The Hawkseye 

Lasley continued...

1. Find vocalizers that will help improve vocal problems. Ask for assistance in this area.
2. Check posture and breathing frequently. Also check your tongue position (down), jaw position (relaxed), soft palate (pre yawn position).
3. Find chorus members who like to sing tags or chorus songs and join in the fun.
4. Form a Sunday night bunch - get together and rehearse chorus songs.
   
B.  How well do you respond to your director?
1. Watch carefully at critical times: prep beats, down beats, breaths, cutoffs, tempo changes, dynamic changes, etc.
2. ALWAYS be polite. Allow all members the right to enjoy the rehearsal by allowing it to proceed unimpeded. You may think you're funny but others...
3. Ask most questions when off the risers. Interruptions break the director's concentration. She/he may be on a roll!
4. Give your director the chance to try and try again. Music rarely is totally in cement as music must breathe to live.
5. SMILE at the director frequently, for no reason. She/he needs your constant support.
   
C.  How well do you know your music?
1. Mark your music (pencil). Things like breathing places, Pythagorean notes, coning, dynamics, accents, off-beats, etc.
2. Memorize as quickly and as accurately as possible. Test yourself by taping at chorus and checking at home. Review repertoire songs regularly.
3. Learn to read music. It really is not a mystery and will aid you in your pursuit of musical excellence. Ask for a craft class at the district or chorus level.

David Lasley, Music VP