Movement and the Choral Rehearsal: Chapter 22

“Through all of these types of activities, the singer becomes less inhibited
and more willing to take chances. If the body goes, the voice will follow.”

● Physical Movement is a step in the process to get voice and music in

motion.

● Movement to Strengthen Vocal Technique

○ Breath Management, Vowels, Consonants, Release of Tension

● Movement to Energize the Body and Sound

○ Guided movement that allows students to develop flexibility in their
movements and an awareness of what they are doing physically as they
sing.

● Movement to improve intonation

○ Solfege and hand-signs, stepping the rhythm for flat singing, low sweeping
gestures for sharp singing

● Movement of Formation for Intonation

○ Having rows face each other

● Movement to Strengthen Musicianship

○ Improved Phrasing

● Understanding of Foreground/Background
○ Students stand for most important part

● Movement to Enhance the Articulation of a Section

○ Tug of war to show who’s part is more important

● Movement to Lead to Internalization and Clarification of Rhythm

● Using choreographed movement to master a tough rhythm/rhythmic

interplay between parts.
● Movement as an aid to style and cultural context.
○ Ex. Gospel Choir

● Movement to Bring Music off the Page