Re: Singing in Band?! -- Heidelberg MusEd discussion

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Date Posted: 19:10:56 03/22/07 Thu
Author: Nickie
Subject: Re: Singing in Band?!
In reply to: Nickie 's message, "Singing in Band?!" on 20:22:28 02/18/07 Sun

I am not suggesting that singing be used in place of sightreading on one's instrument. On the contrary, I think singing ought to be used as a way to INTERNALIZE ONE'S PART, so as to truly know it before playing (or after playing it once, perhaps). If you can't sing your part, you probably can't play it either.

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[> Re: Singing in Band?! -- Rosemary Walzer, 16:08:33 03/24/07 Sat [1]

I've noticed this issue has heated up some discussions and I'd like to share my perspective from the other side. As a band director, I use singing as a learning tool frequently. In concert band and jazz band, I have my students hum Bb for tuning purposes (to internalize the pitch) and then play a Bb. I also ask sections to sing their parts, usually focusing on rhythm and articulation (in jazz band, I do this almost everyday). This tool is great in helping the kids internalize tempo, intonation, syncopated rhythms, and articulation styles. Would I use singing to "sightread" a piece? Probably not and for several reasons.
1. None of my kids in choir. None of my kids want to be in choir. Singing makes them feel vulnerable and just singing their part (and not really focusing on pitch) is a little scary for them.
2. There would be a dilemma between having the kids match pitches exactly to their instruments or singing octaves above. Could I get a soprano to sing a tuba part? Or would the alternative be detrimental to the aural matrix (singing in the wrong octave)?
3. Transposing instruments? Where do we start?
4. Fast chromatic/modal/just bizarre passages. I can't imagine asking my flute/clarinet students to sing each pitch correctly.
5. Time to teach sightsinging, dissect transpositions, play starting pitches on piano.... so many students, so little time.
It really is an interesting theory to have students sing through their parts before playing, but I'm afraid for my own situation is impractical. However I will continue to use singing to teach internalization of other musical aspects.

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