Vocal Anatomy 101
with Holly Boaz
Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | 2:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
Get to know your instrument in deeper detail with this straightforward overview of vocal anatomy. Holly will walk you through the basic structure and function of the various moving parts of the human voice. Topics will include the primary muscles and mechanics of breathing and the structure of the larynx and the vocal tract. We'll talk about how each part of the instrument functions and relates to vocal production. As a bonus, we may even dispel a few myths along the way!
Vocal Anatomy 102: Breath and Alignment
with Holly Boaz
Tuesday, August 11, 2020 | 2:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
Examine the structures and mechanics of breathing and breath management while exploring alignment and posture. We will look at the physiology and physics involved in breathing as well as a few cross-body connections that might not be immediately apparent, but can affect our ease and efficiency of breathing, especially as choral singers. We will consider the concepts of posture and alignment and how they affect our use of breath and ease of vocal production. Expect some nerdy science-speak AND a few practical exercises for further exploration!
Practical Score Markings
with Gary D. Cannon
Thursday, September 3, 2020 | 6:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
We've all sat through a rehearsal when the conductor mostly reviews material from previous weeks. With an improved system of marking your scores, you'll be able to improve your self-reliance as a choral singer. Various methods will be discussed to quickly notate elements such as rhythm, pitch, language, dynamics, phrasing, and ensemble. Bring your sharpened pencil!
Download the handouts or the slide deck.
Survival Tactics for Long Rehearsals
with Melissa Plagemann
Thursday, September 24, 2020 | 4:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
Most choirs, for better or worse, rehearse for two hours or longer, and usually the singers are seated most of the time. This places special physical demands on the body, the voice, and the mind. This webinar will help you to navigate those challenges, especially as pertains to breathing, but also posture, vocal rest, and hydration.
Download the handouts or the slide deck.
IPA 101: International Phonetic Alphabet for Singers
(An Introduction)
with Michael Bennett
Monday, October 12, 2020 | 6:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
In the 1880s, a group of linguists devised the International Phonetic Alphabet, a scientific system of writing the sounds for any verbal language. Today singers across the world use the symbols of IPA to refine their diction and to help them remember what sounds to make in the first place. In this presentation, you'll use familiar texts in English and Latin to learn the most commonly encountered vowels and consonants.
Download the handouts: IPA Vowels, Latin | IPA 2015 | Texts, transcriptions, translations
The Singer's Guide to the Aging Voice
with J. Scott Kovacs
Thursday, October 29, 2020 | 1:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
Our voices change as we age, presenting challenges that can feel discouraging and even inhibit our ability to enjoy singing. Understanding the processes that happen as we age and how they affect the voice, as well as other conditions (including illness and environmental factors), helps demystify the symptoms and relieve anxiety about singing into later years. We'll also cover some exercises to help retain and even improve tone and resilience in the voice. Be sure to bring a straw and a water bottle to this session!
Download the handouts or the slide deck.
This project of the Emerald Ensemble is supported by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.
