BY BILL BIFFLE
Courtesy of Albuquerque Chapter
New MexiChords Serenader
Used by permission
For the next several SERENADER issues, I will be addressing the subject of good basic vocal craft on a step-by-step basis. The idea is to give you one thing to think about while you're on the risers (or even - perish the thought! - for a few minutes at home each day!) for a month. Then we'll add a step each month until, VOILA! in six months you're ready to help the New MexiChords wow even the most obdurate crowd!
Well, on to the task, then. This month, the foundation: POSTURE. All right, kiddies, try this:
** Place your feet about shoulder width apart.
** Distribute your weight evenly between each foot and slightly forward (on the balls of your feet)
** The legs should be fairly relaxed with the knees unlocked.
** Tuck the pelvis slightly to the front to align the spine (and allow deep, back breathing)
** Raise and expand the rib cage
** Relax and lower the shoulders
** Center the head over the body with the chin level (or even slightly below level) and the neck relaxed. Think “neck free”
** STAND UP STRAIGHT! (LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER!)
Like trying not to think of pink elephants certainly produces thoughts of naught else, trying to relax while doing all of this will produce a little tension for a while. Don't despair, happy campers, soon this posture will be as natural to you as smiling when you hear a good barbershop chord. The result will be a comfortable, invigorating posture with a feeling of being READY to sing!
Practice this every day at home and try to think of it every few minutes while you're singing. (You might try to reinforce it at the end of every phrase or some such.) You'll be amazed at the difference it will make in the way you feel and perform, and you'll be ready to add Step Two (breathing IN!) next month.
(A good way to imagine this posture is to imagine that you’re holding a full liter bottle of Coke on your head. Balance it there – don’t let it fall.)
Good luck, good singing, and remember – “neck free!”
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