A Mature Sound

I am a strong proponent of getting a mature sound out of my choirs.  I don't expect my middle school choir or my high school choir to sound like mature adults, but I do want them to sound as mature as they possibly can.  How do I get that mature sound?  I am convinced that achieving it is a result of two things:  a high soft palate as well as a nice open throat.

Did you ever pretend to sing like an opera star when you were a child?  If you did, think back on how you achieved that "opera" sound.  More than likely you opened your throat and raised your soft palate high.  That is how I did it, anyway.  When I am talking to my choirs about getting a mature sound, I have them all "pretend" to be an opera singer.  I have them bend their arms and clasp their hands in front of them to get in the proper mindset, and then I have them sing.  Do they sound like opera stars?  Definitely not.  However, have they achieved getting a mature sound?  You betcha.

I am always quick to tell my singers that I am not going to make them sound like an opera singer. For most of the students, sounding like an opera singer would definitely not be something they desired. However, I am quick to point out to them how much more mature they sounded.  I then tell them to act as though they are sipping through a straw or to try and yawn.  Both of these are excellent ways to get their soft palate raised and their throat open.  Once they experience that, I continually remind them of it as they sing their songs.

I have adjudicated at many choir competitions.  I am always amazed at how many of the choirs have a very young sound, especially girls' choirs.  As I am writing comments, I point out their immature sound and give the director suggestions on how to get a more mature sound from their group.  I don't know if the director pays any attention to my suggestions, because I'm not sure that they recognize the immature sound or if they want to change it.  However, I will continue to point it out and make those suggestions.  You never know, maybe those suggestions will be the thing that changes the overall sound of many of the choirs.  It's a chance I believe is worth taking.