreat!

    – On March 11th, 2017, we will be having our annual concert at the Rozsa Centre!

    -Then, in May, we are thrilled to be celebrating our 30th Anniversary. You can read more about the founding of the Calgary Children’s Choir here. We are very excited to be welcoming back alumni and celebrating 30 wonderful years together with both current and former choristers!

    -We are also looking forward to the summer, when we will be going on another international tour, this time to Italy!

    There are so many wonderful events to look forward to in 2017! We’d love to know what you’re most excited about this year! Tell us in the comments below.

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Celebrating With Song

    Celebrating With Song

    Holidays are a time for celebration, and there are few things more celebratory than music! Singing in particular offers a great way to manifest that celebratory feeling:

    #1. Communication:
    Celebration is all about communicating a feeling experience by many people at once. Music offers that ability in a manner that transcends language, culture, and religion. Making music is one of the most ancient and respected of human endeavours, and it plays an essential role in our celebratory tradition!

    #2. Community:
    Singing offers a feeling of belonging; many people at once offering up a song as a an observance of the festivities. Singing as part of a group enhances this feeling even further; particularly since choral music is all about creating, and serving a community. Music increases feelings of cohesion and community, and singing as part of a community enhances those feeling (and even prompts physiological changes in the body!)

    #3. Expression:
    Words offer another important layer to music, and singing allows for the expression of musical celebration to be even more evident through the important use of text. Expressing ourselves both through music as well as language allows us to communicate the reason for the season as effectively as possible!

    How else can we celebrate with song? Tell us in the comments below!

    Calgary Children's Choir