Integrating Vocal and Musical Techniques in the Choral Rehearsal

The vocal warm-up is an aspect of the choral rehearsal which is many times seen as nothing more than a brief period in which a singer in an ensemble warms\u27\u27\u27 his or her vocal mechanism in preparation for singing. It is also considered by many to be separate from the review of literature to be performed. However, if a conductor plans carefully for the warm-up period, it can serve to teach both vocal technique and the repertoire to be reviewed. There are numerous aspects of vocal technique that should be addressed during the choral warm-up. Among these is posture, breath, intonation, resonance, extending the vocal range, and sight-singing. Also, aspects of the repertoire should be introduced during this time. With careful planning, a conductor can teach proper vocal technique and introduce choral literature fairly quickly during the warm-up process