Boy was I surprised when I attended my 6th grade granddaughter's elementary school chorus concert last week! Most of the elementary school music concerts I have gone to have been less than impressive. And sometimes, my heart was really hurt knowing that the concert was all about getting the kids to sing loud (usually in a monotone yelling) rather than working on proper singing techniques.
But I have to say, that I was really impressed that this group sang in proper ranges for young children, were encouraged to sing in their head voices to better learn to match pitch, and also sang some pretty sophisticated music. I expected some 2-part songs, but was actually quite surprised when they sang some three and four-part songs! Granted, these were mostly canon parts, but also some actual three-part treble voicing - Soprano I and II plus Alto in sections.
My granddaughter has been taking vocal lessons with me for a couple of years now. She has been developing a lovely voice that spans about three octaves. She can sustain notes above the staff as well as sing alto notes below the staff. I am glad that she was in the soprano section though, because that's where I think her clearest "money notes" are.
All in all, I was really pleased that this teacher was so focused on having the children sing with proper posture, attention to vowels and good diction, and using their head voices. It made the experience as an audience member so much more enjoyable for me. I really enjoyed the choices of songs, too. There was quite a range. They sang songs about the theme which was "Music," such as "The Sound of Music," plus other folk songs, songs from various style periods, and even one song in Spanish. Well done, Teacher!
I wish all of the Elementary School Choral concerts I attended were as well planned and executed!
But I have to say, that I was really impressed that this group sang in proper ranges for young children, were encouraged to sing in their head voices to better learn to match pitch, and also sang some pretty sophisticated music. I expected some 2-part songs, but was actually quite surprised when they sang some three and four-part songs! Granted, these were mostly canon parts, but also some actual three-part treble voicing - Soprano I and II plus Alto in sections.
My granddaughter has been taking vocal lessons with me for a couple of years now. She has been developing a lovely voice that spans about three octaves. She can sustain notes above the staff as well as sing alto notes below the staff. I am glad that she was in the soprano section though, because that's where I think her clearest "money notes" are.
All in all, I was really pleased that this teacher was so focused on having the children sing with proper posture, attention to vowels and good diction, and using their head voices. It made the experience as an audience member so much more enjoyable for me. I really enjoyed the choices of songs, too. There was quite a range. They sang songs about the theme which was "Music," such as "The Sound of Music," plus other folk songs, songs from various style periods, and even one song in Spanish. Well done, Teacher!
I wish all of the Elementary School Choral concerts I attended were as well planned and executed!
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