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 Women’s A Cappella Group 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.
5. We need to decide on a group name. Click here to suggest a name for the group.
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.
Music Rehearsal – Royals – worked on pages 1-7. Focus on blend. Know when you are singing melody or harmony. Make sure your dynamic pattern follows this (with melody stronger than harmony – i.e. “huh harmony beginning on last measure of p. 5). Watch articulation – know when syllables should be separated or connected. Can the audience understand your words? Altos worked on the “bass guitar line” – dm dm dm syllables. Sopranos singing in parallel thirds.
Sectional on Royals. Watch the “da va dat dm” phrase articulation. Slight crescendo on “mm (m)ah” phrases.
Detailing choreography – Mrs. Ofshinsky worked with us on detailing choreo on our own.
Song Analysis – Royals – 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. Read up on the analysis of Royals here.
Bass Octavizer demo – showed how we were going to fill in the lower frequency or bass tones that treble a cappella groups lack.