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Posture & Health
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Posture & Health | Vocal Health

Posture & Health

Sitting

Sit toward the front of your seat - without your back touching the back of the seat.

Feet slightly apart with the weight of your body forward.

Body tall with hips, spine, and head directly in line with one another (as if you're standing from the hips).

Chest lifted to enhance breathing.

Shoulders down and back.

Arms naturally by the side of the body.

Standing

Feet shoulder-width apart with the weight of the body slightly forward.

Knees slightly relaxed.

Body tall with the hips, spine and head directly in line with one another.

Chest lifted, shoulders back, and arms naturally by your sides.

When holding a folder, DO NOT HOLD THE FOLDER AGAINST YOUR BODY. Holding it against your body not only inhibits your ability to breathe correctly, but is also too low to adequately watch the Conductor.

Vocal Health

Signs Of Trouble

Your body is your instrument. Use it correctly even when you're not in choir. If you experience any of the following during or directly following rehearsal, be sure to talk to a section leader or Dr. Witwer immediately...

Hoarseness after rehearsal

Dizziness when singing

Tight or achy shoulders

Tight jaw

Pain when singing

Any of these symptoms tell you that you are probably doing something wrong. Please do not hesitate to ask someone about these symptoms. The section leaders and/or Dr. Witwer would be more than happy to help you. Chances are that the habit causing your discomfort is correctable. Singing should not be painful.

Tips For Treating Your Voice Right

Drink plenty of water - it's good for your chords (by the way, soda and coffee don't count, both do more harm to your chords than good).

Don't chew gum in choir - no one wants to watch you take a deep breath and choke on your gum.

If you have a sore throat and feel like singing is going to do more harm than good, don't over-sing.

If you do feel especially sick, don't spread it to the rest of the class - but please come to class if you can.

You may be able to sit away from the choir and observe; However, this is not a time to sleep or do other homework, you might as well have been absent. If you choose to sit away from the class, please follow along in the music and take note as to what the Director says.

Contrary to popular belief, smoking does not improve your singing ability. Not only is smoking bad for your vocal chords, it is also detrimental to your breathing ability.

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