Unit 1:

The Director
INTRODUCTION TO VOCAL MUSIC
Rule #1:
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE DIRECTOR
AT ALL TIMES.
Performing in a
choir is different
from performing
solo, because
rather than
focusing on the
audience, you
need to focus on
your director.
If your attention isn’t
From warm-ups to rehearsals, to
focused on the performances, keeping your eyes on the
director, you might miss director at all times is VITAL to a choir’s
success!
something important!
Keep your eyes on the director at
all times, and look out for these
3 Key Things…
The following are 3 things your director
will use to lead you when rehearsing
or singing:
 The following are 3 things your director
will use to lead you when rehearsing
or singing:

Hand Signals
 The following are 3 things your director
will use to lead you when rehearsing
or singing:

Body
Hand Signals Language
 The following are 3 things your director
will use to lead you when rehearsing
or singing:

Body Facial
Hand Signals Language Expression
Hand Signals
 Hand Signals

Explain the 3 positions on your notes.

Body Language
Body Language

A person’s body language can tell you a

lot about what they are feeling. It can be
a form of silent communication, that is
important when performing.
Body Language

A person’s body language can tell

you a lot about what they are
feeling. It can be a silent way of
communicating when performing.

Closed body language

indicates a closed mind or a
negative feeling
Body Language

A person’s body language can tell you a

lot about what they are feeling. It can be
a silent way of communicating when
performing.

Closed body language

indicates a closed mind or a negative
feeling
Open body language indicates a positive
attitude or positive feeling
Facial Expression
 Facial Expressions

Your director will use a

variety of facial expressions
to show you what kind of emotion
you should sing with.

Facial expressions are also a silent

form of communication, and can
present negative and positive
messages, too
Facial Expressions (continued)

Examples:
When the director raises her
eyebrows and smiles, she is trying to
ask you to sing with more enthusiasm
Facial Expressions (continued)

Examples:

If the director uses her face to

show quietness, she is asking
you to sing with less volume
 Check Your Knowledge

When rehearsing or performing,

where should your eyes be at
all times?
 Check Your Knowledge

What is one of the main

differences in performing solo
and performing in a choir?
 Check Your Knowledge

What 3 key things should you

always be looking for?
 Check Your Knowledge

Give an example of an
important hand signal.
 Check Your Knowledge

What can the director

communicate to the choir
through body language?
 Check Your Knowledge

Describe how facial expressions

can be used to help direct
singers in a performance.
 Check Your Knowledge

Which two things should also

be used by the choir when
performing?
 Don’t lose these.
Put them in your
Chorus folder.
We will add to them as we
learn more about singing in
a choir! ☺
Now that you’re
familiar with the
importance of the
director & the
Stretches
director’s
movements, there
are 3 important
things that should
be done at the
Focus Exercises
beginning of every
rehearsal or

Warm-Ups
performance. Let’s
go over them in
detail:
Stretching
Stretching
Why is it important to stretch before you sing?

 Stretching helps relax your muscles

 Stretchinghelps get your blood flowing
through your body, which creates energy
& promotes awareness
 Stretching helps open up your rib cage
area, which includes your diaphragm &
lungs for better breathing
Focus
Exercises
Focus Exercises
How will focus exercises help us sing better?

 Focus exercises help center your attention

on the director
 Focusexercises train your brain to
remember key focus skills
 Focus exercises help with muscle memory
 Focus exercises help keep the choir
together
Focus
Exercises
Vocal Warm-Ups
Warm-Ups  Vocal warm-ups prepare your voice to sing
Warm-ups help to increase your vocal
What good does a

range
warm-up do?  Warm-ups help fight off indigestion &
phlegm
 Warm-ups help your voice naturally tune to
the other voices around you