Alright, here’s what we covered in our first afternoon session. For those that weren’t in attendance, be sure to go over the material listed. Ask me or members who were in attendance with any questions and any other information.
1. For those who haven’t filled out the Student Info Google Form – click the link here.
2. Be sure to get familiar with the new SoundXplosion Page on our newly designed website, which is now device-friendly.
3. We need to decide on the group “identity”. What kind of music are we going to sing, be known for. While I will offer guidance, and pick music if I have to, WE need to decide on this identity. Start making suggestions for songs here.
4. In order for what we do to work, we have to be responsible to each other. “All In” is a phrase used often. You need to be here for us to succeed. Practice and performance schedule is posted – be here! Clear that schedule now – work out the conflicts now! Come talk to me when there’s an issue being here – and then email for documentation. Be responsible with your schedule! Be prepared! Practice your material on your own – and come ask for help before we get to practice.
We started working on blending exercises – same vowel formation/sounds, along with matching volume, we have to make all of you sound like “one person”. Warmups also included dynamics work.
Folders were handed out.
We discussed how to work in sectionals – work on the difficult stuff first, going over the easier stuff later or at the end of the sectional. You should NEVER be done – there is always something to work on. Pitch, rhythm, articulation, vowel shape, dynamics, phrasing – work on these and more. Use your rehearsal tracks, a piano, video, and ask for help when needed.
Sectional on All Of Me.
Music Rehearsal – All Of Me – worked on the first chorus of the song. Blending, vowel shape, articulation and dynamics.
Song Analysis – All Of Me – in order to best perform a song, you need to know what the song is about – to perform better, you need be a singer, storyteller, actor – tell the story of the song and visually be able to translate that to the audience. Do your own analysis of the lyric content of All of Me. Then, read up on the analysis of All Of Me here. Note any significant musical changes (solo left as harmony drops out, everyone singing unison, big dynamic changes). Analyze why that’s happening. Translate what you know to tell the story in your face, body language and choreography.
Visual Mirror practice – Mr. Mello worked with us on how to be that storyteller working in front of a mirror. Watch yourselves in the mirror. Focus on your own face as you sing. Think about what you are singing and interpret it. Make sure your face shows emotion to help you tell a story to the audience. Use your phone to watch and/or record yourself “selfie sing” to see if you are effectively telling a story
Detailing choreography – Mrs. Ofshinsky worked with us on detailing choreo on our own. Used the song “Numb” by Lincoln Park. Be precise with arms, hands, head angles, etc. Check your posture – keep a proper vocal posture so you can sing well – shoulders square, chest up, spine straight, etc. while dancing. Know which movements are fluid and which should snap into place.