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The entire day is conducted in an atmosphere of relaxed but intense learning. Spontaneous, frank input from all Consortium members results in lively and often humorous give-and-take. Many participants say that they were so entertained that they hardly realized how much they were learning!
Registration and distribution of information packets are followed by a light body warm-up. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, bring their lunch and a filled water bottle.
Sessions follow on the various technical aspects of the singer’s art.
Breathing and Body Alignment are addressed clearly both kinesthetically and scientifically. Clinicians and volunteers from the participants demonstrate both correct and incorrect breathing. Consortium members discuss different body types, the state of one’s health and their effects on breathing. Students receive hands-on attention, either in front of the group or during periods where the clinicians circulate. A group sing is conducted with emphasis on correct breathing, using vocalizes, a simple arrangement, or piece currently under study by the group. (If applicable.)
Phonation and resonance are examined with the goal of creating a healthy, balanced and vibrant sound. “Chest” and “Head” resonance are discussed as well as navigation of the registers. Individual participants, as well as the group, experiment with different options for registration and the results are critiqued. Significant attention is paid to head, jaw, neck and tongue flexibility as aids or deterrents to freely resonating sound.
Lunch. Participants are asked to bring their lunch. Host institutions sometimes chose to cater lunch, and this a proved a popular option.
Vocal Health is the first topic after lunch. Areas covered include hydration, acid reflux, medications, doctors and medical procedures, and general vocal maintenance; women’s life cycles are also examined.
Diction is presented as a friend rather than an enemy. Consistent, pure vowels and correctly produced diction are shown to increase resonance and clarity of text. Specific work is accomplished with “tongue” vs. “mouth/jaw” vowels and vowel migration and modification. Consonants are considered in three categories: lip, tongue and jaw. One “loaded” sentence in English is analyzed for diction traps and then sung to practice all these elements.
The day concludes with a master class by volunteers from the participants. Consortium members coach the singers with emphasis on the day’s lessons, and singers also receive feedback from their workshop colleagues. Alternatively, the day may end with a choral session. Always a highlight of the day, the session often results in significant “on the spot” improvements. The day closes with a question and answer period.
Throughout the day, singers volunteer for demonstrations and coachings. All participation is uncoerced, and coaching is friendly and constructive. The entire group, often uncertain at the beginning of the day, is also able to provide informed observation and useful suggestions. Reference is made throughout the day to full color charts and to the information packets, which each participant receives at registration.