In one of my recent newsletters I talked about singing in an ensemble and the importance of tuning into other singers and blending.
As I promised, here are some practical exercises to help you do that effectively by expanding your awareness to include not just your own voice, but everyone else’s singing with you.
I suggest you practice these exercises with your group or choir, maybe at the beginning of your next rehearsal.
- Stand in a circle; practice a warm-up that you’re all very familiar with. It can be something very easy like 1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1. Start by feeling that you’re singing THROUGH the person on your left; feel that their voice is actually your voice. Then do the same with the person on your right.
- Do the same with the person ACROSS from you in the circle, and ask them to do the same with you.
- Pair up with another singer in your group; sing a song together and ask your buddy to meticulously match you: same tone, same volume, same breaths, everything. Basically, they should pretend like they’re you. Then switch roles and do the same with them.
- Stand in your usual formation and sing a song; ask each section to focus their attention on another section. They should be keenly aware of the part that the other section is singing, while singing their own. After some time, ask them to focus on a different section, until everyone has had a chance to focus on every other section in the group.
- If you’re a religious/spiritual group, spend some time praying or meditating together before your practice. Ask that each one of you be guided to perform the song according to God’s will. Then, as you sing, let the song lead the way, so to speak. Try to feel and follow what’s trying to happen, instead of imposing your idea of how things should be done.
When you learn to sing this way, you feel great freedom inside. You realize that you’re not in charge, but you’re part of something bigger. It’s exhilarating! More and more, people in the audience will tell you how your performance has transformed and uplifted them.
I hope you’ll find these suggestions helpful. Try them and let me know how it goes!
Keep singing!
–Ramesha
