Choir Finals

Question 1

Define Vocal Pedagogy

Answer 1

the study of technique

Question 2

What does P.B.P.R stand for?

Answer 2

Posture, Breathing, Phonation, and Resonance

Question 3

What is Resonance?

Answer 3

amplication of sound (to make louder)

Question 4

What are some examples of artificial resonators/amplifiers?

Answer 4

microphone, amp, cupping your hands against your mouth, blowing through sea shells.

Question 5

What are some natural resonators/amplifiers?

Answer 5

the mask and the throat

Question 6

What is the mask?

Answer 6

It is a natural resonator, located in the front of the face, and vibrates near the nose. It makes the sound go “forward.”

Question 7

What is the throat (pharynx)?

Answer 7

It is the main resonator for the voice. Its purpose is to amplify the sound produced by the vibrating of vocal chords in the larnyx.

Question 8

What is the soft palate?

Answer 8

A soft tissue on the roof of the mouth. It is lifted when singing, and opens up resonance. By “raising” it, louder and stronger notes can be achieved with the help of breath control. It helps maintain in achieving a “rounder” sound.

Question 9

What is the larynx?

Answer 9

The larynx houses the vocal cords, and is commonly called the voice box. It is made up of two vocal folds/bands that inside of it. During singing, the larynx is lowered, allowing the throat to open up, and produce more air flow through the vocal cords. By lowering it, more volume and range of sound can be achieved. Men have a larger larynx than women, called the Adam’s Apple, therefore are able to create a deeper voice than women.

Question 10

What are the vocal bands?

Answer 10

It is the source and creation of sound. It is made up of two delicate tissues, but vibrate to create sound during phonation.

Question 11

What is the Alexander Technique?

Answer 11

The Alexander Technique was created by an actor in order to create proper posture, but loosen tension throughout the body. This is achieved by having the spine stretched and aligned properly.

Question 12

What is proper standing posture?

Answer 12

Feet are shoulder width apart. The sternum is kept raised. Weight is evenly distributed. Both feet are flat on the floor. Hands are kept on the side of the body.

Question 13

What is proper sitting technique?

Answer 13

Both feet are shoulder width apart. The sternum (breast bone) is raied. The back is away from the chair. Both feet are flat on the floor.

Question 14

What is phonation?

Answer 14

It is the onset of vocal sound. Two examples of phonation of sound in the body are the vocal chords and the larynx.

Question 15

What are two examples of breathing?

Answer 15

Diaphragmatic and clavicular

Question 16

Define Diaphragmatic

Answer 16

It is the most efficient way of breathing in singing. There is a controlled inhalation and exhalation of air. It extends across the bottom of the rib cage.

Question 17

Define Clavicular

Answer 17

It is the less efficient way of breathing in singing. The shoulder is raied when breathing through the clavicula. Breath is shallow and short. Therefore, one would want to avoid this in singing.