Choir Final Study Guide 2014 Fall Term
Reading a time signature. The top number of a time signature indicates how many notes are needed to fill a measure. The bottom number indicates the length of one of those notes. So a ¾ measure has three (or the equivalent of 3) quarter notes in it. 6/8 would have 6 eighth notes in a measure or values of notes that total that.
Terms:
dolce = sweetly
meno = less mosso = motion
staccato = separated (not to be confused with short)
decrescendo = get softer crescendo = get louder
dim or diminuendo = to get softer- it does NOT indicate a change in tempo!
RHYTHMS
6/8, 3/4 and 4/4, quarter notes, eighth notes, dots and rests. You will need to write the rhythmic patterns below a music line given to you.
ESSAY
These terms are needed for the essay. Explain proper singing technique using 8 terms you find here.
support = using muscles in the abdominal area to push air and create a good tone
resonance = sound in a semi-enclosed space, like the mouth or sinuses. More resonance, better tone!
jaw position = creates better tone quality and resonance. Lower jaw = more space = more resonance!
soft palate and hard palate = roof of the mouth. the front (hard) cannot be manipulated, but the soft (back) can be opened by yawning to create more space.
diaphragm= membrane below the lungs-it lowers when you get a good breath, but CANNOT BE CONTROLLED! YOU DO NOT SING FROM THE DIAPHRAGM!!!
rectus abdominus = low abdominal muscles you control to support singing tone.
epigastrium = upper abdominal muscles you control to support singing tone.
lateral muscles = side muscles again used in singing.
intercostals = muscles in-between the ribs. Controls volume when used properly!
Italian vowels = the purest, most open non-combination vowels