If you have an idea for an article please submit it here
Can you hear a smile?
Most of the time, a smile is something that is seen instead of something that is heard.Think about the times you talked to someone over the phone and knew they felt happy by the sound of their voice, the inflection of their words, and the way they present their conversation.
When working with choirs and large singing groups I always seem to emphasize the importance of how energy is reflected in singing. If music is nothing more than sound waves or vibrations then the manner in which the sound is transmitted is critical; Furthermore, once a sound is created and released into the air, it cannot be erased. When singing, one can ensure the best quality sound by what some call 'singing with a smile.' A smile portrays the emotion of happiness to which the audience immediately responds. Even if a song does not call for a happy feeling, singing with a smile can still have a major impact on the overall performance.
So what exactly does 'singing with a smile' mean? Take a deep yawn and say, "Aww." In this unique breathing sensation, one can feel a cold spot in the back of the throat, behind the nasal cavity. This is called the velum or muscular palate; it is also referred to as the 'soft palate.' It is soft tissue that resides in the back of the mouth that closes off the nasal cavity when swallowing. In singing, the 'soft palate' controls the intonation of a pitch or how 'in tune' the pitch sounds. When smiling, the eyebrows are lift, the nasal cavity opens, and the 'soft palate' rises. This causes the notes to have a greater quality because there is more control over the sound that comes out of the mouth.
Calling all students songwriters, musicians and singers! We are looking for submissions to be showcased in our Cleveland County Artists feature:
