The Chordaires basses take a break during a practice session to show off the sophisticated tools they use for warm-up exercises: handheld mirrors, corks, and straws. Front row (left to right): Jann Uzzle, Nancy Roberts, Lee Ann Brook; back row (left to right): Pam Klima, Linda Ryan, Jan Kohlstedt
Linda Ryan
Vocal warm-ups are important to good vocal health and offer a way to protect the singing and speaking voice. They reduce the risk of undue tension and damage to vocal cords, plus help to improve breathing and increase vocal range.
Members of the Chordaires Show Chorus have been learning unique warm-up methods to develop their singing skills using household items, like a wine cork, straw, and handheld mirrors. By biting down on a cork in their mouths, they learn proper jaw placement, how to identify and lift their soft palate, improve articulation, and relax their tongue and facial muscles while singing. The use of a straw assists with vocal cord alignment and proper breath control. Handheld mirrors help them to sing with matched vowel sounds and a smile on their face. Whether an accomplished singer or novice, vocal warm-ups should be a regular part of vocal training, and Chordaires is making warm-ups fun.
Singing has many positive effects on the body. It can improve lung function and cardiovascular health, strengthen the immune system, lower stress and anxiety, and improve cognitive skills. Barbershop singing is music created from four different voice parts that beautifully blend into one chord without music accompaniment. This is called acapella singing.
The women who choose to sing in the barbershop artform enjoy learning new skills and new songs. Although they may come for the love of the music, they stay for the wonderful friendships that they build along the way.
If you’re planning to step up your health habits in the new year, consider barbershop singing and plan to attend a Chordaires rehearsal any time in December or January to see if it might be right for you. Rehearsals start at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the Mirror Room at the Sun Lakes Country Club clubhouse. Contact Linda Ryan, membership coordinator, at [email protected].