Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tonal Tuesday - How to Restart with Enthusiasm

Okay, so here we are in the middle of the Christmas holidays.  All the Christmas concerts are over for which we practised like mad fools, albeit happy ones.  We all know in a a week or two, we are back to practices.  How to we get the enthusiasm and excitement into the post holiday music?  Let me suggest:

1. YOU need to be excited! - That sounds easy to say but YOU whether the conductor or the singer need to bring a bag full of energy with you.  If you don't feel enthusiastic, then put on some music you love and rock up a storm before you go to practice or listen to your favourite comedian.  YOU be exited to start!

2. Sing something surprising. - You may have a spring concert to prepare for.  Does that mean you have to sing only those pieces?  I don't think so.  Sing "Baby It's Cold Outside" or "Harvest  Moon". While singing those songs, focus on the skills you will need for your next musical challenges, blend, dynamics, pronunciation etc. but have some fun.

3. Meet somewhere different. - Depending on the size of your choir this may or may not be possible.  If you are a singer, why not think about and suggest a place where you could practise that would give you a different perspective.  As a director, you may have access to other venues, a church, a school auditorium or even your home.

4. Invite guests or join someone else. - If there is another choir nearby, why not invite them to join you.  You could return the favour by visiting them at a practice of theirs.  It would take a bit of organization but it would be worth the effort.  Your guests could sing your music and when you go to their practice, you could sing theirs.  It would be good reading practise and a great deal of fun.

No matter what, go back to #1 and make sure you bring a  basketful of fun with you whenever you sing.  Life is too short not to enjoy each and every opportunity to be with others especially when you make music together.

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