Center For Church Music, Songs & Hymns

Music & Worship

Singing: A Call to Excellence Part 2

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In a culture that exalts mediocrity, we continue to look at how the singers in the Senior Choir can transcend "run-of-the-mill" singing and aspire to a song that anticipates the final, glorious song of Heaven. (Rev. 5:9)

Last time we referenced getting the proper rest for the body. The body, after all, is an instrument and like a violin or a guitar, the quality of the instrument helps to determine the quality of performance.

In the same context, we suggested that when you come to a rehearsal on Thursday or Sunday morning, your voice needs to be "warmed up" in order to perform at a high level. This point is crucial: regardless of the experience or age of the singer, our bodies must have rest and be physically prepared if our song is to be its best.

Next, we'll talk about mental preparation. When you sing, the mind is deeply involved. Recent research has shown than when a person sings (and singing strongly is important) activity in 32 different parts of the brain can be recognized through MRI imaging. This is, by the way, more than for any other kind of activity!

But in the actual act of singing, we need to keep our minds focused on 1. how we are going to sing 2. what we are going to sing and 3. the process of singing. Details on this next time!

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